Indian Officials Continue Harassing Ladies

By Sajjad Shaukat

Fundamentalist government of the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi still prefers military spending instead of improving social fabric of Indian society. Rising number of rapes are attributable to religious fanaticism, nation’s patriarchy, widespread poverty and lack of law enforcement.

Now, India has become an eternal ordeal for ladies, and every 23 minutes a lady is raped. In this respect, some women lodge a complaint or FIR, while most of them avoid it, considering dishonor in the society.

Indian hegemonic designs and lust for military power has resulted in brazenly ignoring socio- economic factors behind the menace of rape, as sexual assaults are direct outcome of ignored priorities at national level.

It is surprising to note that even Indian officials continue harassing ladies through sexual assaults. In this regard Mr. Mahinder Kumar Khurana, Counsellar Education and Political Affairs is a Foreign Service officer who was posted to Indian Embassy, Katmandu in August 2014 and since then he is looking after the Education and Political matters.

The officer has been accused of sexual harassment to one of the lady staff i.e. Mrs Jemini Rajbanshi, Lower Divisional Clerk of Education Wing of Indian Embassy in Katmandu.

Addressing to the complaint launched by the affected lady, Mr. Ranjit Rae, HOM has ordered a silent Court of Inquiry. In this backdrop, Mr. Mahinder Kumar Khurana has been ordered to move back to India ASP.

In this respect, some major rape cases are mentionable. On April 14, 2015, an officer of Indian Administrative Service, SN Roy in Haryana has been sent on leave after being accused of sexually abusing a woman who complained to the police. On March 28, a woman from Bengaluru filed a complaint with Delhi police against an immigration officer who sexually harassed her at Indira Gandhi International Airport. On March 21, a court in Delhi granted bail to environmentalist R.K. Pachauri who was facing a case of sexual attack on a woman research analyst. On March 18, the naked body of a 75-year-old woman was found at an ashram in West Bengal’s Burdwan district—a second rape of a senior citizen in West Bengal within a week.

Besides, in a number of rape cases, targeting foreign ladies have come to the surface in India in 2013. In March 2013, a 38 year old Swiss woman was gang-raped in a forest near Datia town by six Indians. In January 2013 a South Korean student was drugged and raped by the son of owner of the hotel where she was staying.

Regrettably, a British holidaymaker in the northern city of Agra suffered a leg injury when she jumped out of the hotel window to save her honor, as two men entered her hotel room with the intent to molest her. In February 2013, a Chinese woman working in Gurgaon, was raped by an Indian acquaintance. In May 31, 2013, a young Irish woman was raped by a man in a house in Kalighat area. The 21 years old young girl came into with acquaintance, an Indian native named Sujay Mitra in the city of Kolkata where she was celebrating her birthday.

In a notorious case, five years ago, 15-year old British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling was raped and left to die on a beach in the tourist resort of Goa. In another shameful case, in June 3, 2013, a US national was gang-raped by three men in a truck in Manali. The woman was attacked, after she accepted a lift by three men in a truck. Police said the men drove the woman to a secluded spot where they raped her and robbed her.

This practice continued in 2014. Taking cognizance of sexual assaults on the tourist ladies, British and Swiss governments including those of other countries have already issued instructions to women tourists to refrain from going to India due to growing risks of insecurity by the Indian officials.

In this context, The New York wrote in June 10, 2013, “Visits to India by female tourists dropped 35 percent in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year. That three-month period came after the fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old student in New Delhi in December…every day women face the harassment and intimidation in India.”

It elaborated, “Although the per capita rate of rapes reported to the police in India is below, as many sexual attacks go unreported and that the actual number is far higher…sexual offense law in March that imposes stronger penalties for violence against women and criminalizes actions. But attacks on women have continued with an alarming regularity. While Indian women are most often the targets, foreign tourists have been victims as well.”

Sumit Galhotra, a journalist who specializes in human rights in South Asia, said that he has noticed, “While some rape cases in India have received widespread coverage in the local media, but others have not, particularly rape cases in rural India, which are routinely ignored in the press…despite the pervasiveness of India’s rape problem, only a few cases get international headlines.”

In fact, the fast-track court system in India is still not fast enough. In this context, the Indian judicial system moves at a glacial pace, because the prosecution’s primary focus has, instead, been on barring foreign journalists from proceedings.

In this connection, on March 29, 2015, a report under the caption, “Pakistani girl molested, Pune cop held”, published in Indian newspaper, “The Hindu” said that a Pune policeman has been booked for molesting a minor Pakistani national at her residence. Anand Gidde, attached to the Pakistan desk of the Foreigners Registration Office, visited the 13-year-old’s house on March 24 ostensibly for verifying documents and molested her.

