Gurkha Battle-Cry “Ayo Gorkhali”: Not for Indian Army Anymore?

Aasef Chauhdry

The discrimination by the Indian Army vis-à-vis Gurkha soldiers has ultimately forced the Nepal government to ask Indians from not recruiting the Gurkhas. It’s not only at the government level but at the public level too that protests are being made against the recruiting the Gurkhas in the Indian army. Not only that it has sparked a huge row within the Indian army, but has also gave birth to a great controversy across Nepal where general people came out with immense anti-India sentiments, forcing government of Nepal to strongly consider a move to bring an end to any further recruitment of any Nepali in Indian army. It has now forced the Indian defense establishment to watch the Nepali government’s reaction with a great concern and move to eventually halt the recruitment of Gurkhas in Indian army in a fresh bid in line with the earlier recommendations of its parliament’s report “Nepal’s Foreign policy in the Changed Context, 2012″.

The Indian government has to face a pressure on many fronts. On one hand if the Nepal government’s stance is posing a threat to the Indian military organizational routines then on the other hand, a number of social circles, human rights organizations and media bodies including Nepal Journalists Association (NJA) and Human Rights Journalists Association ( HURJA),Nepal have paid rich tributes to the chivalry and bravery of the Gurkha soldiers in Indian army and elsewhere and have strongly condemned the discrimination of Gurkha soldiers by anyone, anywhere under any circumstances. So much so that the President of Nepal Journalists Association Dr. Manju Ratna Sakya, while talking to media said that Gurkhas were symbol of chivalry and pride for the entire Nepali nation and their historic contributions of chivalry in the battlefields were globally acknowledged and recognized and any discrimination and insult of any Gurkha soldier was deemed to be the insult and discrimination of the entire Nepali nation.

Raj Bahadur, a veteran journalist and senior member of NJA; the neutral and highly active med body of Nepali journalists, looks at the issue from a different angle and believes that this is not the case of Gurkha soldiers only. It’s a case of the fate of Nepal as well. While a large part of Nepal is under occupation from India, voices are now gaining momentum which call for breaking the shackles of Indian hegemony in Nepal. According to the authenticated reports over 25,000 Nepalese are currently serving in the Indian Army’s seven Gurkha Rifles (1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and 11th), each of which has five to six battalions (800 to 1,000 soldiers each), drawing basically from Rais and Limbus of Eastern Nepal and Gurungs and Magars from the West. That makes up almost 70% of the Gurkha Regiment, while “Indian domiciled Gurkhas” from places like Dehradun, Darjeeling and Dharamshala constitute the rest. There are roughly another 20,000 Gurkhas in Indian paramilitary and police forces like Assam Rifles while India is supposed to look after over 80,000 ex-servicemen, 17,000 retired Assam Rifles personnel and 11,000 widows in Nepal. The irony is that no welfare plan has ever been introduced in this direction by successive Indian governments and military leaderships, other than routine pensions and the Gurkhas are treated by every government and the military command not more than a tissue paper and that’s what is causing alarming restlessness within the ranks. Even within the Indian army there are two groups; one who are against according extra privileges to the Gurkha soldiers – of course in majority – and an insignificant group of military seniors from the West Bengal who support the Gurkhas demands and rights but are not paid any heed to.

Instead of responding to the grievances of the Nepal government generally and the Gurkhas categorically, the serving and retired Indian military top brass has started threatening the latter, directly and indirectly. One of the former Chiefs of the Indian army Gen. Ved Prakash Malik recently said, “Nepali Gurkhas have been part of the Indian Army for a very long time. If they are stopped from joining the army then the association between the armies and also the countries will be affected. Besides the large number of Nepali Gurkha soldiers, we also have a large number of pensioners in the country. We have opened hospitals and other facilities at Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal,” Malik told The Daily Mail to a query in this direction. “In some villages in eastern Nepal, about half of the families have one or more pensioners from the Indian Army”, he added. However Malik had no convincing or satisfactory reply to the issue of the plight of 11000 widows of Gurkha soldiers back in Nepal and to the issues like the Ran Bahadur Gurung episode.

However, currently the recruitment of Nepalese Gurkhas into the Indian and British Armies (which started with the Britain-India-Nepal Tripartite Agreement of 1947) is under a cloud. Based on the recommendation issued by a Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Human Rights on 26 December 2011, Nepal has directed the ministries concerned to halt the recruitment of Gurkhas by foreign armies. This demand had first come up as a part of the 50-point agenda the Maoists submitted to the government when they went underground in 1996.A couple of years back, taking exceptional notice of discrimination of Gurkha soldiers in Indian army, Nepal’s Maoist Chief, Prachanda had very strongly objected to further recruitment of Gurkhas in Indian army and called for a comprehensive ban by Kathmandu in this direction. He told reporters that Nepali Gurkhas should not be allowed to join Indian defense forces.

