J & K news and discussion

hulaku · Post by **hulaku** » 06 Aug 2009 11:44

IMO the fortunes of the Kashmiri Pandits have fluctuated with the coming of each new ruler/dynasty.

Being the Brahmins they were the elite during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and then subsequently during the Dogra raj. Moorecroft travelled through this region when it was under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Lawrence was their around 1895 as the Settlement Commissioner during the reign of Maharaja Partap Singh.

But after Independence thanks to the appeasement policies of the Indian Government their fortunes went constantly downhill and which culminated in the mass migration of KPs to other parts of India.

RayC · Post by **RayC** » 06 Aug 2009 11:49

It was the Bengali and Punjabis who dominated the Administration.

hulaku · Post by **hulaku** » 06 Aug 2009 17:39

Dear RayC

As far as I know there were not many Bengalis in the administration in the Dogra Raj. The Punjabis dominated the business which they continued till the 1970's. The Punjabi domination of business was natural since all the trade was carried out with Punjab. The higher administration and education was mainly handled by the Kashmiri Pandits.

RayC · Post by **RayC** » 06 Aug 2009 20:35

Read this please:

http://ikashmir.net/pastpresent/chapter8.html

There was no State Subject Act prior to the agitation by Mr Koul.

The link mentions about Bengalis and Punjabis dominating the administration and the Kashmiris not in numbers!

Lest you don't have the time to check the link. I am appending just a part of it:

Fully cognisant of the role of the Punjabi and Bengali bureaucracy in manning state machine, the Kashmirian Hindus joined the ranks of the Jummuites seeking the entry of the Mulkis into the key positions of the state

JwalaMukhi · Post by **JwalaMukhi** » 07 Aug 2009 04:45

Hari Seldon wrote:
What California`s terrible numbers mean for America
http://www.chuckdevore.com/blog.asp?artid=94

Nice set of charts and graphs that pictorially depict a 1000 words each.

Quote:
This email details the extent of California's burgeoning welfare rolls.

California accounts for 12% of the U.S. Population but 32% of the welfare caseload.

Similar depiction needs to be done for welfare and central spending on the Jammu and Kashmir with respect to India. That surely will cause raised eye brows if not jaw droppings.

abhishekm · Post by **abhishekm** » 07 Aug 2009 13:59

Where is the Indian pledge for moral, political, diplomatic, and arms supply support for Balochistan and Jiye Sindh freedom struggles? Give up this "principled" crap and look at your nation's interests, oh policymakers. Declare support to these movements publicly and say the support will continue until there is paki support to the Kashmiri separatists. If there is a war going on, then fight it according to the need of the hour!

Whilst India might not be as shrill as Pakistan in calling for national liberation movements within sovereign territories, let's be honest (and content) about the fact that India has continued to covertly support several dissatisfied elements of Pakistani society. Clearly our hold over certain ethnic groups in Pakistan is greater than their control over rebellious sections of our own society (with the exception of Kashmir). Apparently (and I have been reliably informed

), R&AW continues to hold the magic lighter over the tinderbox that is Karachi- our control over "troublemakers" in this port city hasn't diminished one bit since we set it on fire during the late 1980s.

What has suffered is our ability to assist the freedom fighters in Balochistan- very few intel sources & agents on the ground- our greatest assets are Balochis living outside Pakistan through whom money may be routed. IMHO our relations with Iran act as a deterrent to doing more for the Balochi people. Iran is facing an ethnic insurgency in its Sistan-Balochistan province from a group calling itself Jundullah which is an Al-Qaeda wannabe. Pakistani ISI support for this group cannot be ruled out because it causes the paranoid ruling regime in Iran to become suspicious of Baloch nationalism as a whole.

Also, the Sindhi and Seraiki movements have subsided to ones demanding greater autonomy within the Pakistani federal structure as opposed to outright independence. As far as MQM is concerned, Altaf Hussain himself is extremely unpredictable. He can come to New Delhi one day and cry for India to take back the victimised Mohajirs- and the next day reiterate that MQM believes in the unity and integrity of Pakistan!

RayC · Post by **RayC** » 07 Aug 2009 14:08

Movements wax and wane.

They require nurturing by interested parties.

The Taliban movement too would die a natural death, but for the ideological and financial assistance of the Saudis.

It would go the same way as the LTTE!

Airavat · Post by **Airavat** » 09 Aug 2009 07:39

Daily Excelsior

In a new and serious development on the international border, Pakistan Rangers have started planting trees close to their bunkers and posts which when fully grown will reduce visibility across the IB from Indian posts to virtually zero. Initially, Pakistan Rangers have planted trees opposite Suchetgarh, RS Pura and Arnia sub sectors in Jammu district. Besides protecting their bunkers, posts and towers, Pakistan army and BSF could also use the cover of trees to hide trained militants and push them into the Indian territory while getting an opportunity.

Already there were reports that in addition to Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan army and ISI have also stationed a number of trained militants at launching pads close to IB to push them into this side of the border.

