MOURNERS ASSAULTED, 20 INJURED IN CLASHES

 

Aloochibagh Killing

GOWHAR BHAT


Srinagar, May 19: A day after a civilian, Manzoor Ahmed Beg was allegedly killed in the custody of the Special Operations Group of J&K Police, massive protests rocked Aloocha Bagh. Police and CRPF troops used force on the protesters and even assaulted the mourners.
Hundreds of men and women took to streets and demanded action against the SOG men involved in the killing, blocking traffic on the Airport Road. A huge deployment of police swung into action and cane charged the protesters, who offered resistance and pelted stones on the cops. Police resorted to aerial firing and fired tear smoke canisters on the civilians.
Police also assaulted the mourners sitting inside a tent, which resulted in commotion. All shops and businesses remained closed in the area while traffic movement was also affected due to the clashes.
Youths also held protests at Maisuma against the killing where police swung into action to disperse the protesters.
Several delegations of separatist leaders, including Shakeel Bakshi, Javaid Mir, Shahid-ul-Islam visited Beg’s residence to sympathise with the bereaved family. They termed the killing as “barbaric and an act of terrorism.”
The deputy commissioner has already ordered a probe into the killing and appointed additional deputy commissioner, M Y Zargar, as inquiry officer. He has been asked to submit his report within a week.

SOG officer sacked

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, May 19:The government on Tuesday placed under suspension the police inspector posted at the SOG Cargo camp here, in connection with the “custodial killing” of Manzoor Ahmed Beg, sources said.
“The inspector was suspended after preliminary investigations,” they said, adding, that Beg, a second-hand car dealer, had been summoned by the accused officer to SOG camp as he owed Rs 40,000 to some persons who had sought SOG’s intervention to realize the money. “After being summoned Beg was tortured to death in custody,” they added.
They said that investigations revealed that two unidentified persons had taken the victim to a private nursing home. However, doctors there refused to admit him (Beg). Later, the duo hired an auto and shifted him to the SMHS hospital and fled from the spot.
Police had arrested the auto driver who had shifted the deceased to the hospital. He was released after questioning.
Meanwhile, Police today arrested three persons in connection with the case. “The main accused is still absconding,” sources added.

Geelani, Malik under house arrest

Condemn 'Custodial' Killing

GK NEWS NETWORK

Srinagar, May 19: The Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, were put under house arrest on Tuesday to prevent them from visiting the residence of Manzoor Ahmad Beg, who was killed in custody allegedly by the personnel of Special Operations Group of Police on Monday.
A Hurriyat spokesman said that Geelani was put under house arrest at his uptown residence in Hyderpora last evening after he retuned home from Budgam. Geelani intended to offer Beg’s Nimaz-e-Jinazah and visit his family. “But he has been put under house arrest,” he added.
Condemning Beg’s “custodial killing,” Geelani, in a statement, said, that Jammu and Kashmir had become a “police state where SOG and policemen were killing people at will.”
Meanwhile, the JLKF chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, was also put under house arrest on Monday, a JKLF spokesman said in a statement today.
He said that policemen cordoned off Malik’s Maisuma residence last evening and informed him that he couldn’t move out.
He said a delegation of the JKLF activists led by Showkat Ahmed Bakshi, visited the residence of Manzoor Ahmed Beg and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
He termed Beg’s killing as “a glaring instance of state sponsored terrorism.”
The spokesman urged the international community and human right organizations to take a serious note of such incidents.

KILLING EVOKES WIDESPREAD CONDEMNATION 

 Meanwhile, killing of Manzoor Ahmad Beg, of Aloochi Bagh here has evoked widespread condemnation from separatist and mainstream parties demanding judicial probe into the incident and exemplary punishment to the killers.
 Expressing serious concern over the custodial killing, the Jamaat-i-Islami Jammu and Kashmir termed it the worst demonstration of state ‘terrorism.’ Praying for the peace to departed soul, the Jama’at expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.  
 Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (R) spokesman while condemning the killing, termed it as worst kind of ‘state terrorism.’
 The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association while condemning the killing, said that it had taken strong note of the torture that the victim had been subjected. “We demand immediate action against the SP SOG Srinagar.”
 The Bar demanded that the accused should be booked under the Sec 302 of RPC for murder and demanded the Police station Shergari register an FIR against the accused.
 Condemning the killing, the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) chairman Zaffar Akbar Bhat demanded impartial probe into it. 
 Meanwhile, a delegation of JKSM led by Zaffar visited the residence of deceased. 
 The Democratic Liberation Party chairman, Hashim Qureshi, while condemning the killing, demanded punishment to the killers. 
 The Democratic Political Movement chairman, Firdous Ahmad Shah, while condemning the killing, demanded impartial probe.  
 The Peoples’ Political Party chairman, Hilal Ahmad War, while condemning the killing, termed it as the most serious human rights violation. 
 “Such heinous crimes have exposed the Indian rulers of their claims of democracy,” said War, according to PPP spokesman.  
 The convener of Hurriyat Conference (G), Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK), Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, has strongly condemned the killing and demanded judicial probe into it.
 Protesting the killing, the Muslim Khawateen Markaz termed it as highly reprehensible.  
 The Mahaz-e-Aazadi president, Mir Muhammad Iqbal has expressed serious concern over the killing, terming it as the worst example of ‘state terrorism’. Mir demanded impartial probe into it.
 Condemning the killing, the Peoples’ Democratic Party demanded impartial probe into it, warning that such inhuman incidents were unacceptable for any civilized society.
 In a statement today, a PDP spokesman said, “Until an impartial probe is conducted, victim’s family should be given ex-gratia relief and benefits under SRO-43. 
 The National Conference senior leader and MLA Amira Kadal constituency, Nasir Sogami, condemned the killing and demanded immediate probe into it. He expressed sympathies with the bereaved family and demanded ex-gratia relief for them.
 Terming the killing as highly condemnable, the Jammu Kashmir CPI (M) state secretary, M Y Tarigami urged the government to bring the culprits to the justice.

