From the archives:
B K DassTo JKLF_Hqs Maqbool Manzil May 18, 2008
Dear Respected Dr. Shabir Choudhry, Convener KNP,Aadab. I am delighted to congratulate you on account of the birth of your new born and delayed concept.I am equally sad for the premature death of your Brain Child of 1977. Apparently the concept is not bad. The concept has nicely been drafted, beautified and ornamented with modern concepts of UN charter and other niceties of the Modern World to make it a presentable bride. However beautiful the bride may be, I believe it is her virtues that matter in the long run. After twenty years of sleep you have woken up to the miseries thrust upon your Kashmiri brethren both Muslims and Pundits by your partymen. After massacre of almost one lac people and exodus of old and young, men and women, infants; the dictum 'better late than never' does not fit here. Divorce to JKLF does not seem to be due to the pain caused by all its misdeeds. It seems probably the child has overgrown his father and has become arrogant.
Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad once said to his interviewer that forty lac Kashmiris stand by him; forty lac stand by Shiekh Abdullah and forty lac stand by any other leader, when the total population was only forty lac. When asked to explain. He said that they are with everybody. They do whatever they are asked to do. They dance to the tune and slogan"Hamla aaver khabardar in 1947 and welcome the same hounded hamla aaver as the distinguished guest in 1990; Alea karengh-wangun karengha is their favourite tune and after every election they dance to the tune aa ghaia ji aa ghaia..." .The same group will be the honoured members of the newly born KNP and the same group will not offend and displease Yasin Sahib, the proprietor of the JKLF.
In 1965, Ashok Koul was my batch mate in the University of J&K at Nasim Bagh. Those days his father was Principal of the Srinagar Medical College. Ashok was a brilliant student of Physics.He was all around a Gold Medalist. He was still in the University, when he was completing his papers for immigration to the USA . I said to him:”Ashok, J&K Government has given you the best education up to postgraduate level free of cost unlike any other state in any other country in the world. Don’t you feel you are indebted to your State? Don’t you feel that you should serve your State?”Ashok said (In 1965): “Time will come soon when the whole world will become a Global Village. Boundaries will become irrelevant. ”Today after forty-three years, his prophesy has come true. You people sitting in London are feeling the pain of my skin burn. Can’t digest! Kashmiri Pundit is not prepared to be a guinea pig in the laboratory of your new born KNP. A Kashmiri Pundit accepts India as his nation. He is not an Indian Agent, but he is an Indian Nationalist.In Economics, I have read, it is not the plough that matters, but it is the man behind the plough that matters. Here also, it is not JKLF or KNP that matters, but it is the men behind the concept that matters. Men are the same that were in 1977. Time is precious. Time is not so cheap that we can give trial to concepts and live a confused life without any nationality for generations.You please see if KNP has any provision for a KP to live an honourable life without any threat to his life and property and is allowed to have his independent thought and is not gagged. In such case a KP may support your concept of KNP. At present we have a better choice as Indians. I wish you success.
Brijdass chu venan lasiv te basiv
----- Original Message -----From: Dr Shabir Choudhry To: B K Dass Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 1:39 PM Subject: Kashmir National Party launched - Dr Shabir Choudhry elected as Coordinator
Brijdass chu venan lasiv te basiv
----- Original Message -----From: Dr Shabir Choudhry To: B K Dass Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 1:39 PM Subject: Kashmir National Party launched - Dr Shabir Choudhry elected as Coordinator
Kashmir National Party launched - Dr Shabir Choudhry elected as Coordinator KNP Press Statement on its launch 15 May 2008 Aslamo alaykam and greetings. Members of media, friends and colleagues on behalf of Kashmir National Party I welcome you all.
1. Most of you know us as political activists of JKLF, organisation which we set up in 1977 in Birmingham. I and my colleagues Zubair Ansari, Masoom Ansari, Ahesan Ansari, Nazam Bhatti and Aslam Mirza are among those who actively helped to establish the JKLF. Like many others we also worked hard for the party and sacrificed in many ways.
2. JKLF and its ideology and policies were formulated in the geo political situation of 1970s. A lot has changed since that date, not only in Jammu and Kashmir but also in South Asia and in the world at large. As a small nation forcibly divided we cannot remain aloof to these changes, because world has become a global village and events taking place in one country ultimately affect others as well.