Vikas · Post by **Vikas** » 09 Aug 2009 08:17

RayC wrote:Read this please:

http://ikashmir.net/pastpresent/chapter8.html

Fully cognisant of the role of the Punjabi and Bengali bureaucracy in manning state machine, the Kashmirian Hindus joined the ranks of the Jummuites seeking the entry of the Mulkis into the key positions of the state

It wasn't as if only KP's were asking for state subject law as is being claimed.

tripathi · Post by **tripathi** » 09 Aug 2009 11:20

There seems to be step up in infiltration.sixth infiltration detected and 20 terrorist killed only in this week.This may be due as independence day is nearing or something else is cooking.Good thing that we r able to detect and kill them a the border itself.Sadly we lost 2 soldiers too.

Troops says kills 6 on Kashmir border, incursions rise

SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Troops shot dead six Muslim rebels as they tried to cross into Indian Kashmir from the Pakistani side, the sixth infiltration attempt to be foiled in the past one week, the army said on Saturday.

They said two soldiers were also killed in the gun battles, which broke out on Friday along the Line of Control (LoC), a military control line dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » 11 Aug 2009 07:09

Forensic evidence in Shopian case fabricated

jamwal · Post by **jamwal** » 11 Aug 2009 09:29

Muslim appeasement going on as usual

http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/09aug11/news.htm#3
BJP leaders court arrest, CUAS activists lifted
Complete, peaceful bandh in Jammu
JAMMU, Aug 10: A complete and peaceful bandh was observed in several districts of the Jammu province over the demand of setting up of Central University at Samba, on the call given by Central University Andolan Samiti (CUAS) and supported by various organisations.
There was spontaneous response to the bandh call with traders keeping their business establishments closed throughout the day and majority of public transport vehicles remaining off the roads.
It was due to spontaneous response that no violent incident was reported from any part of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts where several rallies were taken out and demonstrations held to lodge protest over the move of State Government to shift Central varsity from Jammu to Kashmir province.
The leaders and activists of Central University Andolan Samiti were seen visiting different parts of these districts to ensure bandh but there was no need to enforce the same as people in all the tehsils and blocks had fully supported the call and themselves kept the shutters of their respective business establishments closed to put up united face over the issue of setting up of Central University at the already announced site in the Samba district.
In the morning, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president and MLA from Jammu East, Ashok Khajuria courted arrest at Kachi Chawani Chowk alongwith 24 party activists while protesting against the action of hijacking the Central University to Valley.
Earlier, while addressing the protesters, Mr Khajuria said that bandh call given by CUAS was the beginning of a massive and long agitation against the discriminatory attitude of the State Government with Jammu.
“The need of the hour is to strengthen CAUS for its mission of achieveing for Jammu when it deserves”, he further said, adding “those responsible for repeated discrimination with Jammu have once again started playing in the hands of Kashmir centric leaders for their petty political gains and have no concern for Jammu”.
He made it clear that BJP will not allow the State Government to take any such decision which harms the interests of Jammu and there will be no compromise on the issue of Central University.
State secretaries of the BJP, Yudhvir Sethi and Charanjit Singh Khalsa were arrested from Link Road when they alongwith party activists were making an appeal to the public to support the cause of Jammu for which bandh was being observed. Even some activists of CUAS namely Suresh Magotra, Pradeep Sharma, Rakesh Sharma and Ch Naseeb Ali were lifted by police from different areas.
In the afternoon, CUAS members gathered near Raj Bhawan and held protest demonstration against the Government’s ‘criminal move’ to shift the Central varsity from Jammu to Kashmir. After holding massive demonstration, they took out a protest rally amidst heavy deployment of the police personnel.
The rally passed through Upper Bazar, Chowk Chabutra, Pacca Danga and culminated at Geeta Bhawan where heavy police deployment was made to prevent the rally from heading towards Indira Chowk where activists of student organisations were also reaching from Jewel side. They, after holding peaceful protest at Indira Chowk, dispersed and later attended the meeting of Central University Andolan Samiti at Geeta Bhawan.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 12 Aug 2009 16:00

X-Posting from Oppression of Minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh Thread.

Religious Extremism in NWFP, Swat and Chitral: Impact on Gilgit-Baltistan: UNPO

Code: Select all

                                                       2-Day International Seminar

                                    Society, Culture and Politics in the Karakoram Himalayas

                                             Venue: ICSSR Conference Hall, New Delhi

                                                             (23-24 July 2009)

                               Organized by: Himalayan Research and Cultural Foundation (HRCF)

Extremism does not belong to any religion, school of thought or special geographical condition. Extremism is the attitude of human being which is certainly developed due to the surrounding atmosphere, injustice and unusual training.

The beginning of the existing era of the religious extremism starts with cold war, in which Pakistan has offered its shoulder to get rid off the Soviet Union from Afghanistan. The province of NWFP, Northern Areas and Tribal Areas due to proximity with Afghanistan was used extensively for war purposes. General Zia-ul- Haque provided military training to millions of Muslims around the world in the name of Jehad-e-Afghanistan. These Mujahideen filled with spirit of Jehad, performing small experimental incidents in Pakistan, proceeded to conquer Afghanistan and Kashmir. These Mujahideen had been intemperate after the withdrawal of Soviet Union's army from Afghanistan, scattered around the world and organized in the name of Alqaida and Taliban to spread their specific concept of Islamic ideology.