Custodial Killing

Alucha Bagh still tense 

Protesters fight pitched battles with cops

Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar, May 20: Alucha Bagh continued to remain tense on Wednesday over the custodial killing of a resident of the area Manzoor Ahmed Beigh by Special Operations Group of Police and people fought pitched battles with policemen through out the day. Clashes also erupted in Batamaloo area in the evening and police fired dozens of tear smoke canisters to stop the protestors from marching.
Alucha Bagh remained tense for the third straight day today as clashes between protestors and police continued throughout the day with the people in Batamaloo area also joining late in the evening. 
Trooper killed in scuffle
Meanwhile, in a scuffle amongst themselves, an army man was killed while another injured in Mathiali Gala area of Rajouri after their colleague opened fire at them.
The scuffle broke out in the 63 RR camp between Army men of 13 JAKLI wherein a rifleman Kuldeep Raj opened indiscriminate fire at two of his colleagues. Major Ramwarakesh Yadav of Bihar was found dead and Sudharshan of Pune critically injured.
The trooper who fired at his colleagues later fled from the spot.
VDC member commits suicide
In Kishtwar, a Village Defence Committee personnel committed suicide by shooting himself. 
The CDC member Jafaram son of Haem Raj shot himself by his service rifle which resulted in his on the spot death.

Custodial Death

15 hurt in Alucha Bagh, Maisuma clashes

Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar, May 19: At least 15 protestors were injured in police action at Alucha Bagh and Maisuma on Tuesday when people came out roads to protest against the alleged custodial death of a 40-year old civilian.
On Monday, father of three Manzoor Ahmad Beigh son of late Abdul Ahad Beigh of Beigh Mohalla, Alucha Bagh was picked up by SOG personnel and later shifted to SMHS hospital, where he was declared “brought dead”. 
The incident has evoked resentment from the locals, who are demanding action against the SOG personnel involved in the killing. 
For the second day in succession, hundreds of youth took to roads at Alucha Bagh and staged anti-SOG demonstrations. Raising pro-freedom, anti-India and anti-SOG slogans, the protesting youth were demanding action against the guilty SOG personnel. The police and CRPF personnel, who were deployed in strength in the area fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse the agitating people. At least eight persons suffered minor injuries during the clashes, which continued for few hours.  
During the clashes, the vehicular movement on the main road was disrupted.
The youth also took to roads at Maisuma to protest against the killings. The protestors tried to stage a rally but were intercepted by cops, who fired tear smoke shells and resorted to heavy baton charge to disperse the agitating youth. At least seven persons were injured in the ensuing ding dong clashes.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Hurriyat (M) led by Shahidul Islam and Javed Mir visited the residence of deceased at Alucha Bagh. They strongly condemned the killing and demanded end to the human rights violations being committed by troopers in the State. 
Meanwhile, shops and business establishments remained closed in Alucha Bagh, Hari Singh High Street and adjoining area as a mark of protest against the custodial death of Manzoor.

Killing sparks demos in IHK

Srinagar—The killing of Manzoor Ahmad Beg, of Aloochi Bagh here has evoked widespread condemnation from pro-freedom as well as mainstream parties demanding judicial probe into the incident and exemplary punishment to the killers. Expressing grief over the killing of Manzoor Ahmed Beigh of Aluchi Bagh who was a father of three, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani said: “On one hand State government boasts of safeguarding human rights, on the other they have given relentless powers to troops to kill innocent people.” Geelani said intended to offer Beg’s Nimaz-e-Jinazah and visit his family.

“But he has been put under house arrest,” he added. Geelani that Jammu and Kashmir had become a “police state where SOG and policemen were killing people at will.” Terming the assurance of probe by Deputy Commissioner as ‘deception’, Geelani said: “Such statements are later given to minimize resentment and tension.” Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that government of India continues to indulge in gross human rights violations in Kashmir. 

“Killing innocent people is the real face of Indian democracy,” Mirwaiz said. Terming the killing of Manzoor by SOG as ‘inhumane’, Chairman of JKLF Muhammad Yaseen Malik said: “In addition to this cold blooded murder, the government unleashed shower of batons on the mourners,” Malik said. Expressing serious concern over the custodial killing, the Jamaat-i-Islami Jammu and Kashmir termed it the worst demonstration of state ‘terrorism.’ Praying for the peace to departed soul, the Jama’at expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. 

The Jamaat expressed solidarity with the family of Beigh and appealed international community to rise to the occasion and raise voice against the worst kind of human rights violations occurring in Kashmir. Jammu Kashmir Mass Movement Patron Fareeda Behanji termed the killing of Beigh as “state-sponsored terrorism”. Behanji said that such killings fall under the plan of genocide which India started in 1989. 

“For the genocide of Kashmiri people National Conference Patron Farooq Abdullah introduced SOG in Kashmir,” she said. Party’s General Secretary Mudasir Maqbool led a protest rally in Aluchi Bagh which was dispersed after police resorted to heavy baton charging of protesters. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (R) spokesman while condemning the killing, termed it as worst kind of ‘state terrorism.’ The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association while condemning the killing, said that it had taken strong note of the torture that the victim had been subjected. “We demand immediate action against the SP SOG Srinagar.” 

The Bar demanded that the accused should be booked under the Sec 302 of RPC for murder and demanded the Police station Shergari register an FIR against the accused. Condemning the killing, the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) chairman Zaffar Akbar Bhat demanded impartial probe into it. Meanwhile, a delegation of JKSM led by Zaffar visited the residence of deceased. The Democratic Liberation Party chairman, Hashim Qureshi, while condemning the killing, demanded punishment to the killers. The Democratic Political Movement chairman, Firdous Ahmad Shah, while condemning the killing, demanded impartial probe.

The Peoples’ Political Party chairman, Hilal Ahmad War, while condemning the killing, termed it as the most serious human rights violation.—NNI

Another innocent Kashmiri killed in SOG custody

SRINAGAR (SANA): A 40-year old resident of Alucha Bagh, who is father of three, was killed in custody by Special Operations Group of police, sparking massive anti-police demonstrations. 

“I and my brother (Manzoor Ahmad Beigh) left the home in the morning for our routinely work. At around 1:30 pm, two men came to my shop at Hari Singh High Street and told me that Manzoor has been arrested by personnel of SOG Cargo and shifted to SMHS hospital,” said Manzoor’s brother, Abdul Majeed Beigh of Beigh Mohalla, Alucha Bagh. 

He said, “I alongwith another relative of mine went to SMHS hospital, where we found Manzoor lying dead on a stretcher”.

Manzoor, 40 son of late Abdul Ahad Beigh, who was dealing in the sale and purchase of vehicles and gold, has left behind a widow, two sons and a daughter. 

Claiming that torture marks were visible on Manzoor’s body, Majeed said, “There was a red mark around his throat. His chest was red and the arm pits were swollen. His eyes were closed forcibly with an adhesive tape.”

