An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard at a closed market during a strike in Srinagar. — File Photo by AP/File

SRINAGAR: An official said suspected militants had ambushed and fatally shot three Indian army soldiers in Indian-administered Kashmir.    

Lt. Col. Ankur Vashist, an army spokesman, said the soldiers were on their way to search Buchoo village on Friday following intelligence that some Kashmiri militants were hiding there.

The attack took place 40 kilometres south of Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Militant groups have been fighting for independence from India or merger with Pakistan since 1989.

More than 68,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the fighting since 1989.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the insurgents, a charge denied by Islamabad.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and the two have fought two wars over its control.

Indian policemen chase Kashmiri protesters in Srinagar, May 21, 2013. — Photo by AP

SRINAGAR: A top police officer in Indian-administered Kashmir said a local militant commander had been killed in a fierce gunbattle with government forces.    

Inspector General of Police Abdul Gani Mir said the fighting started early Thursday after police and paramilitary troops acted on a tip and surrounded a neighborhood in the disputed Himalayan region’s main city of Srinagar.

Mir said three policemen were wounded in the fighting that killed Hilal Moulvi of the Lashkar-i-Taiba.

There was no immediate confirmation from the group.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. Since 1989, an armed uprising and a subsequent crackdown by Indian forces have killed an estimated 68,000 people in Indian-administered Kashmir. Although the armed rebellion is largely suppressed, resentment against Indian rule runs deep.

Somehow, I can’t forget one interesting remark made by a friend from Karachi who, once in a discussion argued that democracy will never suit a country like Pakistan. She obviously has a military background. Her father has served in the Pakistan Air Force. I recall sending her a text message from the Cologne-Bonn airport in August 2008 when Pervez Musharraf bowed to intense pressure and resigned ahead of impeachment proceedings. The message read: “Pakistan’s dictator finally resigns.” Her reply was “Gowhar, very mean of you!” She obviously loves the Pakistan army and Musharraf. She’s been a good friend.

On another occasion, another Pakistani lady left an informal discussion in protest as she could not tolerate the views of her fellow nationals who were critical of the Pakistan army’s interference in political matters. Being fond of poetry, she is otherwise an epitome of tolerance in most matters.

There are some friends who nurture a strong passion for vibrant democracy in Pakistan and argue that democracy should be allowed enough time to mature to provide good results. Their line of thinking is that any bad democracy is far better than an able dictatorship. Others do not approve of the Taliban-style governance, as was practically showcased in regions like the Swat Valley.

All this isn’t surprising for me because I come from a place like Kashmir where people have strong opinions on politics and religion. In Indian-administered Kashmir, we have people who can endlessly debate and defend their political ideology of Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan. Same is the case with the pro-independence lot. Yet, there are people who think of the “independent Kashmir” movement as an “unrealistic goal” and therefore, seek a solution within the ambit of the Indian constitution. Obviously, the votaries of a free Kashmir are in majority.

So, I could easily understand this diversity of narrative from my Pakistani friends.

The author with his Pakistani friends in Bonn.

It was December 2007 when Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan, was assassinated in the military garrison town of Rawalpindi. I remember covering this horrific event live on radio. It wasn’t easy. Talking continuously for half-an-hour about the death of an individual of Benazir’s stature was obviously going to be difficult.

And who could forget these words from Musharraf: “Whether I win or lose the impeachment, the dignity of the nation would be damaged, the office of the president harmed.” I am sure there are still some people who share this perspective that Musharraf should not be humiliated. But the question which no one bothers to provide an answer to is, why shouldn’t he pay for his undemocratic actions like deposing many senior judges of Supreme Court, removing an elected government of Nawaz Shareef in a coup, declaring emergency, and his style of authoritarian governance in the garb of ‘enlightened moderation’?