Gilgit Baltistan was a peaceful land free from religious extremism, sectarianism and prejudice. The people from all school of thoughts were living as members of one family, despite the fact that Shias were in majority. Government of Pakistan breached the State Subject Rules (SSR), settled thousand of people from NWFP in Gilgit Baltistan, and converted the local majority into minority. The language, culture, customs and social values of Gilgit Biltistan had been ruined, and the sectarian movements had been provoked, for fighting with locals. Proper planning had been made for the settlement of outsiders in Gilgit Baltistan, for this purpose Administrative heads from NWFP had been sent to Gilgit Baltistan and housands of acres of land has been distributed amongst outsider to settle them in Gilgit Baltistan. Beside commercial and administrative posts have been awarded to outsider, due to this reason the locals of Gilgit Baltistan is facing external interference.

Gilgit Baltistan was victimized by these religious extremists in May 1988 when on the consent of General Zia-ul-Haque and official agencies sent 80 thousand militants/Lashkari to attack Gilgit Baltistan. The Lashkari comprised of tribesmen of NWFP and Afghani natives. The Lashkar reached Gilgit after covering a distance of 600 Kilometers by Karakoram Highway. The genocide of Shias was the main aim of this attack. The Lashkars which were fully armed with heavy weapons committed genocide and terror activities in Gilgit, settlements were ruined, human being, animals and un-harvested crops were burnt and the Shia population of Jalalabad were burnt alive. Hundreds of women were raped, humiliated and kidnapped. No case was registered against these militants nor were they asked the reason of the attack on Gilgit Baltistan. The shameless invasion and killing of humans has been concealed from the world and instead it was broadcasted by Pakistani media that Taliban captured the Jalalabad city of Afghanistan.

The religious extremism or Talibanisation in NWFP, Chitral and Swat has adverse affects on Gilgit Baltistan and these peaceful regions are at the target of terrorism and war against terrorism.

Asian Human Rights Commission has revealed in a report of June 1, 2009 that Government of Pakistan intends to use force against the people of Gilgit Baltistan under the pretext of eliminating the Taliban.

"A recent announcement of the Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency stated that the Taliban are taking shelter in the Gilgit and Baltistan areas. The purpose of using the pretext of the presence of the Taliban in the area is to mislead USA and NATO forces who are involved in war on terror. They want to make believe that the Taliban is a menace in the construction of the big dams and wish to occupy Gilgit and Baltistan themselves". (AHRC quoted).

The following are the causes of Talibanization in Gilgit and Baltistan Regions

GEOGRAPHY OF GILGIT BALTISTAN

Gilgit Baltistan border Swat, Dir, Chitral and Kohistan districts of NWFP. Nowadays Northern Areas of Pakistan are the "Heaven of terrorists" and the attention of the whole world is on the absconded terrorists in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Due to calling Gilgit Baltistan as Northern areas, this land is directly targeted by terrorists. Gilgit Baltistan is not Northern areas of Pakistan and nor this land is constitutional part of Pakistan, but unfortunately Pakistan has administrative control on it and officially calls it Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Now the name "Northern Areas" is threat to the identity and survival of Gilgit Baltistan because extremist easily penetrate and seek safe heaven in this region.

AREA OF SHIA MAJORITY

The concept of indigenous majority is deteriorating day by day in Gilgit Baltistan and locals are converting into the minority. At the time of 1947 the Shias were in majority of Gilgit Baltistan, but after occupation by the Government of Pakistan, under a special policy, Wahhabis settled from other provinces particularly from NWFP, due to this reason the demography is changed there. Majority of the people who settled in Gilgit Baltistan belong to tribal areas and NWFP. So many sectarian violations been took place in Gilgit Baltistan and the terrorists involved in these incidences belong to tribal areas or NWFP. Under the patronage of government none of the accused had been arrested and no one is punished.

Wahhabis residing in Gilgit Baltistan have soft corners in their hearts for the Taliban of Swat, Waziristan and NWFP. So many people received military training in past and performed Jehad with full spirit. Pro Taliban elements of Gilgit Baltistan may provide the safe adobes to the extremists due the same sect and sympathy and therefore Taliban may arrive in these areas.

YOUTHS OF NORTHERN LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT

In 1988 when tribal militants/Lashkar attacked Gilgit Baltistan in victorious way then they were defeated by hundreds of local people. Those were retired or serving soldiers of Northern Light Infantry (NLI). They forced the lashkar of 80 thousand to run way. The thousand of soldiers of NLI Regiment today are fighting against terrorists in tribal areas, Swat and NWFP.

If Taliban are facing defeat in the hands of the youths of Gilgit Baltistan then tomorrow the situation may change and cause hate in their hearts against the youths of NLI and may cause harm to Gilgit Baltistan. Keeping in view these facts presence of NLI soldiers in tribal areas and NWFP is not favorable. The dead bodies of the soldiers of Gilgit Baltistan is received in Gilgit and Baltistan Regions from Tribal areas and NWFP, due to this reason the society of the Gilgit Baltistan is affecting very much. People are all the time worried about their relatives, which causes the breakdown in social and economical activities.