As the news about Manzoor’s death reached Alucha Bagh, hundreds of men, women and children came out on the Indira Gandhi Airport road and staged demonstrations. They blocked the vehicular movement on the road for nearly three hours, as a result traffic jams became rampant in city from Rambagh to Jawahar Nagar. 

The slogans like “We want freedom”, ‘Qatil Ko Peesh Karo”, “Task force hai hai”, “National Conference Hai Hai’ slogans reverberated the air as the protestors were demanding action against the guilty SOG men.

The protestors clashed with police in the evening. The cops fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse the agitating people. The cops also fired in air. However, no injuries were reported. 

The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has ordered an inquiry into the killing while police has launched inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC.

Court hears Jalil Andrabi Murder Case

Asks IGP Kashmir to act



Syed Basharat

SRINAGAR, May 5: Taking a strong notice of non execution of warrant against an army Major Avtar Singh, accused in cold blooded murder case of noted human rights activist and lawyer Jalil Andrabi, a city court today asked IGP Kashmir to pursue the court orders with the secretary Home Affairs, Government of India and IGP Crime and Railways before furnishing a follow-up report by or before the next date of hearing.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Mohammad Ibrahim Wani in his fresh order said that SSP Srinagar in his report furnished before the court has said that he forwarded the court order to IGP Kashmir regarding the execution of warrant through Interpol against the accused Major. The SSP in his report has further said that he requested the IGP Kashmir to take up the matter with the concerned authorities as directed by the court.

"However, no follow-up report has been furnished by the IGP Kashmir. Since the FIR is of more than 13 years old and case is pending in the court for the last more than eight years, the IGP is directed to pursue the case with the concerned authorities which include IGP Crime and Railways and secretary home affairs government of India in terms of the order passed by this court on the last date of hearing," the court order reads.

Earlier the same court had asked the ministry of home affairs government of India through its secretary to take the matter with Interpol and ensure the execution of a warrant against the accused Army Major, required in the trial.

In the last order passed, CJM had also asked the magisterial officers, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, IGP Crime and Railways and the SSP Srinagar, to ensure the orders of the court regarding the execution of the non bailable warrant re-issued by the same court against the accused major on January 22 and repeated on March 2, 2009.

In his last action taken report of SSP Srinagar submitted to the court in this case has stated that an open dated non bailable warrant was forwarded to IGP Kashmir vide number CRB/WSD/09-2480-83, who has forwarded the same to IGP Crime and Railways vide number CRS/Red/Corner/08 for onward submission to concerned quarters for its execution.

However, the IGP crime and railways has asked the office of SSP Srinagar to provide good quality photographs of the accused Major and the matter was accordingly taken with the SSP Yamna Nagar Haryana. "The SSP Yamna Nagar intimated that no photographs of Major are available at his home. The execution of open dated non-bail able warrant is pending with the concerned quarters and as such the warrant issued dated March 4 has been returned," reads the Srinagar SSP's report.

During the hearing today, the court said that availability or non availability of the photographs of the accused is not and can not be a ground for non execution of the warrant. "The pendency of the warrant for execution for a considerable period of considerable time is affecting the trial of the case, which is already pending for last more than 13 years with out any proceedings because of absence of the accused," the CJM says in his fresh order.

The court further directed the SSP Srinagar to pursue the case regarding the execution of the warrant and submit compliance report in the court by or before the next date of hearing.

Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) returned an application to Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding issuance of Red Corner Notice seeking an open dated non-bailable warrant of arrest and a photograph of the accused Major which it could forward to world's largest international police organisation-Interpol. CBI had taken the matter of extradition of Avtar Singh, who is reportedly staying in Canada, with Canadian embassy and asked it to make its government issue a Red Corner Notice against the accused Major wanted in Andrabi's murder case.

The Assistant Director Interpol (CBI-New Delhi) in its letter number 1400/IP-2/RT/2007 dated February 26, 2008, while addressing Inspector General of Police (IGP) Crime and Railways, Jammu had said that an open dated non bailable warrant of arrest is mandatory for sending the application to Interpol for issuance of Red Corner Notice against the accused Major. However, no headway has been made despite the court issuing three open dated non-bailable arrest warrants against the accused army Major.

On March 8, 1996, Andrabi was allegedly detained in Srinagar by Major Avtar Singh of the 35th Rashtriya Rifles son of Amar Singh a resident of Ponti Tehsil Jagadari in district Yamna Haryana. Andrabi's wife was told repeatedly by senior police officials that her husband was in custody and would be released. Three weeks later, Andrabi's body was found floating in the Jehlum river.

An autopsy showed that he had been killed days after his arrest. On March 28, the CJM Budgam Mohammad Yousuf Wani directed Jammu and Kashmir Police to take up the extradition case of accused Major. The case has been pending before the CJM for past many years and till date many orders have been passed to produce the accused before the court.

A Special Investigation Team constituted on the directions of the state High Court in 1996 had found Major Avtar Singh involved in the killing of eight persons including Jalil Andrabi.

The Kashmir Bar Association later filed a criminal revision before the High Court. After a gap of three years the case was sent back to CJM for considering the provisions of Section 549 CRPC and pass appropriate orders. The court had also directed to impound Major Avtar Singh's passport.

[Kashmir Times]


[KW Note: A renowned human rights activist, Jalil Andrabi was subjected to extra-judicial execution twelve years ago.

 

On March 8, 1996, Andrabi was detained in Srinagar by Maj. Avtar Singh, known as "Bulbul" (nightingale), of the 35th Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian army. Andrabi's wife was told repeatedly by senior police officials that Andrabi was in custody and would be released. Three weeks later, Andrabi's body was found floating in the Jhelum river; an autopsy showed that he had been killed days after his arrest.