3. We distinguish ourselves from others that we are dedicated and sincere people who think ahead of time. We helped to set up JKLF at a time when politics of Kashmiri nationalism was not in fashion and talk of an independent Kashmir was a taboo word. Kashmiri struggle at that time was not commercialized. We helped to make JKLF and its ideology house hold name. We could have achieved our most cherished goal of unification and freedom, but once again we were let down by leadership which had compromised the JKLF ideology and made private deals with secret agencies of India and Pakistan.
4. As a result of these secret deals with secret agencies our national struggle was communalised. Our nationalist struggle was hijacked and was presented as a 'Jihad' which not only deprived us of international support, but also provided a propaganda stick in hands of Indian government to link it with Islamic fundamentalism.
5. This 'Islamisation' and 'Talibanaisation' of our struggle changed fundamental character of our struggle. To the outside world it appeared as a 'proxy war', planned and controlled by Pakistani agencies in which Muslim sentiments were used to protect and advance what was perceived as 'national interest' of Pakistan, but these policies have proved disaster for Pakistan because those Jihadi outfits are now fighting 'Jihad' against Pakistan.
6. In this 'struggle' innocent people died in thousands; and this tragedy is aggravated by the fact that Kashmiri culture of tolerance and coexistence was shattered because in name of 'Jihad' innocent non Muslims were killed and uprooted; not to mention thousands of innocent Muslims who were targeted both by para - military forces and militants.
7. KNP demand that all those who were uprooted from their homes should be settled back in their homes with dignity, honour and security. We also demand that human rights abuse must come to an end in all parts of the State, and policy of harassment, torture and culture of continued violence against the people must come to an end;
8. It also became apparent that, by and large, the Kashmiri leadership on both sides of the LOC was dancing on the tune played by secret agencies. People of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered immensely since 1988, but leaders of Jammu and Kashmir have been appropriately rewarded by respective agencies.
9. The Kashmiri struggle was gradually transformed in to a lucrative business. And people associated with this business which are on both sides of the LOC and include Kashmiris and non Kashmiris are the main obstacle in the resolution of Kashmir dispute.
10. KNP notes with regret that some Kashmiri leaders wearing a hat of nationalism are also part of this mafia which wants to make wealth and fame in name of Kashmiri struggle. Their aim is not unification or independence of the State, but fool people and advance interests of agencies by causing confusion, and by promoting regionalism and communalism and intolerance.
11. KNP believes people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered immensely because of policies of both India and Pakistan, and we have strong grievances against them; but we also hold Kashmiri leadership, especially some so called nationalist leaders responsible for our miseries, as they have not been able to rise to the occasion and lead people to our cherished goal of independence.
12. These leaders showed more interest in promoting themselves and promoting their personal interest by collaborating with secret agencies of these countries. Some of these leaders want to 'liberate' Kashmir by sitting in lap of secret agencies; and others want to advance interest of either India or Pakistan and present it to people of Jammu and Kashmir as a Kashmiri interest.
13. On Pakistani side of LOC these leaders tell Kashmiris that they should become Pakistanis. They advance pro Pakistan policies even though unfortunately the future of Pakistan itself is not very bright. On the other side of LOC they are told that they must become Indians, or in some case become Pakistanis and say good - bye to their own identity, history and culture. Irony is that these leaders still claim to be true Kashmiris.
14. KNP strongly rejects both positions. We believe we are different from both India and Pakistan and we must maintain our separate political existence by promoting Kashmiri peoples unfettered right of self – determination, which is different to right of accession sold to us as right of self determination.
1. Most of you know us as political activists of JKLF, organisation which we set up in 1977 in Birmingham. I and my colleagues Zubair Ansari, Masoom Ansari, Ahesan Ansari, Nazam Bhatti and Aslam Mirza are among those who actively helped to establish the JKLF. Like many others we also worked hard for the party and sacrificed in many ways.
2. JKLF and its ideology and policies were formulated in the geo political situation of 1970s. A lot has changed since that date, not only in Jammu and Kashmir but also in South Asia and in the world at large. As a small nation forcibly divided we cannot remain aloof to these changes, because world has become a global village and events taking place in one country ultimately affect others as well.