KARAKORAM HIGHWAY (KKH)

The people of Gilgit Baltistan call Karakoram Highway "bloody road" and "killer Highway". This is the only land road which connects Gilgit Baltistan with Pakistan. People residing on both sides of this highway have Taliban influences. In past there had been so many killing incidents in which the people of one school of thought had been killed after getting down from the vehicles on KKH. People are forced to travel on this road because this is the only way for the transportation of goods and commodity of life, if this road blockade temporarily then the communication of Gilgit Baltistan collapses with the rest of the world and people suffer from hunger, the economical development of Gilgit Baltistan depends upon KKH. The Taliban activities continue with the beginning of American war against the Taliban, the blockage of this road, puts bad impacts on Gilgit Baltistan.

So many terrorists absconded due the army operation in Swat against the Taliban and settling in the surrounding areas through which KKH passes, if ny action is started against the terrorists then the economy of Gilgit Baltistan will be ruined. China is performing works on the extension plan of KKH, therefore the fighting against the terrorism is becoming clear at KKH. In case fighting against Taliban take place at KKH then the people of Gilgit Baltistan will be deprived from the traveling facilities and all commodities of lives.

UNSATISFATOTRY SECURITY MEASURES

The feeling of insecurity is increasing day by day amongst the people of Gilgit Baltistan. Government has already deployed FC, Rangers, and paramilitary forces to maintain law and order situation in the region. Billions of rupees is being spent on such forces from the development budget of the area, but the activities of terrorism fail to contain in Gilgit Baltistan. In side the city of Gilgit on every square and roads, armed forces are deputed, at the time of entering the city and on moving from one place to other people are searched thoroughly and citizens are harassed with out any cause.

The interesting situation is that the terrorists after doing their activity very easily escape in the presence of these forces, but the Pakistani forces turn a blind eye. The persons involved in the sectarian violence of 2005 had not been arrested nor has any one punished. This year Syed Asad Zaidi, the Deputy Speaker of Northern Areas Legislative Assembly (NALA) including another person was assassinated at the distance of few meters of Ranger's Check Post but the authorities fail to arrest the accused. The people understand that the terrorists activities in Gilgit are backed by the non-local civil administration agencies.

In Gilgit Baltistan secret agencies also interfere in the personal matters of the people, these official agencies deputed to maintain peace, and control deteriorating law and order situation, but they are engaged day and night in destabilizing Gilgit Baltistan. There are so many incidents in which official agencies picked the local peoples and killed them by severe
tortures. In June 2009, Sadiq Ali was killed while he was in police custody. It is common opinion that official agencies killed him during torture during arrest. The law enforcer especially Frontier Constabulary (FC) belong to tribal areas and NWFP and they present security threats to the local people. In the presence of these forces and intelligent agencies, threat of Talibanisation also exists in Gilgit Baltistan. The Inspector General Police and Chief Secretary of Gilgit Baltistan had not rejected the possibility of the threat of Talabanization in Gilgit Baltistan and also disclosed that a
'Great Game' would be started in Gilgit Baltistan.

FOREIGN CIVIL AND MILITARY ADMINISTRATION

The highest posts of the administrative affairs, judiciary, administration and security designated to persons who belong to other provinces of Pakistan and they are all anti-Shia elements. The security and political conditions of the Gilgit Baltistan is in their hands and these people keep precarious conditions in Gilgit Baltistan for their own benefits and for the extension
of their employment .The local people are kept unaware regarding the law and order situation. Whenever any matter of law and order situation occurs in Gilgit Baltistan, then these people go to Islamabad and come back only after the incident is over.

In 2005 when sectarian violence occurred on the issue of curriculum after the murder of Shia Leader Syed Ziauddin Rizvi, at that time the administrative heads Chief Secretary, I.G.P. and Home Secretary were in Islamabad and this year when murder of Deputy Speaker of NALA took place, during this course of time, I.G.P.. Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and DC Skardu were in Islamabad. The people protest against this situation and demand the removal of the non-local administration. The non-local administration may tend to protect the Taliban in Gilgit Baltistan, because this helps administration to keep the local people restricted from the struggle for their rights and to maintain threat against the locals. The occupied administration is not aware about the geographical condition, mountainous paths and caves, due to this reason they can not prepare better
security plan and the lack of security can enhance the Talibanisation in Gilgit Baltistan.

ARRIVAL OF SWAT AFFECTEES

Millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are created due to operation against terrorists in NWFP and Swat and they have started to arrive in Gilgit Baltistan also, these people have reached to their relatives, who are the new settlers of Gilgit Baltistan. Their arrival may cause the entrance of extremists in Gilgit Baltistan.

Gilgit Baltistan is under threat due the unsatisfactory condition of security and checking. Gilgit Baltistan is suffering from economic instability since before, and upon the arrival of these IDPs, these areas are also affected economically. There is no guarantee that they will return to their homes after end of the operation, because government is ever in favor to settle the non locals in the region. The sympathy with the IDPs on the basis of humanity at its own place but the plan to settle extremism in Gilgit Baltistan can not be ignored.

SUGGESSTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Gilgit Baltistan borders China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and India. Talibanization in Pakistan as well as Gilgit and Baltistan Regions will affect India, Tajikistan and China. If extremists gain influence in Gilgit and Baltistan Regions then an inter-dominion crisis will occur the peaceful land of Gilgit Baltistan will become the field of war. International Community has to play its role to save the Gilgit Baltistan from the effects of the Talibanisation.