 

A case is pending adjudication in a Budgam court against Major Avtar Singh who arrested Jalil and later killed him in cold blood. The high court has time and again directed the government to get the major arrested. Instead of honouring the court order, the union of India has informed the court that Major Avtar Singh's whereabouts were not known. The relatives of the slain activist believe that New Delhi facilitated his migration to Canada by issuing him a fake passport. ]



Posted on 06 May 2009 by Webmaster

Seeking removal of CRPF, Khaigam boycotts

FAHEEM ASLAM


Khaigam, Apr 30: Villagers of Khaigam demanding for past several months removal of a local CRPF camp whose troopers murdered a carpenter in his home in March on Thursday boycotted the parliamentary polls, accusing the government of failing to remove the camp.
Of the total 488 votes, only one was cast when the polling ended at 4 pm. The villagers have been demanding the camp of 181 Battalion of CRPF should be removed from the area, as a government probe indicted the troopers for murder of the carpenter Ghulam Mohiuddin Malik.
“We wanted to vote, but we stayed away because the government didn’t respect our sentiments and demand. All we wanted is the removal of the camp from the area which has become a source of harassment for us. But when government can’t fulfill our basic and important demand why should we vote,” said the angry villagers.
The villagers had on Wednesday decided to hold anti-election and anti-government demonstrations on Thursday. But, they said, some “policemen in civvies” approached them on Wednesday evening, asking them not to hold any protests even if they wanted to boycott the polls. “The policemen asked us not to demonstrate. We were not frightened by their words, but we thought by boycotting polls we can show our resentment in a better way,” said a villager Abdul Rashid.
After massive protests, a government probe into the carpenter’s murder led to suspension of the assistant commandant of 181 Battalion and his two troopers. The assistant commandant told the inquiry officer that the accused troopers had fired at the carpenter without his permission.
“What are we getting in return of votes? We are being killed?” said the relatives of Malik. “We have nothing to do with voting. All we want is the killers of Mohi-ud-Din punished and the CRPF camp shifted from here,” they said.
The villagers have threatened mass migration from May 5 if the government failed to shift the camp.

Seeking removal of CRPF, Khaigam boycotts

FAHEEM ASLAM


Khaigam, Apr 30: Villagers of Khaigam demanding for past several months removal of a local CRPF camp whose troopers murdered a carpenter in his home in March on Thursday boycotted the parliamentary polls, accusing the government of failing to remove the camp.
Of the total 488 votes, only one was cast when the polling ended at 4 pm. The villagers have been demanding the camp of 181 Battalion of CRPF should be removed from the area, as a government probe indicted the troopers for murder of the carpenter Ghulam Mohiuddin Malik.
“We wanted to vote, but we stayed away because the government didn’t respect our sentiments and demand. All we wanted is the removal of the camp from the area which has become a source of harassment for us. But when government can’t fulfill our basic and important demand why should we vote,” said the angry villagers.
The villagers had on Wednesday decided to hold anti-election and anti-government demonstrations on Thursday. But, they said, some “policemen in civvies” approached them on Wednesday evening, asking them not to hold any protests even if they wanted to boycott the polls. “The policemen asked us not to demonstrate. We were not frightened by their words, but we thought by boycotting polls we can show our resentment in a better way,” said a villager Abdul Rashid.
After massive protests, a government probe into the carpenter’s murder led to suspension of the assistant commandant of 181 Battalion and his two troopers. The assistant commandant told the inquiry officer that the accused troopers had fired at the carpenter without his permission.
“What are we getting in return of votes? We are being killed?” said the relatives of Malik. “We have nothing to do with voting. All we want is the killers of Mohi-ud-Din punished and the CRPF camp shifted from here,” they said.
The villagers have threatened mass migration from May 5 if the government failed to shift the camp.

Shawlbaf Protest: 29 April 1865

28 shawl weavers were killed for Protesting Against Gulab Singh’s Harsh Tax System

FAHEEM ASLAM

Srinagar, Apr 28: In a newly constructed market at Zaldagar in Shahr-e-Khaas, there are no traces of a carnage carried out by the Dogra army about 150 years ago. Yet, the memories of the incident, which led to death of 28 persons, are still fresh in the minds and hearts of the residents.
It was on 29 April 1865 when scores of shawl weavers marched through the streets of Shahr-e-Khaas against the cruel tax policies of the Dagh Shawl Department of the Dogra regime. The procession, which later came to be known as the Shalbaf procession, was also organised to protest against the “difficult working conditions, meager wages, excessive taxation and a ban on weavers who wanted to leave Kashmir valley.”
The protests were held in the wee hours of April 29 outside the house of Pandit Raj Kak Dhar, the Kashmiri Pandit official who headed the Dagh Shawl Department, in the city’s Zaldgar locality. Historians say Dhar misinformed the Dogra army that he was being attacked. As the protesters reached Zaldgar, the Dogra troops led by Colonel Bijoy Singh rounded off the demonstrators and asked them to disperse. When the unarmed protesters refused to do so, the troops fired at them and later charged them with spears. Scores of protesters jumped off the Haji Rather Sum Bridge at Zaldgar, in the hope they would hide in the marsh underneath, but at least 28 bodies were recovered from the river, and over 100 sustained wounds.
“We have been told everything about the episode by our elders. The procession was nothing but a demonstration of fight against oppression and exploitation,” said Muhammad Razak, a resident of Zaldgar while pointing toward the bridge. “This bridge always reminds us of the procession and protesters who are our real heroes. And the best nation is one which doesn’t forget its history and heroes.” “The Shalbaf procession is a very significant event in the history of Kashmir. It was the first ever agitation against the exploitative work system,” said Dr Sheikh Showkat Hussain, who teaches Law in Kashmir University.
The Shalbaf procession, Dr Showkat said, was a big event in the global context as it took place much before the historic May Day of 1886. May 1 is observed in many parts of the world as International Workers’ Day.
“The Shawl Weavers protest becomes globally important in a way that it occurred many years before the May Day. But it is pity our part that we ignore our own martyrs who rebelled against the oppressive system,” Dr Showkat told Greater Kashmir.
Sheikh Rasool, Ubli Baba, Qudda Lal, and Sona Butt were among the protesters during the Shalbaf procession who, according to historians, were imprisoned in different jails like Habak, Bahu Fort, and Ram Nagar. They were later “tortured to death.”
The noted historian, Fida Muhammad Hassnain, has recorded that Shawlbaf protest was “perhaps the first organized protest for demands in the history of class struggle in India.”