Nevertheless, rape of a Pakistani Hindu minor girl is driven by general acrimony of Indians against Pakistan. Despite repeated demand of Pakistani High Commission in India, no action has been taken against the culprit Anand Gidde who has also managed a bail before arrest. Reportedly, the minor girl was raped by the Pune Police official on instance of Indian secret agency, RAW officials to humiliate the family of the victim after they refused to work for RAW.

The incident is an eye opener for foreigners, particularly Hindu and Sikh families aspiring to visit India for pilgrimage or other purposes.  

Undoubtedly, major reason for increasing cases of rape is callous attitude of Indian government and political leaders who behave insensitively to these ugly crimes. Hence, foreign governments and media must pay a greater attention regarding growing evil of rape against women in India, denouncing it forcefully and uncovering negligence of Indian police and law-enforcing agencies. Otherwise, besides the non-officials, even Indian officials would continue targeting ladies through sexual assaults.

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Why India’s Confounded Policy towards Pakistan?

By Sajjad Shaukat

India once again escaped from negotiations by cancelling National Security Adviser (NSA)-level talks with Pakistan, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on August 23-24. In this regard, as part of pre-conditions, Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said that New Delhi opposes Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz’s meeting with pro-independence leaders of Kashmir.

Turning down Indian advice, Pakistan’s Foreign Office statement said that the meeting of Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders with Sartaj Aziz would ensure a more “meaningful and result-oriented” dialogue between the national security advisors of both the countries, elaborating, “The Hurriyat leaders are true representatives of the Kashmiri people of the Indian occupied Kashmir—to find a lasting solution of the Kashmir dispute”.

It is notable that during the talks between the prime ministers of India and Pakistan, at Ufa, Islamabad has conveyed to New Delhi a comprehensive agenda to discuss all outstanding issues, including Kashmir as well as terrorism.

Therefore, New Delhi’s insistence to restrict the agenda for the dialogue to terrorism or cross-border terrorism only, demonstrated India’s confounded policy towards Pakistan.

It is mentionable that Pakistan-India foreign secretary level talks were held in Islamabad on March 3, this year. In this respect, Indian External Affairs Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry discussed contentious issues including Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek and other bilateral issues. While, last year, India postponed the Secretary level talks with Pakistan; under the pretext that during his Indian visit Sartaj Aziz met Kashmiri leaders.

In fact, a lack of seriousness on India’s part to settle all disputes, especially Kashmir issue has compelled New Delhi to follow a self-contradictory and confused strategy towards Islamabad.

Hence, New Delhi earnestly found various pretexts to cancel peace talks, while shifting the blame to Islamabad. 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.

Particularly, on May 27, 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Shariff in the oath-taking ceremony proved faultless, because Modi raised baseless issues like terrorism as pre-condition to advance the Pak-Indian 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.

But, 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.

As regards the case of cross-border terrorism, India has shown ambivalent approach which can be judged from various recent developments.  In this connection, on July 27, 2015, three gunmen dressed in army uniforms killed at least seven people, including three civilians and four policemen in the Indian district of Gurdaspur, Punjab.

Without any investigation, Indian high officials and media started accusing Pakistan, its banned militant outfits and intelligence agencies for the Gurdaspur incident. Indian Police remarked that the attackers are from Indian-held Kashmir, and some said that they were Sikh separatists, while Indian Punjab police chief claimed that the three gunmen were Muslim, but as yet unidentified. Contradicting speculations, India’s Home Minister Rajnath Singh told parliament that the gunmen came from Pakistan.

Khalistan Movement Chief Manmohan Singh stated that the Gurdaspur incident is a conspiracy of Indian secret agency RAW to defame Pakistan.

Besides, in the recent past, prior to the US President Obama’s second visit to New Delhi, Indian intelligence agencies orchestrated a boat drama to defame Pakistan, allegedly reporting that a Pakistani fishing boat as a Pakistan-based outfit group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was intercepted by Indian Coast Guards, off the coast of Porebandar, Gujarat. And Indian Coast Guard crew set the boat on fire and it exploded. But, its reality exposed Indian terrorism, because, some Indian high officials admitted that there was no such boat which came from Pakistan.

Similarly, India intends to obtain various hidden purposes by blaming Islamabad for terrorism. First of all, it wants to divert the attention of the international community from the involvement of RAW which has well-established its network in Afghanistan, and is fully assisting cross-border incursions and terror-activities in various regions of Pakistan through Baloch separatist elements and anti-Pakistan groups like Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jundullah and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) including their affiliated outfits. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their acts of sabotage.

It is noteworthy that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani realized that Afghanistan and Pakistan are facing similar challenges of terrorism and will combat this threat collectively. On May 18, 2015, the two countries signed the security agreement—Pakistan’s primary spy agency ISI and Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) to share intelligence and conduct coordinated operations against terrorists. And, frequent visits of Pak-Afghan civil and military leaders to each other’s country also annoyed India.