3. We distinguish ourselves from others that we are dedicated and sincere people who think ahead of time. We helped to set up JKLF at a time when politics of Kashmiri nationalism was not in fashion and talk of an independent Kashmir was a taboo word. Kashmiri struggle at that time was not commercialized. We helped to make JKLF and its ideology house hold name. We could have achieved our most cherished goal of unification and freedom, but once again we were let down by leadership which had compromised the JKLF ideology and made private deals with secret agencies of India and Pakistan.
4. As a result of these secret deals with secret agencies our national struggle was communalised. Our nationalist struggle was hijacked and was presented as a 'Jihad' which not only deprived us of international support, but also provided a propaganda stick in hands of Indian government to link it with Islamic fundamentalism.
5. This 'Islamisation' and 'Talibanaisation' of our struggle changed fundamental character of our struggle. To the outside world it appeared as a 'proxy war', planned and controlled by Pakistani agencies in which Muslim sentiments were used to protect and advance what was perceived as 'national interest' of Pakistan, but these policies have proved disaster for Pakistan because those Jihadi outfits are now fighting 'Jihad' against Pakistan.
6. In this 'struggle' innocent people died in thousands; and this tragedy is aggravated by the fact that Kashmiri culture of tolerance and coexistence was shattered because in name of 'Jihad' innocent non Muslims were killed and uprooted; not to mention thousands of innocent Muslims who were targeted both by para - military forces and militants.
7. KNP demand that all those who were uprooted from their homes should be settled back in their homes with dignity, honour and security. We also demand that human rights abuse must come to an end in all parts of the State, and policy of harassment, torture and culture of continued violence against the people must come to an end;
8. It also became apparent that, by and large, the Kashmiri leadership on both sides of the LOC was dancing on the tune played by secret agencies. People of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered immensely since 1988, but leaders of Jammu and Kashmir have been appropriately rewarded by respective agencies.
9. The Kashmiri struggle was gradually transformed in to a lucrative business. And people associated with this business which are on both sides of the LOC and include Kashmiris and non Kashmiris are the main obstacle in the resolution of Kashmir dispute.
10. KNP notes with regret that some Kashmiri leaders wearing a hat of nationalism are also part of this mafia which wants to make wealth and fame in name of Kashmiri struggle. Their aim is not unification or independence of the State, but fool people and advance interests of agencies by causing confusion, and by promoting regionalism and communalism and intolerance.
11. KNP believes people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered immensely because of policies of both India and Pakistan, and we have strong grievances against them; but we also hold Kashmiri leadership, especially some so called nationalist leaders responsible for our miseries, as they have not been able to rise to the occasion and lead people to our cherished goal of independence.
12. These leaders showed more interest in promoting themselves and promoting their personal interest by collaborating with secret agencies of these countries. Some of these leaders want to 'liberate' Kashmir by sitting in lap of secret agencies; and others want to advance interest of either India or Pakistan and present it to people of Jammu and Kashmir as a Kashmiri interest.
13. On Pakistani side of LOC these leaders tell Kashmiris that they should become Pakistanis. They advance pro Pakistan policies even though unfortunately the future of Pakistan itself is not very bright. On the other side of LOC they are told that they must become Indians, or in some case become Pakistanis and say good - bye to their own identity, history and culture. Irony is that these leaders still claim to be true Kashmiris.
14. KNP strongly rejects both positions. We believe we are different from both India and Pakistan and we must maintain our separate political existence by promoting Kashmiri peoples unfettered right of self – determination, which is different to right of accession sold to us as right of self determination.
15. Our struggle is not for accession of any kind. Jammu and Kashmir after lapse of the British Paramountcy on 15th August 1947 became an independent state, and our struggle is to get that independence. Once our national identity and future is determined in accordance with the will of people, we can play our due role in promoting peace and stability; and help to bring about economic prosperity in the region.
16. We don't accept this contention that the state belongs to India, because of that 'provisional accession' which had to be ratified by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We also reject this notion that the state should have become part of Pakistan because of religion. KNP wants to make it clear to all that the Kashmir dispute is not a religious issue; and nor it is a territorial dispute which should to be settled by mutual agreement of India and Pakistan.
17. We don't only think about future of Jammu and Kashmir; we also care about future of South Asia. We feel our problems are more or less same. Peace and stability of the region should be our common goal. Without peace and stability we cannot meet challenges of 21st century.