Koil family, villagers boycott polls to respect youth slain on poll day last year

Koil family, villagers boycott polls to respect youth slain on poll day last year

FAHEEM ASLAM/GOWHAR BHAT

Koil (Pulwama), Apr 30: The CRPF troopers shot dead a meritorious student in indiscriminate fire on an anti-poll demonstration on 13 December last year in this village. Today, majority of the villagers stayed away from the parliamentary elections “to respect the slain student’s martyrdom.”
“What and who should we vote for? For those who killed my son and ruined the entire family?” said Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai, whose 21-year old son, Muzaffar Ahmad, was killed allegedly by a deputy commandant of 78 battalion, CRPF, and his personal security guards. He runs a grocery a few meters away from the polling station.
Sitting on a wooden log outside the shop, Ahmad said nothing would compensate his slain son. “I want my son’s killers behind bars. But even that won’t compensate my son’s loss. Nothing can compensate it,” he told Greater Kashmir. “We are 10 members in our family. All of us have resolved that we would never vote.” 
Lone and his family were not the only ones to take such a vow. “What for is the development that politicians promise? It all means nothing when innocent civilians are murdered,” said Khursheed Alam, cousin of Muzaffar Ahmad. “We are yet to recover from the shock of Muzaffar’s killing. It is ironical that the killers are still at large even as the government itself indicted them,” he said. 
In two polling booths in Koil, out of 600 votes just 20 votes had been cast till 10.30 am. A report in the evening said out of 2900 voters in the village, only 128 had voted. 
 Muzaffar Mushtaq was among three persons who sustained bullet injuries after CRPF troopers fired indiscriminately on peaceful protest at Koil. He was shifted to the district hospital Pulwama where doctors referred them to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for specialized treatment. However, Mushtaq succumbed to injuries on way to the hospital. “We haven’t voted because we want this is the time to demonstrate that we haven’t forgotten our martyrs like Muzaffar,” said a group of youth in Koil. “Some people voted here. But all of them were elderly persons who owe some kind of allegiance to political parties or their leaders. But as you can see from vote count they don’t count,” they added.
A report submitted by the Home Department in February last year had charged the deputy commandant and his guards with visiting Koil without informing the officers of the J&K police. “It is a case of professional misconduct on part of the police officer,” the report said, while recommending adequate relief and a job to the affected family.
But the mere recommendations mean nothing to the victim’s family. “Relief and job don’t mean justice,” said Mushtaq Ahmad.

IHK Bar members meet Kashmiri detainees in Indian jails

Kashmir Media Service

SAFAR AL-MUZAFFAR 04, 1430 A.H SRINAGAR SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2009: A six-member team of the High Court Bar Association of occupied Kashmir visited Tihar Jail and other prisons in different Indian states to observe condition of Kashmiris prisoners languishing in the jails.

The team comprising the Bar President, Mian Abdul Qayoom, Secretary General, Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, Bashir Ahmad Siddiqi, Muhammad Ashraf Butt, Tanveer Ahmad Kotey and Intikhab Ahmad Parey held separate meetings with Kashmiri detainees in Tihar and other jails and heard their complaints regarding the jail administration.

The Bar members had taken permission from the High Court of occupied Kashmir to visit and monitor the condition of Kashmiri prisoners.

The detainees told the delegation that police personnel have registered fake cases against them only to get promotions. They said that the police were not presenting them in the courts for seeking justice.

Sources in the Bar Association said that after Mumbai attacks the Kashmiri detainees were being harassed in jails and have been kept with criminals and as a result the criminals have attacked and injured them several times. They added that the Bar members would prepare a report on the plight of Kashmiri detainees kept in different jails of India.
  

Photos

Guns roar in North 4 houses, cowshed destroyed

4 militants, 2 troopers killed 


Guns roar in North
4 houses, cowshed destroyed

Rising Kashmir News

Srinagar, Jan 28: Top commanders of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad and two troopers are among six persons killed in three separate encounters in North Kashmir on Wednesday. 
Assistant Superintendent of Police Sopore Bhim Sen Tooti told Rising Kashmir that on Tuesday afternoon, Sopore police, 179 CRPF and 52 Rashtriya Rifles personnel laid siege around Amargarh area in apple town of Sopore after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in a residential house.
 “The troopers zeroed-in on the house of one Mohammad Akbar Ganaie son of Mohammad Ramzan and asked the militants to surrender. They, however, turned down the offer and fired from sophisticated weapons. The fire was returned, triggering an encounter,” he said.
The police officer said that the operation was suspended last night and resumed early Wednesday morning. “A top commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba, Abu Hamza and an army man was killed in the ensuing gunfight,” he said, adding, “Three army personnel were also injured and the house, where from militants were firing on troopers, was destroyed in the gunfight”.
Tooti said that Hamza was one of the most wanted militants and was active in twin districts of Kupwara and Baramulla. “He was involved in various attacks on troops and had been active in various parts of North Kashmir,” claimed the police officer.
The militant commander’s body was buried in the local graveyard, where hundreds of people attended his funeral prayers amidst pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. 
Tariq Mir adds from Bandipora: Two militants and a trooper were killed in a gunfight at village Ayatmullah in this newly created district.
Police sources said that after receiving inputs, 57 RR, 54 RR, 10 Para and SOG personnel laid siege around the village on Wednesday morning. “After plugging off the possible escape routes, the troopers zeroed-in on a residential house of one Abdul Aziz Lone son of Abdul Samad Lone and asked the militants present inside to surrender. They, however, turned down the surrender offer and fired from assault rifles towards the troopers. The fire was returned and in the ensuing gunfight, which lasted for more than four hours, two Jaish militants and a trooper were killed,” they said.
The locals alleged that the troopers fired dozens of mortar shells and heavy weapons toward the house, where from militants were firing at them. “The three-storey house was completely damaged in the gunfight,” they said adding at least three adjoining houses also suffered partial damage. A cowshed was also damaged.
CO 57 RR Col Vadera identified the slain militants as Wasim Bilal alias Mujahid and Shakeel Ganja. “Wasim was divisional commander of Jaish-e-Mohammad while Shakeel was his body guard,” he said.
He said that an Army man Mohammad Amin Bhat was also killed in the encounter and two others injured. “Two AK rifles were recovered from the encounter site,” he said. Meanwhile, a police spokesman said that a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant was killed in an encounter with 21 RR and SOG personnel at village Baki Hakar, Handwara in border district of Kupwara. He identified the slain militant as Abu Abdul Rehman. A house belonging to Ghulam Rasool Kar was damaged during the shoot-out
Destruction and Arrests
The encounters left a trail of destruction.
In Handwara the structures surrounding the house of one Ghulam Hassan Kar where militants were holed up, were also gutted. 
The residents alleged that troopers fired mortar shells towards the house during the gunfight. “Besides Kar’s house, the houses of Abdul Ahad Sheikh, A M Dar and Ramzan were also damaged,” they alleged.
Eight year old Abdul Majid, in whose house the militant was holed up said his elder brother, Mohammad Din was picked up by troops. Din was working as a peon in local school.
In Bandipora, the son of the house owner, whose three-storey house was completely damaged in the troopers action was detained by the troopers.  
A local news gathering agency, KNS reported that two persons were arrested from Warpora, Sopore by troopers after the gunfight at Amargarh ended. “A lady had gone missing under mysterious circumstances from the same area,” the news agency reported.