Covering Pakistan politics, current affairs, human rights, culture and sports for many years from Germany for radio Deutsche Welle, aka the Voice of Germany, I was quite sure about two things: One, Pakistan’s military dictator General (retired) Pervez Musharraf had to go after the lawyers’ movement. That did eventually happen. Second, the people of Pakistan will prefer democracy over dictatorship. I am glad both my predictions based on my observations and insightful deliberations with friends, acquaintances and colleagues were proven right.

Like many, my personal choice would have been Imran Khan for two reasons. One, I’m a huge cricket fan, and remember the legendary cricketer-turned politician lifting the coveted world cup trophy in 1992.

Second, I believed as a philanthropist he gave Pakistan a good institution in Shaukat Khanam Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. So I thought his leadership skills and no-baggage could prove handy for Pakistan.

But I was also a touch disappointed after listening to his interviews on the Kashmir issue wherein he stated that India and Pakistan should allow the coming wiser generations to find an appropriate solution to this dispute. Also, his six poll promises did not include the K-word. I thought Imran lacked vision on Kashmir.

Some would argue that a dictator like Musharraf scores a point or two over Imran in this respect, as the former did offer a four-point formula as his solution to the vexed problem like Kashmir by thinking ‘out-of-box’.

Still, I quietly wanted Imran to win elections and form government. But I also knew it was not going to happen for the simple reason that Imran’s in-dippers and yorkers were not going to be as lethal on the political turf as they were on the cricketing strip. And as experience matters on the cricket field, it certainly does matter on the political field as well.

I would argue with my Pakistani friends, exchange numerous e-mails and Facebook messages that Imran was going to make a decent start to his political innings but it was highly unlikely that he would be in a position to form government. I would argue that the number of people participating in rallies does not necessarily translate into votes. But young friends from Pakistan were expecting instant results, as instant coffee generation often does. They are disappointed. I am not.

It delights me to no end that Pakistani voters behaved maturely and came to cast their important vote, despite threats from radical elements, hot mercury and uncertainty of many kinds. I am glad that the Pakistani people led their nation to a smooth transition from one democratic government to another. I am happy that Pakistan chose democracy over dictatorship.

Imran may not have won many seats, but he certainly did make a mark and became a catalyst for CHANGE. I respect the peoples’ mandate.

I’m not blind to many a challenge that Pakistan faces today like bad economy, the pathetic security scenario, irregular power cuts and what not! No cricketing nation is visiting Pakistan. Hugely talented Pakistani players are not featuring in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), which, in my view, renders the IPl brand orphaned. This brand has Caribbean flavour, Australian aggression, South African precision, but what it lacks is the fearless brand of Pakistan cricket! Pakistan’s relations with India are not good. But Pakistan has made a brave decision by giving democracy another chance.

Now it is up to the rulers of Pakistan to respect the peoples’ decision by governing them well and ensuring peace, prosperity and smiles return to Pakistan!

Today, I, as a Kashmiri, want to congratulate Pakistan for making the right choice at the right time for the right reason!

The writer has served as Editor at Deutsche Welle (Voice of Germany) in Bonn, Germany. Previously, he has contributed features for the BBC. He can be reached at gowhargeelani@gmail.com

The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.

An Indian paramilitary soldier keeps watch during a curfew, imposed on the Kashmiri summer capital following an ambush which killed five paramilitary personnel, Srinagar, March 14, 2013. — Photo by AFP

SRINAGAR: A curfew has been imposed in most of Indian-administered Kashmir after a militant attack left five paramilitary troops dead and a civilian was killed by government troops.    

Thousands of armed government troops patrolled the streets of the curfew-bound towns Thursday.

On Wednesday, two militants fired on a group of paramilitary soldiers in Srinagar, the region’s main city, killing five troops. Soldiers shot dead both militants.

Later Wednesday, paramilitary soldiers fatally shot a civilian who they said was part of a group of protesters throwing stones at vehicles taking the injured to a hospital.

Locals said the man was not a protester.

No one has claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, though suspicion immediately fell on separatists. India’s government said the militants appeared to be from Pakistan, a charge Pakistan denied.