The following measures can be adopted for keep safe Gilgit Baltistan from religious extremism or Talibanisation.

REINSTATING THE HITORICAL NAME (Gilgit & Baltistan)

In 2008 Northern Areas Legislative Assembly (NALA) recommended through a resolution that the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan be called by its historical and actual name of "Gilgit and Baltistan", in place of so-called 'the Northern Areas'. The Government has not approved this resolution. Gilgit Baltistan in respect of geographical and historical matter is not the northern areas of Pakistan but due to calling of this regions as Northern areas, Gilgit Baltistan has also been included in the fight of Northern and tribal areas of Pakistan.

Domestic and international press broadcast the news of fight against the terrorism in the northern area, and common people thinks that this action is going on in Gilgit Baltistan. However, Gilgit Baltistan is 800 kilometer away from the northern areas of Pakistan. Due to the name Northern areas, the tourists of the world have stopped coming to Gilgit Baltistan and severe
losses are occurring to the local economy. Since then thousand of people have become jobless who thrived on the tourism industry.

To save the Gilgit Baltistan from the Talibanisation and keep away the impacts of Talibanisation, it is necessary that area may be liberated from the name of Northern Areas and should be called its historical and original name "Gilgit Baltistan".

RESTORATION OF STATE SUBJECT RULE (SSR)

The economic development, law and order of the Gilgit Baltistan depend upon the restoration of State Subject Rules. Government of Pakistan violated the SSR to convert the local population in minority by settlement of the non-residents in Gilgit Baltistan. After dissolving SSR the economic, political and social circumstances have changed in Gilgit Baltistan. If the non-residents are not evicted by the implementation of SSR, then Taliban may also adopt residence here and the houses of non-residents may provide the safe heaven for the Taliban. The restoration of the SSR becomes essential to save the Gilgit Baltistan from the religious extremity and Talibanisation.

GOVERNMENT TRANSFERRED TO LOCALS

The public demand regarding the execution of Local Authority Government has been increasing day by day because the non-residents administration holding their posts for the last 62 years, which is deteriorating the circumstances in Gilgit Baltistan, The administration of the area can be improved by positing of local persons on High Administrative posts and the posting of the local peoples on administrative post will cause to block the external ntervention.

SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS TRANSFERRED TO LOCALS

The security of Gilgit Baltistan is in the hands of non-resident forces i.e. FC and Rangers. The withdrawal of FC and Rangers is necessary to improve the security matters of Gilgit Baltistan, because FC and Rangers is blamed for the involvement in sectarian violence and the local people consider themselves unsafe in the presence of FC and Rangers. To create feeling of
protection, the security of Gilgit Baltistan must be hand over to NLI and Northern Areas Scouts. Terrorists can be blocked by deputing the division of NLI and Northern Scouts at the entrance ways of Chitral, Swat and NWFP.

OPENING THE HISTORICAL AND BUSINESS CORRIDORS

War against terrorism is severely affecting the economy of Gilgit and Baltistan, to enhance its economic activities, all historical and business corridors joining Ladakh, Tajikistan, Afghanistan with Gilgit Baltistan, should be opened. By opening of Kargil to Skardu, Ashkoman to Tajikistan and Astor to Srinagar corridors for the business purposes, this will cause the revolution in the economy of the peoples. The people will not depend on the KKH, and they will get alternatives corridors for their businesses. The strength of the tourists will enhance in Gilgit Baltistan because the tourists coming to India and Tajikistan shall get an opportunity of safe tourism on transit visa, which is beneficial for the area.

Religious extremism has no place in Gilgit Baltistan. Although if attempted to target its local population or try to sabotage the extension plan of KKH by the Talibanisation, then certainly it will be enmity of 2 million people who already deprive the human and basic rights.

Today, the beauty, culture, custom, archaeological monuments and thousand years old historical bequest and heavenly valleys of Karakoram, Himalayas, Ladakh and Hindu Kash is facing religious extremism; therefore the world should play its role to save Gilgit Baltistan from Talibanisation.

The mountains, Glaciers, water , minerals, wild life, archaeological monuments and culture is the assets of whole world and it is the responsibility of whole world to secure these assts. Lets come, and promise today in the conference of Himalayan Research and Cultural Foundation that we will play our role domestically and internationally to save Gilgit Baltistan from the religious extremism.

Rishi · Post by **Rishi** » 12 Aug 2009 17:00

-Post from TSP thread

Some articles on Gilgit-Baltistan from The National

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll ... 69863/1041

7 Aug GILGIT, PAKISTAN // Chinese engineers have embarked upon the reconstruction of the Karakorum Highway (KKH), a 1,300-kilometre strategic road that retraces an ancient Silk Route between modern-day Pakistan and China.

...

Officials involved in the project said a hush-hush approach had been adopted because of “heightened strategic tensions” in the region, a coded reference to the presence of United States military forces in the Wakhan Corridor, an eastern slice of Afghanistan that borders the Northern Areas administrative region of Pakistan and China. The motorway runs through the Northern Areas.