Greater KASHMIR

3 Militants, 2 Troopers Killed

UMER MAQBOOL DAR/GHULAM MUHAMMAD


Varmul, Jan 28: Three militants and two troopers were killed while seven troopers sustained injuries in two separate gun-battles in north Kashmir, Police said on Wednesday.
 A police official said a joint party of policemen and troopers cordoned of Hayatmullah village in Bandipora this morning and launched searches. “Militants present there opened fire on the search party and tried to break the cordon,” the official said, adding that in the initial round of firing a trooper of 57 Rashtriya Riffles was killed, while two of his colleagues sustained injuries.
 The official said that reinforcements were rushed and all the escape routes were plugged. “Militants again opened fire which was retaliated, triggering a gun-battle,” he said, adding that in the ensuing gunfight two militants of Jaish-e-Muhammad, Waseem Bilal, the divisional commander of the outfit, and his associate, Shakeel, were killed.


LeT COMMANDER, TROOPER KILLED
 A police official told Greater Kashmir that the gunfight which commenced on Tuesday at Amargah Sopur ended this morning with the killing of Lashkar-e-Toiba operational commander, Abu Hamza. A trooper, Sohan Kumar, of 52-Rashtriya Riffles was killed while three policemen also sustained injuries, the official added.
 Locals alleged that troopers resorted to mortar shelling and destroyed the house of Ghulam Nabi Chopan where the militant was believed to be hiding.
 After the encounter, hundreds of people including women and children took to the streets and staged a massive pro-freedom demonstration. The protesters were demanding the release of two youth who were picked up during the encounter. Hundreds of people attended the funeral prayers of the slain militant and he was laid to rest at martyrs’ graveyard amidst pro-freedom slogans.
WITH AZIM JAN IN BANDIPORA

DR.MUHAMMAD QASIM

A MISSION, A VISION

HE IS DYING BEHIND THE BARS, DOES ANYONE CARE ???

KASHMIRI PRISIONERS

He completes 15 years in prison, He is languishing in Jail for holding political views that are unacceptable to the ruling establishment. He has lost half of his eye sight, and has been advised surgery by doctors for his L4 disc. He is taking medicine regularly for his chronic intestinal ailment. His heart disease is a matter of serious concern for his family and well-wishers but the Government of India still considers him a threat to Indian sovereignty, Advocate Abdul Mateen sums up the life and thoughts of Dr. Qasim.


“Dr Muhammad Qasim an outstanding political ideologue and writer of contemporary Kashmir, is suffering incarceration for holding political beliefs that are unacceptable to the ruling establishment and he has been convicted under an infamous Indian anti-terrorist legislation in a trial that manifestly was wanting in judicial fairness as overzealous prosecutors employed dubious investigatory methods for collecting materials of evidential value on the basis of which Dr. Qasim was ultimately tried and convicted for life. 

The international commission of jurists and other like minded non-governmental organizations has a Sisyphean task in combating the unfairness of these political trials. Yet they can play a useful role in mobilizing world public opinion against the iniquity of such trials, as a large number of faceless, voiceless and hapless people in several countries of the world are suffering incarceration for their political beliefs and nobody has time in the civilized world to address to their plight. 

The trial of Dr.Qasim should serve as a wakeup call for those international organizations who are striving for “Human Rights” and “Rule of Law” so that we are able to establish a world order that is just, equitable and rational. I earnestly hope that Dr. Qasim’s case will receive due attention from concerned quarters that it really deserves on its own merits.” Sayyid Tasaduq Hussain
Sr. Advocate J&K High Court

Dr. Muhammad Qasim  S/o Gh. Nabi R/o Soura Srinagar was born in 1967 in a middle class family at Zaldagar Srinagar. His father was a well known handicraft exporter. Among five children he was the youngest one. In the year 1980 when he was 13 years of age his father at the age of 50 years due to a severe heart attack left this world. It was a great shock to whole family and his friends. It was time when all the five children were studying thus, the main problem before the family was of livelihood. They were having two showrooms at Pather Masjid and Rainawari localities. But the problem was that, who will take care of these two showrooms. At that time the age of elder brother of Dr. Muhammad Qasim was just 18, it was crucial stage for whole family as the studies of all the children could have effected. At this sensitive moment his elder brother showed his broad mindedness and courage by coming forward to take the whole responsibility of the family and sacrificing his own studies so that Dr. Muhammad Qasim and three sisters could continue their studies without any problem, but due to his young age and inexperience the business started to decline, but during this period his two sisters completed their studies and got married. In 1983 Dr. Qasim completed the basic studies i.e. Matriculation from the Modern Islamia High School, Nawab Bazar and immediately after that started tuition to some local children and got an ordinary sort of engagement to help his family financially. In 1985 the police department sought applications from the youth for the recruitment for the post of Sub-Inspectors. Dr. Qasim also appeared in the selection test for the said posts. For the selection he was demanded Rs. 25000/- as bribe since he was not in a position to pay the amount so in spite of completing all other formalities he was not selected. Dr. Qasim often uses to say that I felt very much sorry and distressed at that time for not being selected for the said post. I used to curse that person who demanded the money, but now I pray for his good, regarding that incident he says that when your point of view changes regarding life, the yardstick to measure good and evil also got changed. At that time not becoming an Inspector was a great shock for me but in 1993 immediately after my arrest the advisor to Governor D.D. Saklani came to me at Papa-2 interrogation centre three times to convince me for taking part in the elections. He not only assured me the success in the elections but also assured me the ministerial berth. On another occasion in Jan 2002 at Talab Tiloo interrogation centre Jammu the same offer was repeated by some intelligence officers but on the both occasions without giving any thought to their offers with great satisfaction I rejected the offer thus, gave priority to the jail. Although there is no comparison between an ordinary inspector post and ministerial berth but my view point regarding life was entirely different now. Regarding the year 1987, Dr. Muhammad Qasim writes that this year was turning point for me. In his autobiography (yet to be published) Bebasi (helplessness) he says that until 1987 I was an ordinary type of college student, always engaged in playing, seeing cricket and other sports. But in that year first time in my life I felt actively inclined towards Islam. Probably in this change, by the will of Allah the book of Maulana Ashaq Illahi, Marne Ke Ba’d kya Hoga (what will happen after death) played an important role. “Now I kept related myself with Darsgah and used to remain in touch with religious minded companions.” In 1987 Dr. Qasim completed his B.Com degree from Islamia College and in order to appear in the exams of ICWA which were going to be held at Delhi started the preparation for the entrance test. During that period with the help of one religious colleague namely Tariq Ahmad Sheikh of Hyderpora Dr. Qasim met a well known guerilla leader Muhammad Abdullah Bangru who had returned to Kashmir after getting guerilla training in Afghanistan. In 1990 Dr. Qasim was appointed as spokesman of the Hizbul Mujahidin (H.M) outfit. He did not give up his studies but changed his subject and chose Islamiyat instead of ICWA and with that also started his writing career. He regularly wrote for the local newspapers. His columns were published in the newspapers and journals. He used to write column Kadwa Sach (Bitter truth) for the daily Alsafa newspaper. In 1990 he along with his two other companions namely Nasir ul-Islam and Dr. Muhammad Shafi Khan objected to the patronage of Jamat-i-Islami over Hizbul Mujahedin and laid the foundation of Jamait-ul-Mujahedin (JUM). He was appointed its spokesman. In Oct. 1990 Dr. Qasim married chairperson of women reformist organization Dukhtran-i-Millat, Asiyah Andrabi and got related with known educated and religious family of Kashmir. While continuing his studies he completed the degrees of Maulvi Fazil, M.A, M. Phil and Ph.D (Islamic Studies) from the Kashmir University. Teaching and preaching became his fulltime engagements. He started giving the sermons in different mosques, and also raised the voice against the social evils and theoretical apostasies which were flourishing in the society, and alongwith these engagements he also worked for permanent solution of the Kashmir problem according to the wishes of the people and used his oratory skills and pen in this regard. Hundreds of his essays which were on various topics were published not only in the local dailies but also in the fortnightly and monthly magazines of the various states of India.