It is worth-mentioning that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif accompanied by the DG of ISI went to Kabul on December 17, 2014. During his meeting with his Afghan counterpart, President Ashraf Ghani and the ISAF commander, he presented the evidence of linkage between the massacre of children at Peshawar school and TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan. He also asked about action against the TTP and handing over of its chief Mullah Fazlullah to Pakistan. In response, Afghan government and US have started taking action against the TTP. A number of TTP militants have been killed and captured in Afghanistan, while Fazlullah survived in a drone attack.

It is regrettable that New Delhi is destabilizing the regional countries in general and Afghanistan and Pakistan in particular. In order to obtain its secret designs, aimed at augmenting Indian hegemony in the region, India is foiling the peace process between Afghanistan and Pakistan by managing terrorist attacks like the recent ones in Afghanistan which revived old blame game against Islamabad.

And, waging a prolonged war in Afghanistan, the US and other NATO countries have realized that after the withdrawal of foreign troops, Afghanistan would be thrown in an era of uncertainly and civil war. They recognize the fact and terrorism or stability in Pakistan and Afghanistan is interrelated. Hence, US-led developed nations which also spent billions of dollars for the development of Afghanistan have repeatedly agreed that without Islamabad’s help, stability cannot be achieved there. In this connection, a meeting was hosted by Pakistan between the Afghan officials and representatives of Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan in Murree (On July 8, this year) and dialogue were conducted for an Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process, while the representatives of China and America also participated in the meeting.

In this backdrop of growing engagements of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and US, Indian desperation in Afghanistan is increasing. Moreover, New Delhi is trying to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Recent terror-attacks in Pakistan and Balochistan might be noted as instance. Indian RAW has also created a heavily funded China-Pakistan and Afghanistan specific desk to target growing Pak-China-Afghanistan relations.

Furthermore, on the direction of the Indian leader of the fundamentalist party BJP and Prime Minister Modi, Indian forces have accelerated unprovoked shelling across the Line of Control and Working Boundary, while creating war-like situation between Pakistan and India.

Notably, Islamabad has decided to raise the question of Indian cross-border terrorism and RAW involvement in Pakistan at the UNO forum, with strong evidence in light of open statements of Indian defence minister and Prime Minister Modi who recently confirmed assistance to anti-Pakistan elements including separation of East Pakistan.

Nevertheless, due to the new developments which favour stability in Pakistan, India in frustration, follows confounded policy towards Pakistan.

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’s Odd Judicial System

By Sajjad Shaukat

Although in most of the countries, British Judicial system is working well, which has some flaws, yet it follows rule of law like equality and indiscrimination. But, India has odd judicial system which is faulty—parochial and discriminatory, proving inequality (Manusmriti).

The “Manusmriti” is Hindu code of ancient India, dealing with socio-politico-economic spheres of human life including all aspects of the law. Hindu law as codified by Manu is based on the principle of inequality. Like the Indian discriminatory caste system, the punishment for a particular crime is not same for all “varnas” (social classes). In fact, the punishment varies depending on the “varna” of the victim as well as the the person, committing the crime. For the same crime, Brahmin is given a mild punishment or exoneration, whereas the Shudra (lower strata of Hindu social order) is given the harshest punishment of all. Manu clearly asserts the supremacy of Brahmanism by exempting Brahmins from any kind of punishment. Even after several centuries, Manu’s verses and laws are used as guiding principles in the modern India.

Recently, two different cases in India have witnessed strong shades of “Manusmriti”. On February 11, 2015, an additional session judge V.K. Pujara acquitted 70 accused Hindus for lack of evidence in 2002 post-Godhra riots which took place in Seshan Nava village. It is also likely that Hindu judiciary will acquit many other accused Hindus involved in Gujarat programmme by citing the same reasons in near future. As per official figures, the Gujarat massacre had claimed lives of 790, while 223 Muslims were reported as missing. Other sources estimate that up to 2,000 Muslims were killed in cold blood. There were instances of rape, children, being burnt alive and widespread looting and destruction of religious buildings and other property. Many scholars and commentators accused the then Gujarat state government (led by incumbent Indian Prime Minister Narender Modi) of being complicit in the attacks. He was even banned to travel to USA. Extremist Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) as well as many politicians, including Modi, had made inflammatory remarks and endorsed strikes against the Muslims.

And Kashmiri activist namely Afzal Guru also became the victim of Indian judiciary’s traditionally callous attitude when he was hanged on February 9, 2013 after Indian Supreme Court rejected his mercy petition. Indian Supreme Court and other courts are, however, insensitive to huge number of petitions, filed against Hindu extremists of VHP, BJP, and even against Indian Prime Minister Modi.

In another case, on March 12, 1993, a series of bombing had taken place in Bombay, Maharashtra, resulting in killing of 350 persons. Dawood Ibrahim, his subordinates including Tiger Memon, and some expatriate Indian smugglers like Hajji Ahmed, Hajji Umar, Taufiq Jaliawala etc. were alleged for the crime. Yakub Memon a professional Chartered Accountant, younger brother of Tiger Memon was also nominated as absconder in the crime. He initially fled from India; however, he surrendered to Indian authorities in Nepal on July 28, 1994 to get himself exonerated from the allegations/charges. Indian Central Bureau of Investigation claims that Memon was arrested at New Delhi railway station on August 5, 1994.