Indian police go on patrol after chasing away activists from a Kashmiri separatist party during a curfew in Srinagar, February 11, 2013. — Photo by Reuters/File

SRINAGAR: Insurgents shot and killed two policemen at a market place in Indian-administered Kashmir, police said.

A police statement said the assailants fled after Saturday’s attack near a bus stop in Handwara, a town 90 kilometres north of Srinagar.

Nearly a dozen militant groups have been fighting for Kashmir’s independence from India or its merger with neighboring Pakistan since 1989.

More than 68,000 people have been killed in the region.

Kashmir has been hit by violent anti-India protests since Mohammed Afzal Guru was hanged in a New Delhi jail on February 9. He was convicted of involvement in a 2001 attack on India’s Parliament. Many people believe Guru did not receive a fair trial.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar speaks during an OIC contact group meeting on Kashmir during 12th OIC Summit in Cairo on Thursday. – Photo by INP

ISLAMABAD: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday reaffirmed its support to the people of Kashmir— a disputed area between India and Pakistan— for their right of self determination.

The 12th OIC Summit, held in Cairo on Feb 6 and 7, adopted a joint communique, which besides addressing issues of interest and concern to the Muslims around the globe, has reaffirmed its support to the Kashmiris

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar led the Pakistani delegation to the 12th Islamic Summit.

The communique also urged India to allow the OIC fact-finding mission, the international human rights groups and humanitarian organisations to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

The Islamic body has urged India to undertake independent investigation into the discovery of mass graves and ensure free and fair trial of those responsible for the heinous crimes.

In addition, the communique expressed deep concern on the recent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and welcomed Pakistan’s proposal to hold investigation through United Nations Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan (UMMOGIP).

On Afghanistan, the final communique has also affirmed support to the people of Afghanistan, and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in hosting a large number of Afghan refugees.

The summit expressed satisfaction on the progress made in establishing new OIC organs including the Independent Permanent Commission of Human Rights (IPCHR) and the OIC Women Development Organisation (WDO). Pakistan is already a signatory to the Statute of WDO.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Pakistani foreign minister held a number of bilateral meetings with her counterparts in Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and UAE.

She exchanged views on regional and international developments.

The summit had brought together leaders of the Islamic countries to discuss political, economic and socio-cultural issues of significance to the Muslim world including the Palestine issue, situations in Syria and Mali, and “Islamophobia.”

Pakistan as a founder member of the OIC participated actively in the summit and preparatory ministerial and senior officials meetings. Pakistan was also elected as vice-chair of the summit.

In her statement to the summit, the foreign minister underscored the need to address daunting challenges faced by the Muslim world through unity, solidarity, and a spirit of Islamic brotherhood.

She briefed the participating leaders on the deepening of democratic process in Pakistan that has led to strengthening of democratic institutions, flow of resources to provinces and local governments, and enactment of legislation on protecting fundamental freedoms, and women, children and minorities’ rights.

Khar affirmed that Pakistan remained committed to the composite dialogue process with India to resolve all outstanding issues.

Reiterating Pakistan’s support to the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process, the foreign minister said that her country was extending all possible assistance to intra-Afghan reconciliation process.

FM Khar expressed concern on the continuing trend of “Islamophobia” and emphasised the need for developing a unified strategy for preventing religious hatred and defamation of religions on the pretext of freedom of expression.

Underscoring the need to increase intra-OIC trade and economic cooperation, the foreign minister presented various proposals for the advancement of science and technology under the patronage of the OIC standing committee on science and technology (COMSTECH).

The president of Pakistan is the chairman of COMSTECH, which is exploring the possibility of convening an OIC Summit on science and technology.

The OIC contact group on Jammu and Kashmir also met on the sidelines of the Summit. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Khar and the secretary general OIC, and was attended by high officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Niger, who reiterated their continued support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

President of Pakistan-administered Kashmir Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, and different representatives from Kashmir also participated in the meeting. They presented a memorandum on the Kashmir cause.

See Part 2: Coexistence with the world

See Part 3: Coexistence with India – II

_____________________

-Illustration by Khuda Bux Abro.