Below is an amazing piece on the Rock art along the Karakorum Highway (old Silk Route), which is going to be destroyed.
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll ... /1103/NEWS

MUST READ: Dam will silence ‘talking rocks’

Tom Hussain, Foreign Correspondent
* Last Updated: August 09. 2009 11:57PM UAE / August 9. 2009 7:57PM GMT

CHILAS, PAKISTAN // Thousands of relics charting the course of history of Pakistan’s mountainous north to as far back as 9000BC will be lost during the construction of a major dam, archaeologists said.

...

However, precious few of the thousands of talking rocks will survive the forthcoming construction of the Basha-Diamer dam, an estimated US$11 billion (Dh40.4bn) hydroelectric project desperately needed to plug Pakistan’s power gap, said Professor Harald Hauptmann of the Heidelberg Academy.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 13 Aug 2009 14:30

Kashmir issue will be resolved in two years: 'AJK' PM : Daily Times

LAHORE: The Kashmir issue would be resolved within the next two years as India is no longer in a position to prolong the dispute , Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan said on Thursday.

He said India could not become an “Asian Tiger” until it withdraws its 800,000-strong army from the Indian-held Kashmir. He predicted that India would disintegrate into six states {but did not mention that a big meteor would fall from the sky on India} if it failed to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir and international community.

Potential: He said the AJK had the potential to generate over 14,000 megawatts (MW) of hydro-electricity.

Yaqoob said the AJK government had initiated a 1,000MW project, adding that another 1,000MW project would be started soon.

kittoo · Post by **kittoo** » 13 Aug 2009 14:33

RajeshA wrote:He predicted that India would disintegrate into six states if it failed to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir and international community.

Whats with people predicting Indian breakup these days? I would say that they should rather look out for Pakistan breaking, that has better chances than India breaking.

Nihat · Post by **Nihat** » 13 Aug 2009 15:53

e Kashmir issue would be resolved within the next two years as India is no longer in a position to prolong the dispute , Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan said on Thursday.

typical for a porki slave to mouth off without giving thought to anything.

We survived through the 1990's with extremism , that was a far worse period for India with economy , social unrest and political instability , today the situation is vastly different , we're the 2nd fastest growing economy. We could sustain any deployment as long as we wish.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 13 Aug 2009 16:59

A deaf and dumb porki named Shehz says

Shehz wrote:Yesterday was East Pakistan, and today it may be Balauchistan.
Tomorrow, if Indian Govt, gives US $ 1 Bil to AZ for a signature, 1 Bil for senators and national assembly ministers (to be distributed amongst them), and another 1 Bil to NS for not opposing, Kashmir will be gifted to them in a heartbeat.

Does somebody on BRF have some khula on him/her?

Funny he can't even spell Baluchistan properly!

Rishi · Post by **Rishi** » 13 Aug 2009 17:05

Hi RajeshA.

Please do not post excerpts from other fora (especially from those of the unwashed like above) on BRF.

shravan · Post by **shravan** » 14 Aug 2009 19:19

Police in Kashmir clash with anti-India demonstrators

SRINAGAR, India — Police fired teargas Friday to disperse an anti-India demonstration by Kashmiris celebrating Pakistan's Independence Day.

shravan · Post by **shravan** » 14 Aug 2009 19:30

Police say major terror strike averted in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 14 (IANS) Authorities claimed they may have averted a "major" terror strike after Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested a youth near here Friday with explosives and other incriminating material on the eve of Independence Day.

Kuldip Raj alias Raju, a frequent visitor to Pakistan, was arrested from Kanachak, 20 km west of here, following a tip-off, Senior Superintendent of Police (Jammu) Manohar Singh told reporters.

"We have recovered one kilogram of RDX, detonators, two grenades and Indian currency worth Rs.20,000 and a Pakistani SIM card from him.
----

negi · Post by **negi** » 14 Aug 2009 19:42

From dawn

Police in Kashmir clash with anti-India demonstrators

SRINAGAR: Police fired teargas Friday to disperse an anti-India demonstration by Kashmiris celebrating Pakistan's Independence Day.

Scores of young men, some waving the Pakistani flag, emerged out of the Indian region's main Mughal-built mosque in summer capital Srinagar and staged a noisy pro-Pakistan demonstration.

They burst crackers and burned the Indian flag as police fired repeated teargas cannisters to disperse the demonstrators, who eventually retreated into narrow lanes from where they pelted officers with stones and bricks.

jamwal · Post by **jamwal** » 15 Aug 2009 09:11

A documentary about the treatment meted out to Kashmiri Pandits,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCRFWStx ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2vsztUd ... re=related

Satya_anveshi · Post by **Satya_anveshi** » 16 Aug 2009 05:39

No place for separatist thought in J&K: PM

New Delhi Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir had demonstrated that separatist ideology has no place in the state and the Centre will work to ensure that human rights are respected in the region.
Elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and the Lok Sabha elections were held in December and April-May respectively.

"People of all areas of the state have participated vigorously in both the elections. This is a proof that there is no place for separatist thought in Jammu and Kashmir," Singh said addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 63rd Independence Day. {This is patently false statement isn't it?}

He said the Centre would continue to assist the state government in improving governance in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

"It will be our endeavour to ensure that human rights are respected in the state and all its citizens are able to lead a life of peace and dignity in an environment of safety and security," Singh said.