Amrita Thapa of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (M) says, “Nowhere in the world do you see a system like this. Times have changed from the Empire days. The Gurkhas are taken from Nepal as raw material and used by another country to meet their purposes in exchange for money; there is no value addition. They may be given medals and honours, but it is a form of modern-day slavery that questions the sovereignty of Nepal,” says. The most alarming and dangerous thing is when surprisingly, this move finds support from the Indian Gurkhas, who have always felt sidelined. “Being Indian citizens, they feel they should be given preference over Nepalese Gurkhas,” says a senior officer in the Indian Army.

Gurkhaland is a proposed state in India demanded by the people of Darjeeling Hills and the people of Gurkha ethnic origin in Dooars in northern West Bengal on the basis of ethno-linguistic rights. The movement for Gurkhaland has gained momentum in the line of ethno-linguistic-cultural sentiment of the people who desire to identify themselves as Indian Gurkhas. Two mass movements for Gurkhaland have taken place under the GNLF (Gurkha National Liberation Front -1986–1988) and Gurkha Janmukti Morcha (2007–till date). The movement for a separate state of Gurkhaland gained serious momentum during the 1980s, when a violent agitation was carried out by Gurkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) led by Subhash Gaisingh. The agitation ultimately led to the establishment of a semiautonomous body in 1988 called the Darjeeling Gurkha Hill Council (DGHC) to govern certain areas of Darjeeling district. However, in 2007, a new party called the Gurkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) raised the demand for a separate state of Gurkhaland once again.

It’s becoming difficult for the Indian government to handle this double edged issue; satisfying the Nepali and Indian Gurkhas as far as their demands are concerned and ensuring that out of desperation the deprived Gurkhas, serving as well as retired ones do not play into the hands of Gurkhaland movement activists. In case if it happens so then the Indian authorities are seeing a worst nightmare of their history, especially when the West Bengal belt is already a troublesome zone for India. Whatever the case may be but one thing is for sure that it can easily be read on the horizon that very soon there is no more Gurkha Battle-Cry “Ayo Gorkhali for Indian Army.

MQM Needs Reorganization

By Sajjad Shaukat

In the past few years, gang warfare, criminal activities and target killings have taken the lives of thousands of persons including the personnel of the Rangers and Police in Karachi. A rise of sectarian violence has also resulted into several casualties.

The present operation against terrorists, target killers, kidnappers, land mafia and “Batha khaur” (Illegal money obtainers) continues unabated, while the Rangers and Police have arrested several criminals besides capturing huge catches of arms and weapons.

The Present Government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif launched the targeted operation after obtaining consensus of all stakeholders like political parties, business community and members of civil society who wanted peace in Karachi. In this regard, Karachi had been handed over to the Rangers with power to take action against the culprits without any discrimination.

In this context, Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali shah said on September 15, 2013 that the targeted operation initiated without any discrimination and the Rangers and Sindh Police had been directed that even not to spare any person belonging to ruling party, if involved in crime.

On the other side, last year, leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibad Khan had submitted his resignation, as MQM dubbed the operation with the pretext that it is against its office bearers. While, this party had itself supported the operation, and even demanded to hand over Karachi to Army. It was illogical reaction of the MQM which has dominating position in Karachi, and wanted to blackmail the federal government by creating hurdles in the operation.

In fact, MPA of MQM, Nadeem Hashmi was arrested on September 10, 2013 owing to firing at a police mobile in the Haideri area of the city in which the two policemen were killed. In the same month, some MQM workers were arrested, who were found involved in criminal activities, while the founder and leader of MQM Altaf Hussain had condemned the raid on MQM’s offices.

Recently, the paramilitary force proved that the MQM was behind the Baldia Town factory fire in which 250 persons were killed. On February 8, this year, the Rangers also arrested a senior MQM worker namely Rafiq Rajput who not only ran a team of ‘hit men’ but was also involved in the May 12, 2007 carnage in the Karachi.

On February 10, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan disclosed that MQM Chief Altaf Hussain based in London has let loose a “reign of terror” in Karachi. He elaborated, “I am absolutely clear that the MQM is responsible for bringing Karachi to a stage where nobody is safe at the hands of the party’s armed wing. Now with the revelation of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report in which Mr Hussain’s party has been held responsible for the killing of over 250 Baldia Town factory workers…the responsibility now lies with the federal government to take action against the perpetrators of the tragic incident.”

The MQM responded with shrewd tactics, with the Rabita Committee, taking the PTI chairman to task over his remarks against the MQM chief—and held a rally in Karachi in this respect.

Earlier, Imran Khan even went to London and approached the Scotland Yard for action against Altaf Hussain. However, Imran Khan also once again pledged to take Altaf Hussain to the British court, as he is also behind the killing of PTI’s leader Zahra Shahid and journalist Wali Babar in Karachi.