18. KNP rejects Indus Water Treaty of 1960 in which our natural resources were divided by our powerful neighbours. Natural resources of the State belong to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and must be utilized for the betterment of the people. India and Pakistan cannot use these resources at the cost of our people. Be it Mangla Dam, Bahsha Dam or Baghliar Dam, people of Jammu and Kashmir are uprooted as a result of construction or upraising these dams.
19. Pakistan assumed a role of an advocate of Kashmiri people. We never appointed Pakistan to represent us. Time has proved that we cannot rely on advocacy, wisdom and sincerity of Pakistani officials. Pakistan is a bad advocate anyway, as it gives priority to its own interest at the cost of Kashmiri peoples interest.
20. Pakistan has double standard on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. On one hand they have occupied areas of the state and have deprived them of basic human rights; and on the other hand they talk of Kashmiri peoples rights on the other side of the LOC. Also they have deliberately confused the term right of self determination with right of accession.
21. Furthermore constitutional package imposed on Azad Kashmir in the form of Act 1974, and the Pakistani role in Gilgit and Baltistan is a serious breach of responsibilities assumed under UNCIP.
16. We don't accept this contention that the state belongs to India, because of that 'provisional accession' which had to be ratified by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We also reject this notion that the state should have become part of Pakistan because of religion. KNP wants to make it clear to all that the Kashmir dispute is not a religious issue; and nor it is a territorial dispute which should to be settled by mutual agreement of India and Pakistan.
17. We don't only think about future of Jammu and Kashmir; we also care about future of South Asia. We feel our problems are more or less same. Peace and stability of the region should be our common goal. Without peace and stability we cannot meet challenges of 21st century.
18. KNP rejects Indus Water Treaty of 1960 in which our natural resources were divided by our powerful neighbours. Natural resources of the State belong to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and must be utilized for the betterment of the people. India and Pakistan cannot use these resources at the cost of our people. Be it Mangla Dam, Bahsha Dam or Baghliar Dam, people of Jammu and Kashmir are uprooted as a result of construction or upraising these dams.
19. Pakistan assumed a role of an advocate of Kashmiri people. We never appointed Pakistan to represent us. Time has proved that we cannot rely on advocacy, wisdom and sincerity of Pakistani officials. Pakistan is a bad advocate anyway, as it gives priority to its own interest at the cost of Kashmiri peoples interest.
20. Pakistan has double standard on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. On one hand they have occupied areas of the state and have deprived them of basic human rights; and on the other hand they talk of Kashmiri peoples rights on the other side of the LOC. Also they have deliberately confused the term right of self determination with right of accession.
21. Furthermore constitutional package imposed on Azad Kashmir in the form of Act 1974, and the Pakistani role in Gilgit and Baltistan is a serious breach of responsibilities assumed under UNCIP.
22. KNP demand that until such time that the final status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir is determined a democratic and representative government in Gilgit and Baltistan with full powers to serve all social, economic and political needs of the local people should be set up without any delay;
23. KNP strongly believes that violence is not the way forward. Use of gun has added to our problems. Politics of violence, intimidation and communalism may be beneficial to some, but it is not favour of the Kashmiri people.
24. We want to promote politics of peace and tolerance; and create space for dialogue and reconciliation. We want to oppose 'proxy politics' and 'proxy war'. We strongly oppose killing of innocent Kashmiris, as we also a right to life and liberty. We also oppose politics of managing conflict and violence; and urge relevant powers to move forward to conflict resolution by making people of Jammu and Kashmir visible in this process.
25. KNP believe that it is a deliberate policy of both India and Pakistan to side- line the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the peace process. This is evident from their past history as well. In the past they bilaterally signed Tashkent Declaration, Shimla Agreement, and Lahore Declaration etc. and assumed that people of Jammu and Kashmir will accept whatever they decide about our future. We cannot allow bureaucrats of both countries to decide our future and future of our future generations. We are the principal party and the suffering party in this dispute and we must have a final say in this matter. Those present in the press conference are:Nazam Bhatti, Dr Shabir Choudhry, Abbas Butt, Sarwar Hussain, Asim Mirza, Ehsan Ul Haq Ansari, Aslam Mirza, Masoom Ansari and Nawaz Majid. Dr Shabir Choudhry has been appointed Coordinator of KNP until such time that office bearer are elected to take their positions.-- Dr Shabir Choudhry
Brijdass chu venan lasiv te basiv
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