Besides this his many books in which i) Insan ka ta’ruf, ii) Dai Da‘wat Aur Madu‘ iii) Maslaki Masajid Aur Tafriq bainul Muslemin iv) Kashmiyat Aur Itihad Bainul Muslemin v) Maslai Kashmir ki Shari‘e Hassiyat vi) Aqedah Tawhid Aur Bharti Intikhabaat Main Shirkat vii) Al-Tawhid (in English) viii) The Status of Sunnah are particularly worth mentioning. In 1993, he along with his wife and infant child Muhammad were arrested at Srinagar airport while returning from Delhi. After 13 months of detention his wife and infant son were released but he was detained under PSA and sent to the jail for one year. Since you had endowed his pen for the freedom movement, for the Indian rulers who always talk about freedom of expression and pen should not have been any crime but here their yardstick is quite different. Not any where in the detention grounds militant activities were mentioned so it was obvious that, the government would have been compelled to release him after one year thus, ruling establishment used extremely wicked method to settle its political rivalry, as BSF men and intelligence agencies through severe torture in the notorious Papa-2 interrogation centre forced Dr. Qasim to sign some blank papers and after that he came to know that he has been involved in the conspiracy of a murder of some person namely Hardai Nath Wanchoo. In March 1999 when he was released on bail there arose severe differences between him and the ‘actual controllers’ of the militant movement which resulted end of his affiliation with militant organization. And thus he confined himself to writing and preaching. During this period on the invitation of Muslim Parliament of London he visited Britain and on the invitation of WAMY visited Saudi Arabia and to meet some relatives he visited Pakistan. On his return he established teaching centres at Raj Bagh, Hazratbal and various other places.In July 2001 the TADA Court Jammu honourably acquitted him and his two companions in the above said case. But the decision did not suit ruling establishment thus, they filed petition against this judgement in the Supreme Court of India and in Jan 2003 the Supreme Court acknowledged that since there is no evidence against Dr. Qasim and his two companions and case is solely based on their ‘confessional statements’ still the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India sentenced them for life imprisonment. Here I want to draw the kind attention of the readers towards an important point.In August 2002 the Chairman of JKLF Mr. Muhammad Yasin Malik informed Dr. Qasim through his friend that, he (Yasin Malik) had information through some of his Delhi based friends that platform has been set for slapping the life imprisonment for Dr. Qasim. In Nov. 2002 a well known Hurriyat activist Muhammad Salim Zargar has personally told Dr. Qasim that the sleuths of intelligence department have told him (Salim Zargar) in the Jammu Court that they will never allow Dr. Qasim to come out of the jail. Here an important question arises that the judgement was to be given by the Supreme Court of India as in Jan 2003 it did, how came the intelligence sleuths and ruling establishment know about this judgement before it was announced? And that too when the famous advocates of the valley like Mr. Abdul Qayum, Mr. Mufti Mehraj-ud-din, Mr. Zaffer Ahmad Shah, Sayyid Tasaduq Hussain, Mr. Abdullah Pandit and also the famous advocates of India Mr. Kapil Sibal and Mr. B.B. Singh had assured Dr. Qasim after seeing the charge sheet that there is not even an one percent (1%) chance of conviction in this case. Important question here is that, from where then this decision of sentencing him was taken?......