However, in response, Altaf Hussain who had earlier blamed Pak Army and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for arrest and harassment of MQM workers in order to conceal criminal acts of his party members—in a telephonic address, also made some derogatory remarks against PTI spokesperson Shireen Mazari and other women-members of the party. But, MQM Chief Altaf Hussain on February 10 apologized to Shireen Mazari for his insulting remarks.

Despite it, PTI decided on February 11 that the party leadership will not take back its letter to the British High Commission, urging to take action against MQM leader Altaf Hussain for “using British territory to incite people to violence in Pakistan.”

Nevertheless, the real character of the MQM Chief Altaf Hussain needs analysis. In this context, it is notable that sometimes, he blames Pak Army and ISI for harassing his party workers, calling the residents of Karachi to defend themselves, sometimes, he admires these security agencies, sometimes, he threatens to separate Karachi from the federation, sometimes, he shows a strong sense of patriotism for Pakistan, sometimes, he suspends the membership of his party’s committee or sector incharges, sometimes, he restores the same, sometimes, he submits his own resignations, sometimes, he takes it back, sometimes, he instructs his party to join Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, and sometimes, Pakistan Peoples Party, especially when these parties are in government. He also blackmails these mainstream parties for the advantages of MQM at the cost of peace in Karachi.

In fact, full of confusion, the contradictory statements of Altaf Hussain including his changing stance display his real face, as he wants to continue armed wing of the MQM.

It is mentionable that Zulfiqar Mirza, Sindh Home Minister and Senior Vice President of the then ruling party—Pakistan Peoples Party claimed on April 9, 2011 that he had been relieved from his ministry owing to pressure from the government’s coalition partner, the MQM.

Mirza revealed that the issue of target killing and extortion was just a ruse to remove him from his post. He added that the police had arrested the murderers of Geo News reporter Wali Khan Babar—the real “culprits belong to the MQM.”

It is worth-mentioning that in June 3, 2014, Altaf Hussain was arrested by Scotland Yard Police in London. London Police and agencies were holding investigation against him in three cases including money laundering, after recovery of 7 Lac pounds from Altaf Hussain home and office in London—controversial speeches from London and Imran Farooq murder case. In this regards, in his article, Salman Mugsi wrote on August 27, 2011, “Altaf Hussain designated Waseem Akhtar in Karachi to arrange for the murder of Imran Farooq. Waseem Akhtar gave this task to Khalid Shameem and Hammad Siddiqui, who are incharge of militant wing of the MQM in Karachi. Khalid Shameem picked two boys from the student wing of MQM, APMSO and arranged students-visas for them for England. These boys reached London, followed Imran Farooq for few days and noted his routines and then carried out his assassination according to the plan.”

As regards “Batha khauri”, everyone in Karachi knows that MQM has been collecting this illegal money from the local businessmen, owners of the factories and shops, who are afraid of threats or terror-related actions of this party’s the militant wing. While a majority of the innocent people of the city and followers of the MQM do not know the malpractices and criminal activities of this political party and are being misguided by their old leaders who act upon the directions of Altaf Hussain.

The loyal Pakistanis, living in Karachi must know that Karachi is Pakistan’s largest port and financial hub with the largest commercial markets, collecting 70 per cent of the country’s tax revenue. So, besides causing unrest in the city, creating instability in Pakistan, another aim of the MQM is to cripple the economy of the city which is intermittently brought to a halt with shut-down strikes—many shops including other business centers are forced to be closed. And, old leadership of MQM misguides the people by propagating that national institutions are not made to develop other areas of Pakistan like Karachi.

Nevertheless, MQM Chief Altaf Hussain who has also been creating prejudices through his misperceptions by inciting the residents of Karachi including moderate members of his party—termed the targeted operation in Karachi as replay of 1992, alleging that the establishment is once again doing the “ethnic cleansing of Muhajirs.” He further asked the party workers to physically get ready to face state oppression.

In September, 2013, Attorney General submitted a government report before the Supreme Court of Pakistan, disclosing that Mohajir Republic Army was present in Karachi. For face-saving, MQM denied its truth, terming it as ridiculous, while others demanded to launch a targeted operation against criminal gangs using the Rangers and Police.

Nonetheless, understanding the ground realties, and for restoration of peace in Karachi, the residents of the city including moderate elements must make efforts for reorganization of MQM by replacing the old leaders like Altaf Hussain, Farooq Sattar etc. with the new ones. For the purpose, all the peace-loving segments of society of Karachi belonging to MQM will have to take bold decision jointly, without being afraid of MQM’s militant wing.  

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

‘Solidarity Day’ Keeps the Kashmir Issue Alive

By Sajjad Shaukat

                                                

Since 1990, the 5th of February is being celebrated by Pakistanis and Kashmiris as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ to pay homage to Kahsmiri martyrs and to show solidarity with the freedom fighters who are demanding their legitimate right of self-determination as recognized by the UN resolutions.

On partition of India in 1947, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, in connivance with Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Governor-General Lord Mountbatten, had decided to join India, quite contrary to the wishes of the majority of Kashmiris.