Pakistan’s new army doctrine comes as good news for all who wish us well as a nation. For the first time in 65 years the army has shifted its focus from the eastern border to our internal enemy in the northwest. Let us hope it does not mean hands free for a crackdown on the Baloch, an issue that needs a political solution while harder military measures may result in deeper tragedies. Although, the army spokesman assured our lions and eagles that we shall keep India as our enemy no.1, yet the admission that the enemy within is more dangerous at the moment, may well prove to be a turning point in our history.

But we have to realise that the enemy within is not simply the non-state actors who have declared holy war on Pakistan; it is a special mindset that has created them and will continue to breed them in the future. It is this mindset which was discussed in detail in my book Tahzeebi Nargasiat and in subsequent writings, including my last blog. Facts and events of our history have shown that this mindset of pathological narcissism, of self-righteous self-love breeds a hundred tragedies till the society falls into paranoia and starts hurting itself and everything around it. What our army and government have now decided to fight is a threat not only to Pakistan but to the entire region’s peace. We have to combat that mindset and the forces that promote it, if we wish to survive as a state and society, whatever the amount of effort it may need, however painful the sacrifices it may demand. We cannot afford to fail, because such failure can empower nations of the region to intervene, exposing our land of anarchy to immense bloodshed and misery.

Unfortunately, the enemy within is the product of our obscure ambitions since 1947. It is of critical importance for us to understand why and how our establishment fed this monster for decades. We, the people, must know the truth if we wish to survive and grow.

The dominant classes of Pakistan that demanded separation from the rest of India in 1947 were mainly the same who had ruled India under different Muslim dynasties. They were the landed aristocracy, “pirs” and ulema of different levels. They lost power to the British, but never gave up their claim over India. Some Muslims who served the British as civil servants and the army men also joined to share the ambition for power. Being small in number these groups, even with the support of the entire Muslim population of India could not hope to dominate a huge Indian population in a democratic system. Therefore, they aroused the Muslim masses to support their demand for a separate homeland, appealing to their religious pride and fear of persecution. Congress leaders and a large number of Muslims who chose to live as Indian citizens all exerted each nerve to show our Muslim league leadership that a religious approach to politics in a world of diverse religions and people will initiate disaster but the highly aroused fears of persecution decided our course; our self-image as a special community prevailed.

Faith is one thing while a profession of faith is quite another. Like all ruling elite of medieval ages, our Muslim rulers of India were down-to-earth, worldly men; but they professed Islam only to win the devout support of religious leadership. Religious leaders have also been equally great self-seekers. These two groups of dominant professionals colluded throughout history to rule simpler people with the tool of faith, not only in the Muslim kingdoms of India but everywhere else too. They were magicians and pharaohs in Egypt, Khashtris and Brahmins in India, kings and priests in Christian Europe and Caliph Kings and ulema of fiqh in the Arab Empire. This pattern of power-sharing by the Muslim kings and ulema worked well in India. Shah Waliullah invited Abdali in that same capacity of a down-to-earth, power sharing priest. This same formula created the present day kingdom of Saud where a tribal chief and a holy man struck a deal. Almost a similar deal created Pakistan where Quaid-e-Azam seems to have been just a brilliant lawyer whose job ended soon after the partition.

Independence comes as jubilation to a nation. But in 1947 it came with tragedies of separation and bloodshed to the subcontinent. India overcame many of her problems because its leaders depended not on a religious class but on democracy, where the army accepted its subordinate and supporting role, while politics and diplomacy made the main defense. In Pakistan, medieval concepts dominated instead. We had been perpetually indoctrinated to love the “mujahid” and the maulana. The ulema and religious parties immediately demanded a decisive role. Landed gentry found the ulema and the army as their best protectors. That perhaps explains why no land reform has damaged them to this day.