On July 27, 2007, while conducting hearing of 1993 Bombay bombing case, Justice P. D. Kode of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court found Yakub Memon guilty of four offences which include criminal conspiracy, aiding/abetting and facilitating in a terrorist act, illegal possession and transportation of arms and ammunition and possessing explosives with intent to endanger lives. Yakub Memon was awarded punishments of death penalty, life imprisonment and 24 years rigorous imprisonment. Memon filed an appeal before the Supreme Court of India. On March 21, 2013, Supreme Court confirmed Memon’s conviction and death sentence for conspiracy through financing the attacks. Indian President Parnab Mukherjee rejected Memon’s petition for clemency on April 11, 2014. Memon’s review petition and curative petitions were also rejected by Indian Supreme Court on April 9, 2015 and July 21, 2015 respectively. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Government issued a death warrant setting July 30, 2015 as the date for Memon’s execution. Memon then filed a mercy petition with the Governor of Maharashtra and filed a writ before the Supreme Court of India for a stay on his execution till the mercy petition is decided.

However, Yakub Memon case has been generating criticism from all the corners of the world especially from within India. Divya Iyer, Research Manager at Amnesty International India remarked that the rejection of Yakub Memon’s curative petition in the Supreme Court, paving the way for his imminent execution is a disappointing—and regressive step towards the continued use of the death penalty in India. She even rebukes the Indian politicians by saying that lawmakers in India often find it convenient to hold up capital punishment as a symbol of their resolve to tackle crime and choose to ignore more difficult and effective solutions like improving investigations, prosecutions and care for victims’ families. Former RAW official B Raman in an unpublished article of 2007 (now published by Rediff) maintained the cooperation of Yakub with the investigating agencies after he was picked up informally in Kathmandu and his role in persuading some other members of the family to come out of Pakistan and surrender by constituting a strong mitigating circumstance to be taken into consideration, while considering whether the death penalty should be implemented. Indian journalist Maseeh Rehman wrote that it would be a national tragedy of epic proportions and a significant miscarriage of justice, if Yakub Memon hangs for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Some Indian journalists assess three pronged affects of hanging of Yakub Memon. They believe that the message being sent is that the next time one should not trust the Indian legal system to help those who surrender voluntarily and seek to nail the real criminals. If Memon is hanged despite re-emerging facts, it will prove yet again that political support is the key to getting convicts an easier sentence. The tragedy would be to establish religion as the central issue in tackling terrorism. AIMIM chief/MP Asaduddin Owaisi suggests that Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon was awarded capital punishment because of his religion, alleging that he was doing “communal politics” over terrorism and nothing could be “uglier” than this. Owaisi sought to know whether the perpetrators of demolition of disputed structure in Ayodhya (Babri mosque), communal riots of Mumbai and Gujarat, and other such sensational cases would get similar punishment. In retaliation, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj said that those who do not respect judiciary can go to Pakistan.

While, off late, leaders of various parties including BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha and its expelled MP Ram Jethmalani, Mani Shankar Aiyar (Congress), Majeed Memon (NCP), Sitaram Yechury (CPM), Raja (CPI), KTS Tulsi and HK Dua (nominated) and T Siva (DMK), former CPM general secretary Prakash Karat, CPI(ML)-Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, Brinda Karat (CPM), filmmakers and actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Mahesh Bhatt, MK Raina and Tushar Gandhi, retired judges-Justice Panachand Jain, Justice HS Bedi, Justice PB Sawant, Justice H Suresh, Justice KP Siva Subramaniam, Justice SN Bhargava, Justice K Chandru and Justice Nagmohan Das submitted a fresh petition to President Pranab Mukherjee, requesting him to waive the death sentence of Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon. In the new petition, urging stay against imminent execution of Yakub Memon, the signatories claimed that there are “substantive and fresh grounds” which can be considered on merits. However, Yakub Memon has been hanged on July 30, 2015.

It is mentionable that Yakub Memon has been executed in the case under the TADA court verdict. But, it is ironical that famous Indian actor Sanjay Datt proved as an accomplice in the 1993 Bombay bombings and has not been awarded capital punishment.

Nevertheless, Muslims and other minority communities are victimized by the Hindu majority in the name of Manusmriti. India under the rule of Hindu extremist party BJP is augmenting Hindu parochialism where other communities/religious minorities are treated like Sudras. Increasing violence against minorities witnessed and recorded during BJP rule which is vivid manifestation of same Hindu aggressive approach.