When a contention arose between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute in1948, India took the issue to the United Nations Security Council and offered to hold a plebiscite in the held Kashmir under UN supervision. On February 5, 1964, India backed out of its promise. Instead, in March 1965, the Indian Parliament passed a bill, declaring Kashmir a province of India.

While passing through various phases, the struggle of Kashmiris which has become an interaction between the Indian state terrorism led by the Indian security forces and war of liberation by the freedom fighters, keeps on going unabated.

Despite the employment of various forms of state terrorism by the Indian security forces, war of liberation intensified since 1989.

A recent report on human rights violations by Indian Army and its paramilitary forces in Indian Occupied Kashmir disclosed that since 1989, there have been deaths of 93,274 innocent Kashmiris, 6,969 custodial killings, 117,345 arrests and 105,861 destructions of houses. Indian brutal security forces have orphaned over 107, 351 children, widowed 22,728 women and gang raped 9,920 women.

Besides Human Rights Watch, in its various reports, Amnesty International has also pointed out grave human rights violations in the Indian controlled Kashmir, indicating, “The Muslim majority population in the Kashmir Valley suffers from the repressive tactics of the security forces. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act, and the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act, security forces personnel have extraordinary powers to shoot suspected persons.”

In this respect, European Union passed a resolution on May 11, 2011 about human rights abuses committed by Indian forces in the Indian held Kashmir.

Particularly in 2008, a rights group reported unmarked graves in 55 villages across the Indian occupied Kashmir. In this context, in August, 2011, Indian Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) officially acknowledged in its report that innocent civilians killed in the two-decade conflict have been buried in unmarked graves. Notably, foreign sources and human rights organizations including Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) have pointed out that unnamed graves include thousands of innocent persons, killed by the Indian military and paramilitary troops in the fake encounters including those who were tortured to death.

On the other side, by showing a sense of great optimism for peace of the region, Pakistan agreed with Indian old demand to strengthen the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in order to resolve the outstanding issues, especially main dispute of Kashmir. In this respect, during the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to Pakistan on September 9, 2012, Islamabad and New Delhi also signed agreements of liberalized visa regime and a memorandum of understanding on cultural exchanges in addition to agreeing on new cross-Line of Control (LoC) Confidence Building Measures related to trade and travel.

But, as part of delaying tactics for the settlement of the Kashmir dispute, Indian rulers availed various crises to suspend the process of Pak-India talks. For example, in 2002, under the pretension of terrorist attack on the Indian parliament, New Delhi postponed the process of dialogue. Again, in 2008, India suspended the ‘composite dialogue’ under the pretext of Mumbai terror attacks.

And, as part of anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan approach, leader of the BJP and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi who is giving impetus to Hindu chauvinism not only accelerated unprovoked firing at the LoC in Kashmir including Working Boundary in Sialkot, but also cancelled the Secretary level talks with Islamabad. Now, he is raising baseless issue like Mumbai mayhem and terrorism as pre-conditions to advance the Pak-Indian dialogue. But, he ignored the fact that on July 19, 2013, Indian ex-investigating officer Satish Verma disclosed that terror-attacks in Mumbai in November 26, 2008 and assault on Indian Parliament in January 12, 2001 were carried out by the Indian government to strengthen anti-terrorism laws. Besides, Modi regime hurriedly decided to forcibly annex disputed territory of the State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), uncovering its intentions to wrap up the article 370 of the Indian constitution which ensures a special status to J&K.

In fact, India is determined to keep its hold on Kashmir. It also wants to blackmail Pakistan by stopping the flow of rivers’ water towards Pakistan as major rivers of our country take origin from the occupied Kashmir. Now, by playing double game, Indian rulers are only fulfilling the formality by showing to the US-led western countries that they are willing to settle Kashmir dispute.

Nevertheless, Indian authorities are not willing to talk with Kashmiri people on political grounds, as they have decided that only bullet is the right way of dealing with them. But, despite the employment of various patterns of military terrorism, the war of liberation by the Kashmiri people will continue untill they get their legitimate right of self-determination. If New Delhi could not suppress the movement in the past, it could also not do so in present and future.

Nonetheless, Pakistan will continue moral, diplomatic and political support of Kashmiri brethren. Hence, 5th of February is being celebrated as the ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ by Kashmiris, living both sides of the LoC. Besides, Pakistanis and Kashmiris across the world express solidarity with the freedom fighters of Kashmiris as a protest against Indian illegal occupation of Kashmir. It is due to their joint efforts that now, the Kashmir issue has been internationalized, and remains alive in wake of Indian delaying tactics.  

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

US Backs Indian Hegemony in Asia

                                         

 By Sajjad Shaukat

International politics is passing through transitory period, as rapidly developing geo-political differences among global powers in Asia show that the next Cold War is likely to be waged between the Russia-China alliance and the US-led bloc in Asia, while Pakistan has already become its arena.