These two stake holders decided to promote each other as the champions of Islam, fighting the heretics of India as their core duty. The Kashmir problem existed only as a permanent excuse for arousing sentiment; it was never handled with the modern tools of effective diplomacy because a liberal, democratic India always found more friends against our ever deepened religious identity. Only one education was allowed and available to the nation: Fight India with the power of Islam. This brought absolute power to our GHQ and finally served American plans; the soldiers of Islam faithfully fought for America’s global supremacy, opening Pakistan’s doors to international holy warriors.

An army that assumes political power cannot remain a professional fighting force; our army gradually outsourced its fighting jobs in Kashmir and Afghanistan to civilian opportunists who were made dearer to us than our own kith and kin through Islamic sentiment. General Zia encouraged these violent hordes to make money through crime and drugs. That might have exposed them to international buyers with greater rewards than Pakistan could offer. Ambition to rule Pak-Afghania may have motivated them and, unfortunately, these non-state actors are not just a few rebels out there; they have a vast popular backing among our affluent middle classes.

With absolute lack of vision, our political and military leadership created a mindset which has no respect for systems of a modern state. The only authority that appeals to this mindset is the maulana and the mujahid. A very heartbreaking struggle awaits our lines of defense.

To be continued…

The author is a renowned Pakistani intellectual. His urdu books Tehzeebi Nargisyat and Mubaalghe, Mughaalte are widely regarded as the revival of critical thinking and free inquiry in Urdu non-fiction.

The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.

An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier patrols near the fenced border with Pakistan amid fog in Suchetgarh, southwest of Jammu, Jan 10, 2013. — Photo by Reuters

NEW DELHI: Pakistan has accused India of decapitating 12 soldiers in cross-border attacks since 1998 and registered a protest with a UN watchdog, a newspaper reported Wednesday, after deadly army clashes earlier this month.

The accusations are contained in a series of classified documents presented to the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) which monitors the disputed Kashmir border, according to The Hindu newspaper.

The report follows a series of killings of soldiers on both sides earlier this month along the de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan says three of its soldiers were killed in firing by Indian troops while India accuses Pakistani troops of killing two of its soldiers on Jan 8, one of whom was beheaded. Pakistan has denied responsibility.

The situation along the LoC has calmed since the two armies agreed a ceasefire on Jan 16.

In its complaint before the UNMOGIP, Pakistan is reported to have accused India of beheading 12 soldiers and killing 29 civilians since 1998.

The newspaper quoted an unnamed senior Pakistani army officer stating that they have “sought to downplay these incidents…Each of these incidents has been protested by us on both military and UNMOGIP channels”.

The UNMOGIP was set up to monitor ceasefire violations by India and Pakistan but the watchdog does not conduct criminal investigations.

An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier patrols near the fenced border with Pakistan amid fog in Suchetgarh, southwest of Jammu, Jan 10, 2013. — Photo by Reuters

SRINAGAR: Officials in Indian-controlled Kashmir are warning residents to build bomb-proof basements, collect two weeks’ worth of food and water and be prepared for a possible nuclear war.    

Local officials did not answer calls asking why they were suddenly concerned about a nuclear attack in the region, repeatedly fought over by nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan. However, a series of deadly skirmishes along the cease-fire line in recent weeks has heightened tensions between the two countries.

The notice, published Monday by the Kashmir police in the Greater Kashmir newspaper, advised people to build toilet-equipped basements large enough to house the entire family for two weeks. If there is no basement, residents should construct bunkers in their front yards, the notice advised.

The shelters should be stocked with candles, battery-operated lights and radios and nonperishable food and water that is regularly replaced to ensure it is fresh, it said.

During an attack, it advises drivers to dive out of their cars toward the blast to save themselves from being crushed by their soon-to-be tumbling vehicles. It also warns residents to keep contaminated people out of their shelters.

“Expect some initial disorientation as the blast wave may blow down and carry away many prominent and familiar features,” it advises.

While authorities did not return phone calls for comment, Yoginder Kaul, inspector-general at the civil defense and state disaster response force, told the newspaper that it was a “normal exercise to raise general awareness among (the) public about disaster management.”