"We respect the special assurances and concessions provided to Jammu and Kashmir in our Constitution. We will continue to honour these special provisions," the Prime Minister said.

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 16 Aug 2009 06:06

"vigorously" depends on who is saying it - what to that person is "vigorous". It can vary widely from person to person.

Pranay · Post by **Pranay** » 16 Aug 2009 06:52

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/world ... ir.html?hp

NYT on the Shopian events...

Satya_anveshi · Post by **Satya_anveshi** » 16 Aug 2009 07:59

brihaspati wrote:"vigorously" depends on who is saying it - what to that person is "vigorous". It can vary widely from person to person.

Damn! Another chankian statement from our Vishnu Gupta II.

Is there another diplo meaning for "all areas" of J&K? How the hell we held elections in NA, POK, and the part Pak gifted to tarrle than mountain fliend?

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 16 Aug 2009 08:17

seriously I now doubt the sanity of his speech writer - or the sanity of his controllers who indulge his possible outbursts. Technically speaking all areas of the state could not have voted vigorously - parts of it are under "occupation"! If he is really Chankyan, he might have meant by this that only the unoccupied areas of the state are the "state" he really cares about or is aware of. The rest is "compamy ka maal/daryia me dhaal".

shravan · Post by **shravan** » 18 Aug 2009 11:57

LeT issues diktat against watching TV in J&K

NEW DELHI: The Lashkar-e-Taiba has enforced a new diktat in parts of Jammu and Kashmir; 'Do not watch television.' ( Watch Video

Taking a cue from the Taliban, the Lashkar terrorists operating in Banihal heights have imposed a ban on watching TV- terming it an ‘unislamic’ activity.

Bearing witness to this fact are the marks on Gulam Nabi's back and legs. The marks are a constant reminder of how the LeT men beat him up for watching TV. ``Unidentified gunmen barged into my house. They broke my TV set and thrashed me," said Ghulam Nabi.

In true Taliban style, the terrorists made sure that no one dare to switch on a television again.

When asked about the LeT's newest diktat a villager said, “Six militants barged into our house. Three of them broke my TV and another three hit me.”

Lashkar militants have warned villagers of dire consequences if they do not stop watching television. In a recently issued diktat, they have described the 'idiot box' as an epicentre of all problems and blame the same for impregnating evil thoughts in the mind of villagers.

In addition to resorting to violence, the Lashkar men also pasted a pamphlet on the boundary wall of a mosque.

"They say watching TV is a sin. But I ask Muslims all over the world to watch TV. We have not done anything wrong or committed any crime," a villager said.

Security forces in the area describe the Lashkar's newest act as one of frustration and desperation.

IG of Jammu, Ashok Gupta said, “These days the television is a very powerful medium which is exposing their lies. So why would they allow it. It is an act of sheer frustration on their part.”

But what the LeT does not realise is that their imposition is only causing anger. When asked about the Taliban’s actions, a villager said, “Breaking televisions sets and beating up elderly people is not a part of Jihad.” This is evidence enough that the people clearly do not want another Taliban state.

AjitK · Post by **AjitK** » 22 Aug 2009 11:56

Two yrs in prison, top Hizbul man walks free, red faces in J&K

In a setback for security forces in the Valley, Nisar Ahmad Bhat alias Gazi Misbah-ud-din, Hizbul Mujahideen chief commander of operations, has been released on bail by a court in Anantnag after being in jail for more than two years. He was allowed to walk out of the court itself where he was handed over to his lawyer.

“He was bailed out by the honourable court which directed the police party accompanying him to remove his handcuffs and hand him over to his lawyer in court,” a J&K Police spokesman said. Sources said the police are conducting an inquiry why Bhat was allowed to leave immediately after he was bailed out.

Before he became the outfit’s chief operations commander, Bhat, while in Pakistan, had been the driver of Hizbul Mujahideen supreme commander Syed Salahuddin. His release has stunned the J&K security establishment and police and security forces are said to be already on the lookout for him.

Bhat was nabbed by police when they raided his hideout near Pulwama in December, 2007. A resident of Arwani village in Anantnag, he had been active since 1990. J&K Police sources said that Bhat was divisional commander of the outfit for Poonch-Rajouri districts from 1999 to 2004 when he was finally asked to cross over to the Valley from the Pir Panjal region.

negi · Post by **negi** » 22 Aug 2009 21:14

Aren't there stringent laws for those caught for involvement in terrorist activities when compared to other forms of crime ? And how come otherwise lazy bunch of bench warmers expedited the hearing on this case and released such a key suspect ?

Heck a person from my village who had killed his own brother before the whole village died natural death at the age of 80+ the then high court of UP and now Uttarakhand were merely twiddling thumbs over the case.

sum · Post by **sum** » 24 Aug 2009 10:16

In a setback for security forces in the Valley, Nisar Ahmad Bhat alias Gazi Misbah-ud-din, Hizbul Mujahideen chief commander of operations, has been released on bail by a court in Anantnag after being in jail for more than two years. He was allowed to walk out of the court itself where he was handed over to his lawyer.