In this regard, US still backs Indian hegemony in Asia to counterbalance China. During American President Barack Obama’s visit to India, on January 25, this year, the US and India announced a breakthrough on a pact which would allow American companies to supply New Delhi with civilian nuclear technology. On November 2, 2010, US agreed to sell India the most expensive—the new F-35 fighter jets including US F-16 and F-18 fighters, C-17 and C-130 aircraft, radar systems, Harpoon weapons etc. Besides acquisition of arms and weapons from other western countries—especially Israel, America is a potential military supplier to India. US also pressurized International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Suppliers Group to grant a waiver to New Delhi for obtaining civil nuclear trade on larger scale. However, US President Obama also announced $4 billion of new initiatives aimed at boosting trade and investment ties as well as jobs in India.

In this respect, Indian Foreign Mistier Sushma Swaraj was on a maiden visit to China since January 31, 2015. Along with sideline commitments, she attended 13th trilateral meeting between China, India and Russia held in Beijing on February 2, 2015. She was having series of meetings with Chinese leaders in the backdrop of recently concluded visit of US President Obama to India.

In the joint communiqué of their trilateral meeting, the foreign ministers of Russia, India and China have emphasized cooperation to maintain international and regional peace and stability and promoting global economic growth and prosperity. But with the support of America, New Delhi has been playing double game with Beijing and Moscow.

The warming up of Indo-US relations, especially in the nuclear domain poses a direct threat to Chinese national interests, and both China and Russia feel uneasy over Indian overtures towards US. Consequently, as part of duplicity, Indian leadership is launching intense diplomatic activities to conciliate Beijing and Moscow that their overtures to US will not be at the cost of bilateral relations with Russia and China.

In fact, US in the garb of this controversial deal is enticing New Delhi to assume anti-China role and would have footprints in India to eavesdrop Chinese activities. China is apprehensive about the emerging threat, as the intent of President Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quite clear, while mentioning about free sea lanes and air passages in the South China Sea. Russia, however, remained quiet over Obama’s comments at a press conference in Delhi slamming President Vladimir Putin’s role in Ukraine.

It is notable that in 2013, during his visit to New Delhi, and after meeting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said that the two emerging Asian economies were going to enhance cooperation. No doubt, Beijing wants cordial relationship with New Delhi. But, India which apparently emphasizes mutual cooperation with China, showing lethargic approach in the solution of border dispute, has been increasing military build near the Chinese border, coupled with secret support to the Tibetan insurgents as part of its overt and covert maneuvering.

In the recent, part, tension arose between India and China when Indian army erected a military camp in Chumar Sector of Ladakh at the Line of Actual Control (LAC)-disputed border, situated between the two countries. Similarly, Indian soldiers crossed over the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on January 6, 2012 and attacked a Pakistani check post, killing one Pakistani soldier. Afterwards, Indian troops shot dead more Pakistani soldiers on the LoC.

It is mentionable that under the Pak-China pretext, Indian ex-Army Chief, General Deepak Kapoor, revealed on December 29, 2010 that the Indian army “is now revising its five-year old doctrine” and is preparing for a “possible two-front war with China and Pakistan.”

Particularly, fast growing economic power of China coupled with her rising strategic relationship with the Third World has irked the eyes of Americans and Indians. Owing to jealousy, America desires to make India a major power to counterbalance China in Asia.

Besides, it is due to the fact Pakistan has a strategic geo-political location at the corridor of world’s major maritime oil supply lines, and has close proximity to oil rich Central Asian countries. Its location could influences Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. Besides, Balochistan’s mineral resources and geo-strategic location with deep Gwadar seaport, entailing Islamabad’s close ties with Beijing pinches the eyes of the US, India, Israel and some western countries.  Beijing has already invested billion of dollars to develop Gwadar seaport. It is owing to multiple strategic designs that the US backs India in destabilizing both Pakistan and Iran. Notably, by rejecting US growing pressure, on March 11, 2013, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari inaugurated the gas pipeline project with Iran.

Taking cognizance of the enemy’s intensions, during his trip to Beijing, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang signed eight agreements on July 5, 2013 in various fields. The most important one envisages the establishment of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) between deep Gwadar seaport of Balochistan and the historic Silk Road city in western regions-Xinjiang of China—connecting to Gilgit-Baltistan through Khunjerab Pass. Beijing has also offered to build an international airport, while the roads infrastructure in Gwadar would be connected with the communication network of rest of the country to facilitate transportation of goods. By rejecting US growing pressure, Pakistan has handed over the control of Gwader seaport to China.

While, in May, 2013, a day before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Islamabad; Chinese engineers being driven through Clifton Block-1 in Karachi escaped a major bomb attack. As regards anti-China diplomacy, Afghanistan has become a hub from where external secret agencies like Indian RAW and Israeli Mossad have been assisting subversive activities in other parts of Pakistan—especially in Balochistan through their affiliated militant groups at the cost of Pakistan, China and Iran. In the past few years, they abducted and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan.