Indian judiciary, mainly dominated by Hindu parochialism, while giving Hindu Brahmins, the special status, despite their heinous crimes like Gujarat genocide, and whereas, Muslims will get death punishments, even they are not directly involved in the crime or voluntarily submit to remove the stigma of accusation in any sort of crimes is quite discriminatory and is based upon inequality.

Notably, Indian society, fraught with a faulty judicial system can not claim or project itself as progressive.

It is the right hour that international community should take notice of the situation of grave human rights violations and increasing anti-minorities’ violence in India where judiciary is also supportive to the perpetrators of crimes. Otherwise, Indian odd judicial system will continue, supporting Hindu extremists and extending judicial impunity to target the minorities.

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

Indian Independence Day is Black Day for Kashmiris

By Sajjad Shaukat

                                            

Every year when India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world over observe it as Black Day to convey the message to the international community that India continues to usurp their inalienable right to self- determination.

This very day is being marked by complete shutdown, as deserted streets, closed businesses and security patrolling the streets could be seen in the Indian-held Kashmir. Noting intensity in the war of liberation and hoisting of Pakistani flags by the Kashmiri protesters, this time, Indian occupation authorities have imposed stringent restrictions in Srinagar and other towns, and deployed heavy contingents of police and troops to prevent people from holding anti-India demonstrations.

However, during the partition of the Sub-continent in 1947, the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) which comprised Muslim majority decided to join Pakistan according to the British-led formula. But, Dogra Raja, Sir Hari Singh, a Hindu who was ruling over the J&K, in connivance with the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Governor General Lord Mountbatten joined India.

The Radcliffe Boundary Award gave the Gurdaspur District—a majority Muslim area to India to provide a land route to the Indian armed forces to move into Kashmir. There was a rebellion in the state forces, which revolted against the Maharaja and were joined by Pathan tribesmen. Lord Mountbatten ordered armed forces to land in Srinagar.

Indian forces invaded Srinagar on October 27, 1947 and forcibly occupied Jammu and Kashmir in utter violation of the partition plan and against the wishes of the Kashmiri people. 

When Pakistan responded militarily against the Indian aggression, on December 31, 1947, India made an appeal to the UN Security Council to intervene and a ceasefire ultimately came into effect on January 01, 1949, following UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir.

On February 5, 1964, India backed out of its promise of holding plebiscite. Instead, in March 1965, the Indian Parliament passed a bill, declaring Kashmir a province of India-an integral part of the Indian union.

Kashmiris organized themselves against the injustices of India and launched a war of liberation which New Delhi tried to suppress through various forms of state terrorism. Passing through various phases, the struggle of Kashmiris which has become an interaction between New Delhi’s state terrorism led by the Indian security forces and war of liberation by the freedom fighters keeps on going unabated.

It is notable that since 1947, in order to maintain its illegal control, India has continued its repressive regime in the occupied Kashmir through various machinations.

Nevertheless, various forms of state terrorism have been part of a deliberate campaign by the Indian army and paramilitary forces against Muslim Kashmiris, especially since 1989. It has been manifested in brutal tactics like crackdowns, curfews, illegal detentions, massacre, targeted killings, sieges, burning the houses, torture, disappearances, rape, breaking the legs, molestation of Muslim women and killing of persons through fake encounters.

According to a report on human rights violations in the Indian-occupied Kashmir, since 1989, there have been deaths of 1,00000 innocent Kashmiris, 7,023 custodial killings, 1,22,771 arrests, 1,05,996 destruction of houses or buildings, 22,776 women widowed, 1,07,466 children orphaned and 10,086 women gang-raped/molested. Indian brutal securities forces have continue these atrocities.

In fact, Indian forces have employed various draconian laws like the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act, and the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act in killing the Kashmiri people, and for the arbitrarily arrest of any individual for an indefinite period.

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.

In its report on July 2, 2015, the Amnesty International has highlighted extrajudicial killings of the innocent persons at the hands of Indian security forces in the Indian-held Kashmir. The report points out, “Tens of thousands of security forces are deployed in Indian-administered Kashmir…the Armed Forces Special Powers Act allows troops to shoot to kill suspected militants or arrest them without a warrant…not a single member of the armed forces has been tried in a civilian court for violating human rights in Kashmir…this lack of accountability has in turn facilitated other serious abuses…India has martyred 100,000 people. More than 8,000 disappeared (while) in the custody of army and state police.”

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

It is of particular attention that in 2008, a rights group reported unmarked graves in 55 villages across the northern regions of the Indian-occupied Kashmir. Then researchers and other groups reported finding thousands of mass graves without markers. In this regard, in August, 2011, Indian Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission 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 organisations have revealed that unnamed graves include those innocent persons, killed by the Indian military and paramilitary troops in the fake encounters including those who were tortured to death by the Indian secret agency RAW.

As a matter of fact, Indian authorities are not willing to talk with Kashmiri people on political grounds. New Delhi reached to a conclusion that only bullet is the right way of dealing with Kashmiris who are demanding their right of self-determination. Surprisingly, Indian successive governments are trying to ignore the dynamics of the freedom movement of Kashmiris for the sake of their alien rule.