“He was bailed out by the honourable court which directed the police party accompanying him to remove his handcuffs and hand him over to his lawyer in court,” a J&K Police spokesman said. Sources said the police are conducting an inquiry why Bhat was allowed to leave immediately after he was bailed out.

Mera Bharat mahaan...

AjitK · Post by **AjitK** » 26 Aug 2009 15:46

Five days after he walked free, Hizbul ops chief held again

Five days after the J-K administration suspended two officers for failing to re-arrest Hizbul Mujahideen Operations Chief, Nisar Ahmad Bhat alias Gazi Misbah-ud-din after he was given bail by an Anantnag court, the state police has managed to arrest the top militant commander after launching a massive manhunt. "We have arrested him (Gazi Misbah-ud-din) today after a raid on a hideout in Anantnag," Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir range, Farooq Ahmad told The Indian Express. He was finally arrested when the Anantnag police launched simultaneous raids at 10 locations in south Kashmir.

He had been released on bail on August 20 after an over 2 year jail term. The police had, in this case, failed to follow the standard procedure of re-arresting militants even if they are granted bail. Gazi Misbah's release had stunned the security forces and it was being seen as a major setback for the security agencies in the Valley.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 26 Aug 2009 16:07

It appears that he had turned and he was let go only to lead the police to his associates.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 28 Aug 2009 21:51

Comment from Nightwatch 27/8/09

India-Jammu and Kashmir State: Update. Security authorities announced that the number of Islamist separatist militants in the state is between 600 and 800. Earlier this year, they said the number was 1,000 to 1,200. They gave no explanation for the decline, but said infiltration from Pakistan has increased this month.

The latest numbers mean that India only maintains 300 to 400 policemen, paramilitary police and army commandos for every militant in Kashmir. Those ratios do not include the more than 200,000 Indian Army soldiers manning the Line of Control opposite Pakistani Kashmir. These are force ratios that ensure success in that the militants remain primarily an organized violent crime problem. Without Pakistan as a safe haven, they would be no problem.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 29 Aug 2009 17:57

Northern Areas will be renamed Gilgit-Baltistan: Gilani

The Northern areas will be renamed to 'Gilgit Baltistan' and will have a province like status, Prime Minister Gilani announced on Saturday.

In a special cabinet meeting, the government approved reforms package for the Northern Areas during which the PM stated that the area will be given full autonomy.

Gilgit Baltistan will also have its own assembly council with a total of 15 members. There will be a governor, chief minsiter and six other ministers of Gilgit.

Pakistan Muslim League - N (PML-N) has welcomed the approval of self-governance for the Northern Areas, saying PML-N would support every step which aimed to bring people of these areas into the mainstream.

Talking to a private TV channel, Information Secretary Ahsan Iqbal said that PML-N Chief Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has been a great supporter of giving the same rights to people of Gilgit-Baltistan Region like other areas of the country have.

He said that the people of these areas should be given resources to improve infrastructure, social sector and a university should be setup for students to get higher education.

The PML-N leader urged an improvement in the judicial system as well as effective implementation of law and order as there was sectarian violence in the areas.

RayC · Post by **RayC** » 30 Aug 2009 13:24

The latest numbers mean that India only maintains 300 to 400 policemen, paramilitary police and army commandos for every militant in Kashmir. Those ratios do not include the more than 200,000 Indian Army soldiers manning the Line of Control opposite Pakistani Kashmir. These are force ratios that ensure success in that the militants remain primarily an organized violent crime problem. Without Pakistan as a safe haven, they would be no problem.

Thanks for this piece and if I may explain.

As I see it, it is a tongue in cheek swipe at the attempt of the GOI to ensure Kashmir is safe and sound.

It also gives me an indication that the media is totally ignorant of how the defence of the Nation is organised and at the same time appear very knowledgeable and in the know. The ignorance is monumental to the initiated and brilliantly incisive to the non initiated!

The troops at the LC in J&K and that includes the complete LC is essential. Even what we have on the LC, not every inch of ground can be protected with boots on the ground. Check the kilometerage and the troops!

Then you have to grapple with those terrorists who sneak in. You require a second ring and a third ring and then in the cities of import!

Check the terrain, the geographic entity, the threat and then calculate how much is required!

kshirin · Post by **kshirin** » 30 Aug 2009 21:36

[quote="SSridhar"]Northern Areas will be renamed Gilgit-Baltistan: Gilani
[quote]

Last year I had met a rep from a western think tank who had suggested that constitutionally Pakistan should elevate the Pak side of Kashmir to the same level as our side.

kshirin · Post by **kshirin** » 30 Aug 2009 21:47

The Pakistani government could be looking at a special autonomous status for the Northern Areas and POK - same as Indian Kashmir. With this Pakistani hard-liners could argue that they had acquired more territory but it would also result in more rights and development for Kashmiris on the other side of the border, and would lead to convergence in the political and other areas with our K. What happens next...

Airavat · Post by **Airavat** » 31 Aug 2009 11:06

^^^^

There are no "Kashmiris" on the other side....none in Gilgit-Baltistan. While the inhabitants of the Mirpur-Muzzafrabad belt are the same as in the western parts of JAMMU.