It worth-mentioning that during China’s visit of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif, on January 25, this year, China’s Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission Gen. Fan has assured that China will assist Pakistan in every challenge.

Taking note of US supported Indian plans; Pakistan has also cultivated its relationship with the Russian Federation. In 2012, Moscow and Islamabad agreed to enhance bilateral relations in diverse fields. Addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in Islamabad on October 4, 2012, Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov said that the two countries agreed that they had common goals on regional and current global challenges. Lavrov stated that Russia supports Pakistan’s stance on Afghanistan by pointing out that any solution imposed from outside would not work there.

In 2010, the then Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin publicly endorsed Pakistan’s bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which includes the former Central Asian republics as permanent members. Putin also remarked that Pakistan was a very important partner in South Asia and the Muslim world for Russia.

The then President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari participated in the 12th summit of the SCO held in Beijing. While addressing the summit, hinting out towards Indo-US secret designs, Chinese president Hu Jintao said, “The international situation has been complex, thus bringing many uncertainties to the regional situation.” He explained that only when SCO member states remain united can they effectively cope with emerging challenges. President Putin said, “The SCO should enhance security cooperation.”

In fact, China, Pakistan, Russia and Iran know that after the withdrawal of most of the NATO troops from Afghanistan, the US-led NATO has been maintaining military presence in that country, having eyes on the energy resources of Central Asia, while encouraging Indian role in Afghanistan.

It is noteworthy that on July 20, 2011, while hinting towards Pak-China ties, the then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged India to be more assertive in Asia, saying that as American ally, the country should play more of a leadership role. She explained, “India has the potential to positively shape the future of the Asia-Pacific.”  

Nonetheless, US approach of backing Indian role in Asia would cause imbalance in the region with serious implications for global security, and will embolden India to attain her   hegemonic designs at the cost of modern world trends such as peaceful settlement of disputes, economic development and disarmament.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Who is Behind Charlie Hebdo Episode?

By Sajjad Shaukat

On January 7, 2015, two armed persons stormed into the office of infamous French satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris. The Western media reported that Islamic militants killed 12 people including a French National Police officer. On January 9, 2015, the media said that two brothers namely Said and Cherif Kouachi suspected for the incident were killed in a shoot out with Police in a hostage-taking situation, at a signage company in Dammartinen-Goele, Paris where some people were also targeted. Thus, the gunmen killed total 17 persons.

In this regard, on January 11, 2015, a rally was organized in Paris to express solidarity with the controversial magazine. According to Western media, the rally had an estimated 1.6 million people in which 40 world leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

In fact, Charlie Hebdo episode has been deliberately instigated to create tension between different religious communities—Islam being perceived as main adversary becomes a natural

Zionist groups and Israeli secret agency, Mossad used the episode to punish France on recognizing Palestinian state and a caution/desist other EU countries to avoid such approach on Mossad connection with Charlie Hebdo incident has been exposed by many serious writers, analysts and social media bloggers/campaigners. In this respect, a video titled “Did Mossad Do Charlie Hebdo” prepared/uploaded by www.brothernathanaelchanne.com is worth-watching.

In this context, as part of Israeli conspiracy, the attack on Charlie Habdo and Paris Solidarity Rally glaringly point towards the Western hypocrisy and intolerance for the Islamic world. For all, its famed irreverence, the magazine has not touched Jewish sensitive issue like Holocaust etc. and does not touch anti-Semitism. France is among the several European countries where

Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism are criminal offences. Instead of damaging public property in retaliation to such sacrilegious attempts, Iran’s reaction on the caricature satire of Charle Hebdo has remained novel, magnificent and praise worthy.

Iranian “House of Cartoon” and “Sarcheshmeh Cultural Complex” expressing their displeasure, announced to organize second international cartoon contest on Holocaust. Top three prizes will be 12000, 8000 and 5000 US dollars. Shojaei-Tabatabii, Director of Iran’s House of Cartoons is reported to have encouraged world cartoonists to submit their creations before April 2015. The cartoons will also be displayed in Palestine Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran. It was suggested by the wise intellectuals in the Islamic Word that Muslim countries through OIC platform or at individual state levels must engage France for taming the magazine to avoid hurting religious communities. It may be recalled that France had banned the magazine known in its previous incarnation as Haia Kiri–for mocking Charles de Gaulle’s death. It then reinvented In this connection, demonstrations and rallies were conducted in various Islamic and western countries by the Muslims who protested against the recently-published caricatures of Holy Prophet (PBUH), while many Christians around the Western World have defended the right of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo to publish these inflammatory caricatures in relation to the However, it is not the single blasphemous act, in the past too; such anti-Islam activities have been conducted by the Mossad elements which not only want to distort the image of Islam, but balso seek to create division between the Muslim and Western worlds. In this respect, on March 20, 2011, a US evangelical preacher Terry Jones supervised the burning of a copy of the Holy   Quran by Pastor Wayne Sapp in a Florida church. In 2005, caricatures of Holy Prophet (PBUH) published in Danish newspapers sparked deadly protests in Muslim countries.