Nonetheless, August 15 which is the Independence Day for India, is Black Day for  the Kashmiris and their brethren in Pakistan including those living all over the world, as they re-affirm their commitment to continue their struggle against Indian illicit occupation, and till the attainment of their liberation.

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

Independence Day Emphasizes on Strong Unity

By Sajjad Shaukat

                                                  

The 14th August which is celebrated every year as the Independence Day, has come at a time when Pakistan is facing multiple threats of grave nature internally and externally, which are not only worrying all the citizens, but are also creating divisions among the federal and provincial governments including political parties.

While, it was due to the selfless practical unity among the Muslims under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam that Pakistan became a tangible reality, on August 14, 1947. But that unity started declining after passing through various crises, and the result was separation of East Pakistan in 1971, as the India manipulated differences between East Pakistan and the West Pakistan.

However, Pakistan’s security forces have been facing a different war against the enemy which employs subversive activities of various kinds which also include internal and external challenges. Pakistan is in the state of new war, being waged by the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies against terrorists. In this respect, our Armed Forces have successfully obtained their objectives in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) including other tribal agencies through military operation Zarb-e-Azb against the terrorists who had challenged the writ of the state, and had frightened the entire nation by their terror-acts. In Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi and other parts of the country including FATA our security forces and law-enforcing agencies are coping with the militants, foreign agents and criminals.

Undoubtedly, Pakistan is facing multi-faceted crises and challenges such as corruption, soaring prices, energy-shortage, unemployment, crimes, lack of health facilities, and dependence upon the US-led developed countries, IMF and World Bank for financial aid.

Externally, Pak Army and Rangers have boldly been responding to India’s unprovoked firing at the Line of Control in Kashmir including Working Boundary in Sialkot and other sectors. While, the fundamentalist party BJP led by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is implementing anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan agenda. In this context, BJP leader Dr. Subramaniam Swamy, a staunch promoter of Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) stated on July 12, 2014 that India needed only two years to defeat Pakistan militarily, and the only solution of Kashmir was war, as “there is no peaceful, democratic solution.

Unfortunately, it is because of lack of unity among our politicians, leaders and media that foreign opportunists have been manipulating the chaotic situation of Pakistan in order to fulfill their secret agenda by destabilizing the country which is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World. In the past few years, nefarious designs of some foreign secret agencies like Indian RAW and Israeli Mossad can be gauged from a number of anti-Pakistan developments such as their support to insurgency in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, separatism in Balochistan and targeted killings especially in Karachi.

In case of Pakistan’s war against terrorism, while emphasizing on national unity, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif has repeatedly stated, “We will continue to go after the inhuman beasts, their facilitators till their final elimination.”

On June 10, this year, Gen. Raheel Sharif said, “Terrorists have been cleared from their strongholds in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency, and fight now is moving into last few pockets close to Afghan border.” He laid emphasis on “continuation of the operations till elimination of the last expected and probable terrorists groups and sanctuaries.”

Notably, present drastic situation cannot be comprehended by the general masses and even the political leaders who abruptly change their opinion. Therefore, they become unintentional victim of the external plotters who succeed in creating a rift particularly between the political groups, divided on ethnic and linguistic lines. These external enemies also seek to create a division between the political leaders and the Armed Forces of our country.

Nevertheless, today, Pakistan stands at the crossroads of its destiny, facing internal and external challenges and threats to the national security of the country.

At this critical moment, 14th August demands true national unity, which must be shown practically. This significant day emphasizes that our political leaders must pledge that they will not manipulate their regional and provincial differences at the cost of the national interests so as to grab political power. In this connection, a blind dedication to one’s own race, tribe and creed should not be allowed to create hatred in one group against the other. They must avoid exploiting present thorny issues in order to increase their vote-bank at the cost of the integration of the country. If any controversy arises, it can better be settled in consonance with the constitution. For this aim, in order to castigate the conspiracy of the external enemies against the integrity of the country, our political leaders, media and human rights groups must also stop manipulating any crisis against Pak Army and country’s primary secret agency, ISI whose image are deliberately being tarnished by the external plotters.

True and selfless unity against the foreign enemies requires that our rulers and leaders of other political parties and must create national cohesion among various segments of society. Particularly, our electronic media should give a matching response to malicious propaganda of some countries including India and Israel which are distorting the image of Pakistan, its army and ISI.

No doubt, at this crucial time, Pakistan’s survival lies in strong and selfless unity and cohesion, as at present, even a layman can note that our country is in chaos and it seems as if there is a “war of all against all” in the sense of ‘Hobbesian state of nature.”

On the occasion, we must follow the essence of the Pakistan Resolution which explained the basic idea of an independent state (Pakistan) in real terms by displaying practical unity which is not possible unless the government, the opposition leaders, civil societies, media owners, security forces including all other segments of society pledge to sign a charter of integration which is very necessary to pull the country out of the ongoing serious crises and threats.