“It has nothing to do with anything, and it should not be connected with anything,” Kaul said.

Both India and Pakistan claim the divided Kashmir region in its entirety and have fought two wars over it.

Earlier this month, three Pakistani soldiers and two Indian soldiers were killed in the worst bout of fighting in Kashmir since a cease-fire accord was signed by the countries in 2003.

In light of the violence, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sunday he was reviewing future ties with Pakistan.

The nuclear war advisory and its timing surprised many residents in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

“This is fueling an atmosphere of fear. Educating people is fine but not this brazen way,” said Fayaz Ahmed, a local resident.

The lengthy notice also provided advice on how to survive attacks with chemical and biological weapons.

An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier patrols near the fenced border with Pakistan amid fog in Suchetgarh, southwest of Jammu, Jan 10, 2013. — Photo by Reuters

SRINAGAR: A ceasefire took hold on Thursday in disputed Kashmir after the Indian and Pakistani armies agreed to halt deadly cross-border firing that had threatened to unravel a fragile peace process.

As the Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar appealed for talks with her Indian counterpart to help defuse tensions, senior officers reported that calm had returned to the region after a spike in violence in which five soldiers were killed.

“No fresh incidents of firing or violation of the ceasefire agreement have been reported from the Line of Control,” Rajesh Kalia, the spokesman for the Indian army’s Northern Command, told AFP.

Pakistan says three of its soldiers have been killed in firing by Indian troops since January 6 along the de facto border known as the Line of Control.

India in turn has accused Pakistani troops of killing two of its soldiers on January 8, one of whom was beheaded.

But with Pakistan denying responsibility for the attack and the head still to be returned, officials in New Delhi had struck an increasingly hardline tone towards Islamabad.

The army chief told commanders to respond “aggressively” to any Pakistani firing, the prime minister said there could be no “business as usual” while an opposition leader called for India “get at least 10 heads from the other side”.

Speaking on Tuesday while on a trip to New York, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar accused India of “warmongering” and its officials of competing against each other to sound more hostile.

But after senior army officers sealed an agreement on Wednesday to “de-escalate” the tensions, Khar said she would like to have talks with her Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid to end the dispute.

“Unfortunately this LoC incident has obviously created questions, but we still believe that dialogue must be the means to resolve this or any issue,” Khar said at the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank.

“We will be open to a discussion, a dialogue, at the level of the foreign ministers to be able to resolve the issue of cross-LoC incidents and to re-commit ourselves to the respect for the ceasefire.”

The agreement to end the cross-border firing was reached during a 10-minute phone call on Wednesday between two senior generals, India’s Vinod Bhatia and Pakistan’s Ashfaq Nadeem.

“An understanding has been arrived at between the two director-generals of military operations to de-escalate the situation along the Line of Control,” Indian army spokesman Jagdeep Dahiya told AFP.

The Pakistani military confirmed the telephone conversation, saying in a statement that “both sides agreed on the need to reduce tension on the LoC”.

With the Indian army itching to avenge the beheading, there had been growing signs that a peace process that is only just getting back on track after the 2008 Mumbai attacks could become a victim of the Kashmir flare-up.

On Tuesday India was meant to begin allowing Pakistanis over the age of 65 to obtain a visa on arrival in the western border state of Punjab but the programme has been put on hold indefinitely.

Nine Pakistani players were also withdrawn from a new field hockey league in India and asked to return home.

Some commentators have accused the mild-mannered Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his government of “caving in” to hardliners.

“Over the past few days, as an increasingly jingoistic clamour has been worked up in television studios and outside, the government has passed up every opportunity to underline the imperative of keeping the bilateral dialogue process separate,” said an editorial in Thursday’s Indian Express.

An editorial in Pakistan’s English-language newspaper The News praised Khar for her assessment that India was engaged in “warmongering” but counselled for cool heads to prevail.

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars since independence over Kashmir.

A ceasefire, which is periodically violated by both sides, has been in place along the Line of Control since 2003.