In September, 2012, demonstrations and violence hit more than 30 Islamic countries by the Muslims who protested against blasphemous US-made film “Innocence of Muslims,” produced by Israeli-American filmmaker Sam Bacile. In Pakistan, protesters plunged the country into chaos as 30 people were killed in addition to widespread damage to public and private property in nationwide protests. In this regard, the American ambassador in Libya and three of his staff were killed in an attack on the US. Notably, reprinting of the caricatures about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and release of a Dutch film against the Holy Qur’an in 2008 was also part of the same conspiracy against the Muslims.

The film equates Islam with violence, followed by the 9/11 terror attacks inside the US, showing Islamic leaders preaching inflammatory sermons against Jews and Christians. It displayed that Europe is under threat from Islamic beliefs and practices. Besides, in May, 2010, a competition of the blasphemous drawings about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) inspired by an American cartoonist on Facebook including YouTube triggered demonstrations across the Muslim world.

Those who are behind these fanatic entities intend to fulfill their political designs. In these terms, by availing the international phenomena of terrorism, Indo-Israeli lobbies are collectively working in America and other European countries to manipulate the double standards of the west in relation to terrorism and human rights vis-à-vis some Islamic countries. Israel and India are equating the ‘war of independence’ in Kashmir and Palestine with terrorism. If India considers Pakistan as its enemy number one, Israel takes Iran in the same sense particularly due to its nuclear programme which is also negated by the US. Nevertheless, all these similarities of interest have brought the two countries to follow a common secret diplomacy to provocate Washington against Pakistan, Iran, Syria etc.

Taking cognizance of the growing threat of global terrorism, which has been dividing the Western and Islamic nations on cultural and religious lines, American and European governments have already started inter-faith dialogue especially between the Christian and the Muslim nations. But this measure is proving fruitless due to a deliberate anti-Muslim campaign, particularly launched by the Israeli Mossad.

Another regrettable point is that irresponsible attitude of some Indian, Israeli, American and Western politicians has introduced dangerous socio-religious dimension in their societies by equating the “war on terror” with “war on Islam” and acts of Al Qaeda with all the Muslims.

Their media have also been contributing to heighten the currents of world politics on similar lines. It is because of these developments that a greater resentment is being found among the Muslims who think that the US in connivance with the Indo-Israeli lobbies is sponsoring state terrorism, directly or indirectly from Kashmir to Palestine and from Afghanistan to Somalia. As a matter of fact, by hurting the feelings of Muslims through the anti-Islam activities, these plotters intend to create a greater resentment among the Muslims against the Western world in general and the United States in particular. During such occasions, protesters in the Islamic countries raised anti-US slogans, burnt American flags and targeted US embassies and installations—this is what Israel wants.

These blasphemous activities against the religion of Muslims resulted in the recruitment of more militants by the terrorist groups. Instead of curbing terrorism, it has caused more terrorism in the volatile countries like Somalia, Yemen etc.

Anti-Muslim lobbies and some of the US neo-conservative think tanks which are funded by the Zionists, especially Mossad are secretly staging propaganda against Islam and Muslim countries.

With the assistance of some fundamentalist Christians and Jews, Charlie Hebdo episode had been planned by them to incite the sentiments of Muslims around the world in order to show to the west that all the Muslims are fanatics and extremists. Another major aim behind is to unite the Islamic countries against the US-led western countries so that an unending rift could be created among them. So conspirators have succeeded in their nefarious designs to a greater Because, US and some European top officials have defended the anti-Islamic cartoons under the pretext of freedom of speech. Critics say that if western democracies have passed laws against anti-Semitism and denials of the Holocaust, as to why there is no such law about anti-Islam moves.  However, it indicates double standards of these liberal and civilized countries which have further encouraged those who want to sabotage the world peace through division.

As regards the aftermath of the Paris terror attack, people even in the Islamic World have highly appreciated the statement of Pope Francis who said, “There are limits to freedom of speech, especially when it insults or ridicules someone’s faith.”

Nonetheless, most alarming point is that if the anti-Islam activities of the lobbies, particularly of Mossad are not being checked by the international community in time, the same will culminate in World War-III, popularly known as “clash of civilizations.”

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

India Maligns Pak Leadership

By Sajjad Shaukat

Since BJP came to power, its leader and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has been
implementing its party’s agenda by accelerating false propaganda against Pakistan, its Armed
Forces and country’s superior spy agency ISI.

In this regard, Indian newspaper “Deccan Chronicle” published a false story on November 7,
2014, titled “Pakistan’s ISI may target India’s key economic centers and important installations.”
In the recent past, Indian troops after having committed ceasefire violations along the Line of
Control (LoC) and Working boundary (WB) martyred several Pakistani nationals including
personnel of Rangers. Instead of extending an apology, Indian propagandists shamelessly
accused Pak Army and ISI for backing cross-border infiltration and violations. On October 15,
2014 in the RAW sponsored Indian daily, “Deccan Chronicle,” Ranjnish Sharma allegedly
asserted that Pakistan’s repeated ceasefire violations also led to severe differences between
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pak Army and ISI.