Nonetheless, in wake of our serious crises and threats, Independence Day emphasizes on strong national Unity.

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Pakistan Celebrates National Minorities Day

By Sajjad Shaukat

                                                  

Every year, on August 11, Pakistan officially celebrates the National Minorities Day to honour the services and sacrifices, rendered by religious minorities for the country over the years.

This very day also recognizes the contribution and sacrifices of minorities in creation of Pakistan and nation-building.

On this occasion, events, seminars and social gatherings are arranged across the country by members of various religious minorities and the ministry of National Harmony.

It may be recalled that during the PPP government, August 11 was official declared National Minorities Day by  the former President Asif Ali Zardari in 2009 in line with the historic speech of founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947. In his speech, Quaid-e-Azam said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

In the same speech, Quaid-e-Azam said, “We are starting in the days where there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between ones caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens, and equal citizens of one state.”

It is mentionable that in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, the Constitution of 1973 protects the real rights and interest of minorities, living in Pakistan.

Last year, Shahid Mairaj, the Dean of the Cathedral stated in his message, on August 11, “The governing principle is to let people of every faith live in peace as they choose, and understand that the state belongs to everyone. This country is our mother, and it is a duty for all of us to help it to advance and flourish.”

In this regard, Member Punjab Assembly and minorities’ leader Najmi Saleem remarked, “Minorities in Pakistan have exactly the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens”.

Minister Incharge for National Harmony Dr. Paul Bhatti said, “The Minorities Day provides us an opportunity to renew the pledge for the promotion of tolerance and interfaith harmony as in a pluralistic society, there can always be a divergence of opinion on a number of issues, but these differences can be solved through interfaith harmony which means a cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religions, traditions, faiths, and spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at all levels.”

He acknowledged by pointing out, “Many steps have been taken by the Government for the protection and promotion of minorities like the reservation of 5 percent quota in Government jobs/services, enhancement representation in the parliament, declaration of August 11 as the Minorities Day, including observance of optional holidays and celebration of the festivals of minorities at official level”.

A Sikh leader, Sardar Bishan Singh shared similar thoughts and pointed out that all citizens of Pakistan worked together for the growth of the country.

It is notable that the Ministry of National Harmony was formed after the devolution of Ministry of Minority Affairs to acknowledge the sacrifices and services of minorities to promote peace, patience and tolerance for creating an understanding and brotherhood among the people of different schools of thought.

However, since the formation of Pakistan, minorities are contributing in every sphere of life and their political involvement is also worth appreciating. Therefore, the day is dedicated to the minorities who played their constructive role in Pakistan.

But, it is regrettable that in the recent years, with the support of anti-Pakistan groups like Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jundullah and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) including their affiliated outfits, Indian secret agency RAW which has well-established its network in Afghanistan arranged a number of terror-attacks on Ahmadis, Christians and Sikhs in order to distort the image of Pakistan abroad.

In this connection, some terror-events might be cited as instance. In May, 2009, Indian backed militants had forcibly taken over the shops and homes of the 35 Sikh families in the Orakzai Agency in Pakistan. On May 28, 2011 armed assaults on two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore killed more than 70 people. More than 80 people died and 150 injured when two suicide attackers struck the All Saints Church in Peshawar on September 22, 2013. On March 17, 2015, at least 15 people were killed and more than 70 injured when two Taliban suicide bombers attacked churches in Lahore. Indian supported TTP claimed responsibility for these attacks. In this context, investigations showed that RAW was behind these subversive acts. In fact, besides other terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, Balochistan and Karachi, assaults on religious communities are part of the Indian scheme to create chaotic situation in Pakistan, because it is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World.

While, India which claims an arch secular state has surprised the world because of continued attacks on other minority groups, especially Christians, Muslims and Sikhs—and events of forced conversion of Christians and Muslims into Hindus.

Unlike India, where religious minorities are being targeted by the Hindu fundamentalist outfits like the ruling party BJP, RSS, Shiv Sena etc., all the minorities such as Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and Budahists enjoy fundamental rights in Pakistan, including all other rights of citizenry in Pakistan.

Nevertheless, Pakistan which came into existence on the basis of Islamic principles to provide respect and protection to all the segments of society is giving full safety to all the minorities as mentioned in the Constitution. Besides other minority groups, particularly Christians are not only serving in the armed forces, but are also working in other departments. Without any discrimination by the Muslims, they also run their own business and are working in private sectors.

Nonetheless, the National Minorities Day not only expresses gratitude for the contributions, made by these religious communities, but also professes that future development of Pakistan hinges crucially on their efforts.