And, in collaboration with the extremist outfit RSS, Indian agencies orchestrated a drama to
defame Pakistan in the world. On December 31, 2014, Indian media allegedly reported that a
Pakistani fishing boat as a Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was intercepted by
Indian Coast Guards, at Porebandar, Gujarat. In this respect, an operation was undertaken on a
precise intelligence tip and boat was ordered to stop, but it did not comply and sped away. They
set the boat on fire and it exploded. Indian Coast Guard officials stated that no body or debris
was found due to bad weather. However, Indian officials who failed to produce any evidence to
Islamabad started portraying another version by suggesting that the boat which had left Keti
Bandar, Karachi might have belonged to small time smugglers. While, it is not possible that 30
HP boat could run four state of the art Indian Coast Guard ships.

The aim of this Indian drama was to create an aura against Pakistan prior to US President
Barrack Obama’s recent visit to India and put pressure on Pakistan government on Zakiur
Rehman Lakhvi’s bail issue and allege LeT as an organization, posing regional threats—and
accusing Islamabad of sponsoring terrorist activities in India. In fact, this is nothing, but a brazen
reflection of Indian divisive propaganda, targeting Pakistan’s civil military relations.
It is notable that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif tried his best to establish cordial
relationship with India, and to restore the peace dialogue with the latter. He also encouraged
trade with India. For the purpose, he participated in the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister
Modi. But, on May 27, 2014, Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with Prime Minister Sharif proved
faultless, because Modi raised baseless issues of cross-border terrorism as pre-conditions to
advance the Pak-India dialogue. He said that slow pace of trial against the terrorists of the
Mumbai 26/11 terror case; being held in Pakistan is main hurdle.

Indian prime minister ignored the fact that on July 19, 2013, the Indian former home ministry
and ex-investigating officer Satish Verma disclosed that terror-attacks in Mumbai in November
26, 2008 and assault on Indian Parliament in January 12, 2001 were carried out by the Indian
government to strengthen anti-terrorism laws.

Similarly, Indian Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde revealed on January 20, 2013 that
organized training camps run by the fundamentalist parties, RSS and BJP were promoting Hindu
terrorism. He also explained that these extremist parties were behind the Samjhauta Express,
Meccca Masjid and Malegaon blasts.

But, India always accused Pakistan’s ISI of all these subversive acts, while, Indian official
confession shows that these terror attacks were arranged by Indian RAW.

However, under the directives of BJP government, Indian print, electronic and social media do
not waste any opportunity to continuously spit venomous propaganda against Pakistan. Since the
start of New Year, a palpable shift has been noticed in the trends of Indian media. It generally
spared the political leadership of Pakistan in the past and targeted Pak Army and ISI as a favorite
flavor for its propaganda cuisine. Nevertheless, to create a sprinkling affect, Indian media seems
to have started targeting Pakistan’s political leadership as well.

In this context, in a latest attempt, social media site (Oneindia) and “Deccan Herald”, dated,
January 13, 2015 gave space to a speculative report in which Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has
been alleged for maintaining double standards against India. Quoting a latest book, “Where
Borders Bleed”, written by ex-Indian diplomat Rajiv Dogra, published by Rupa Publication, it is
alleged that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had approved the episode of serial blasts in Mumbai in
In fact, allegation of involvement of Prime Minister Sharif in 1993 Mumbai blasts episode is
imaginary and baseless. And, as to why the author, Rajiv Dogra who served as Indian Counsel
General Karachi took so much time to write and level such allegations.

While, Pakistan has always remained forthcoming in resumption of meaningful diplomatic
engagements with India, however, contrary to Pakistan’s posture, Indian leadership has shown
stubborn attitude and calling off the negotiations on flimsy pretexts. In past too, New Delhi made
pretexts to cancel peace talks, while shifting the blame to Pakistan. For example, in 2002, under
the pretension of terrorist attack on the Indian parliament, India postponed the dialogue process.
Again, in 2008, India cancelled the ‘composite dialogue’ on the pretext of Mumbai terror attacks.
Last year, New Delhi cancelled the Secretary level talks with Islamabad under the pretext that
during his Indian visit, Pakistan’s prime minister’s special advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz
Now, India accelerated cross-border shelling inside Pakistan’s areas. India’s main aim is to delay
the Pak-India peace process, as it is not serious in resolving all issues, especially main dispute of
Nonetheless, the book “Where Borders Bleed” also contains speculative inferences about
political leaders of both Pakistan and India and likely to generate controversies about them.

           Pakistan’s leaders of the political parties may be encouraged to write and express their view point to counter whimsical allegations, leveled against their leadership in the book. 

          Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

          Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com