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

War against Terrorism & Rehabilitation of FATA

By Sajjad Shaukat

On June 10, this year, while showing the progress of the military operation Zarb-e-Azb, Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Raheel Sharif said, “Terrorists have been cleared from their strongholds in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency, and fight now is moving into last few pockets close to Afghan border.” He laid emphasis on “continuation of the operations till elimination of the last expected and probable terrorists groups and sanctuaries.”

Since June 15, 2014, the jets of Pakistan Air Force have bombed militants’ hideouts in North Waziristan Agency, and killed thousands of insurgents including foreign militants, while Pakistan Army has killed several terrorists through ground offensive and many of them surrendered before the Army. Thus, these forces destroyed their strongholds, demolishing tunnels and factories producing IED (Explosives), while drying the sources of their funds and sinking their public support. Pakistan’s Armed Forces have broken the backbone of the militants and their network.

However, the operation Zarb-e-Azb in tribal areas is nearing its completion, witnessing huge successes of Pakistan Army which has offered commendable sacrifices and cleared the area off terrorists.

Except some occasional blow, the faces of tribal people are gleaming with resolve, determination and commitment to weed out terrorists from their homeland.

Undoubtedly, the ferocious fighting by the sons of soil to liberate people of families of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) from the terrorists, resulted in one of the biggest internal displacement in the history of Pakistan. It has caused huge socio-politico-economic and security implications for the brave people of tribal areas. These people faced the hardships of displacement, and their plight was aired by various media segments. Opinion makers felt the pain and strived to sensitize the government and public regarding their socio-economic responsibilities to look after their basic human needs.

Since the military operations of 2008, there has been frequent dislocation of populations from seven agencies of FATA. Some persons were fleeing due to the threats and attacks by the terrorists, but most of them left the areas for their own safety, prior to military operations to free FATA and Pakistan from the militants. They made their temporary homes in camps, made for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with host families, or in hired accommodation in places like Tank, DI Khan, Bannu and Peshawar. Many of them have since long returned home following stabilization of their areas, but residual caseloads remained in 2014, and the number increased. The latest wave of dislocation from North Waziristan Agency brought the total FATA-displaced-population up to around 2 million people. This is a massive dislocation of persons for any country to handle. Assisting them during displacement has required substantial funding and initiatives to ensure their shelter and other needs, which have been fulfilled.

As stability and peace is restored in FATA, Pakistan Army is working with the government and other stakeholders to facilitate the return of the IDPs, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected regions. Gen. Raheel Sharif has repeatedly stated that the top priority is the early and dignified return of the IDPs, and he has instructed all concerned officials to prepare for their phased return.

In this regard, the Pakistan Government has issued directions to the related ministries and departments to finalize the plans regarding funds, the returns of the IDPs, reconstruction and rehabilitation of FATA.

While, it is not enough for the rehabilitation of the massive populations of the tribal areas, which require huge funds, as now, it is the turn of the tribal people to celebrate their return to their areas. But, destroyed villages, shattered houses and ruined markets can not be welcoming sites. Where they will dwell and from where they will draw the livelihood for their families? Who is responsible for their rehabilitation? Have any efforts been made to raise funds? These are some of the questions haunting the minds of everyone. Time is ticking fast; Government of Pakistan, people and international community have to rise to the challenge before it is too late. It is every ones responsibility to contribute towards their quickest possible rehabilitation, so that they consider themselves part of the society. Any negligence at this stage would not only generate despondency among the tribal people of FATA, but would leave space for the militancy to re-surface.

Although, Pak Army has ever conducted a large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation programme in FATA, yet it is not easy to resettle 2 million people. It requires detailed and insightful planning, political will, extensive and complex coordination and logistics, and substantial funding to support the initiatives to help families rebuild their homes, restock their livestock, plant crops, restart their livelihoods and to mend the fragile economy of this extremely disadvantaged region.

War against terrorism will remain incomplete, unless all segments of society and politicians try to win the hearts and minds of the tribal people by keeping in minds various requirements and steps which are essential for the rehabilitation of FATA.

Firstly, the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and developed FATA is necessary to foil future plans of the terrorists.

Secondly, whole nation, particularly the political leadership should come forward to provide financial resources for rehabilitation.

Thirdly, education for everyone and grass root level involvement of the people in socio-political activities may be ensured/planned.

Fourthly, efforts at all levels may be undertaken to re-construct physical structures, maintain law and order, activate economy and inculcate cohesion to ensure sustainable rehabilitation of people of FATA.

Fifthly, instead of portraying negative aspects of rehabilitation, media should come forward to arrange shows for fund-raising and proposing viable solutions for the issues prevailing in FATA.

Nevertheless, rehabilitation of FATA is still a bigger challenge. Therefore, just like the unity, shown by the whole nation during war against terrorism by supporting the Zarb-e-Azb, needs to display the same unity through practical assistance in rehabilitation of the tribal areas. Let us celebrate the forthcoming 14th August 2015 with national commitment to endeavour for rehabilitation of FATA people. 

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