His political views:
Dr. Qasim’s political views regarding Kashmir are based on historical realities, justice and logic. He doesn’t consider Dogra ruler Hari Singh as public representative thus, rejects his decision of accession to India. He is of the opinion that Indian National Congress with the help of Shaikh Abdullah created such atmosphere for Hari Singh which ultimately forced him to sign document of accession even he himself was not mentally prepared for that he was very much confused about the future of Kashmir and it was assurance given by Shaikh Abdullah to him which encouraged him to take decision of accession, which was not only against the principle of partition but in every aspect against the wishes of the masses of Kashmir. At the same time Dr. Qasim did not accept this cooked history that Indian forces landed in Kashmir only after the document of accession was signed by Hari Singh while quoting an authority on Kashmir Alastair Lamb in his book mentions that Indian forces were already here and they even received their companions on 27th of Oct, 1947. He raises million dollar question when he asked Indian rulers that, they are asking Huriyat Conference leadership to prove their representative character what about Hari Singh? Was he elected representative of Kashmiri people? How his decision of accession was accepted? If as a ruler he had a right to take such decision what about ruler of Junagarh why his decision to accede Junagarh to Pakistan was not accepted by Indian rulers? Another irrelevant aspect of this so-called accession is that Hari Singh signed the document of accession at a time when public movement against him was on its peak and he was forced to quit Kashmir and he signed the document only after quitting Kashmir. I do not think after knowing these historical realties any sane and just person can say that, Hari Singh’s decision of accession has no legal or moral standing. According to Dr. Qasim battle between people of Kashmir and Indian rulers is basically battle between history of Kashmir and Indian occupation. Universal truth about history that it repeats itself will deliver its part in Kashmir also and once history of Kashmir repeats itself India will be forced and forced by circumstances to quit Kashmir thus, one has to wait and see how long Indian might be able to stop history of Kashmir from its repetition. He advocates that while taking history of Kashmir into consideration this problem must be solved according to the wishes of Kashmiri people as has been promised by India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Nehru from 1947 till his demise (1962) he repeatedly took pledges before the world, Pakistani rulers, Indian parliament and people of Kashmir. He used to say as soon as peace restores in Kashmir people of Kashmir will be given right to decide their future. Dr. Qasim argues that demanding plebiscite in Kashmir is in other words demand to Indian rulers that they should fulfill promises of their first prime minister Pandit Nehru regarding future of Kashmir; he further says one fails to understand how it has become crime in Kashmir to demand plebiscite. He is very disgusted with the political leaders of the state, he says it were Shaikh Abdullah, Ghulam Muhammad Bakhshi and Ghulam Muhammad Sadiq and then Faruq Abdullah, Mufti Sayid and Ghulam Nabi Azad now who are giving political shield to Indian military occupation here in Kashmir, he writes further that for mere power and personal interests the state political leader mislead Indian government about ground realities on Kashmir particularly regarding the wishes of people resulting Indian government repeatedly instead of finding solution to this humane problem indulged itself in solving the superficial and secondary problems/issues in Kashmir. He pleads that it is not problem in Kashmir but problem of Kashmir which Government of India should address. He blames state Indian leaders for misguiding Indian government that the present situation in Kashmir is unemployment problem it is why Indian leaders are announcing economic packages and job schemes. He while appealing Indian rulers, says that Kashmir problem is of political nature thus, must be solved according to the wishes of the people and economic packages can not heal up political wounds.While discussing universal principle of the state craft Dr. Qasim says that there are ample examples in history and even today we can see it existing that, rulers ruling over their subjects against their wishes merely on the basis of their military might, he says it was easy to rule over subjects against their wishes in past and even today but in all these cases their rule did not continue for long and shall not exist in future too, resistance of oppressed people and sometimes even circumstances forced such oppressors to quit occupied states.

Even today mighty rulers can rule directly or through local poodles states and countries but can not rule over hearts of people. One can subdue everything by might but cannot win a single heart by might. Dr. Qasim while giving the example of India itself says how many kingdoms were established from Chandar Gupt Muriyah to king Akbar since they only ruled over the bodies of their subjects today their reference is confined only in history books, on the contrary the kingdoms which were established by the great personalities like Gautam Budah, Mahawirah and Hazrat Nizam-al-din on hearts of people are still existing and even today they rule infinite number of subjects throughout the world, the prince of Kapilvastau left his superficial empire because he wanted to rule the hearts of the people thus, established an empire which is existing even today. He raises very important question when he says that in last 58 years Indian rulers with all their efforts and tricks have failed to win the hearts of the Kashmiri people, even though spending billions on Kashmir the situation here is that even a single Kashmiri is not ready to allow any Indian political leader or a security personnel to enter his house thus, there is a yawning gulf of hatred between India and Kashmir and brutalities of Indian forces are adding to this hatred by every passing day. Dr. Qasim regarding this situation goes even to this extent that from the core of heart the political leaders right from Sheikh Abdullah to Faruq Abdullah were not Indians but they became or pretend to be Indians only because of lust for power. If Kashmiris are given right of self determination I am of firm belief that Faruq Abdullah will cast his vote in favour of independence and not in favour of India. That is why Dr. Qasim strongly opposes the killing of pro-Indian political leader and workers. Since having deep knowledge of history of Kashmir he says that history can be mutilated and can be wrongly interpreted too but it cannot be destroyed thus like Hindu faith of rebirth history repeats itself. While clarifying it he writes that against the wishes of the people, Mughals ruled Kashmir for 167 years, Afgan for 66 years, Sikhs for 27 years and Dogras for about 99 years since, they fail to win hearts of Kashmiri people they were forced by circumstance to quit Kashmir. Dr. Qasim is in full agreement with famous historian Pandit Kalhan that, Kashmiris cannot be win over by sword. Since Indian rulers have failed and failed miserably to win the hearts of Kashmiri people thus, their rule over Kashmir will not last long. When Indian rulers will accept this bitter truth they will allow Kashmiri people to decide their future, meanwhile they are doing everything to stop history of Kashmir from its repetition. He further says that the result of this battle between history of Kashmir and Indian occupation might emerge very soon, according to him history is not only unbeatable force but court also and it has to announce its verdict against Indian occupation.Dr. Qasim is also in agreement with the opinion of Raj Mohan Gandhi that to solve the Kashmir issue fairly it is compulsory for the Indian leaders to make aware their subjects about the historical realities of Kashmir at the earliest. In this context Indian print and electronic media has to play vital role. Regarding Kashmir he considers that, may it be accession of Hari Singh (1947), Nehru Abdullah agreement (1952), Indira Abdullah agreement (1975), or Shastri Ayub agreement (1966) Indra Bhattu agreement (1972),Vajpayee Nawaz agreement (1999), these all agreements failed to solve Kashmir dispute because they did not take into account wishes of Kashmiri people, further he says that even if today any agreement takes place regarding Kashmir between Manmohan-Musahraf or Manmohan-Huriyat Conference, where wishes of people are ignored it will be one more attempt in futility and this will not change hearts and minds of people about Delhi. Dr. Qasim in his every book and article requests Indian government that they should show sense of wisdom, farsightedness and political vision and should understand and acknowledge aspirations of people and at the same time should go into history of Kashmir, it is only then they can convince themselves to accept the truth about Kashmir. It is solution of Kashmir issue only which can make relations between Pakistan and India cordial and it is this cordial relation between these two neighbours which will ultimately pave the way for Sub-continent’s peace and prosperity.Dr. Qasim first political leader who put forward three point formula for changing this freedom movement of Kashmir into self reliant movement. 1) After taking the militant organizations into confidence the Huriyat Conference and other political organizations should draft a bottom line on Kashmir issue when he talks about bottom line one should not misunderstand him that he is advocating any solution with in the sovereignty of India not at all what he mean to say is that there are various options even outside the Indian sovereignty thus political and militant leadership should unanimously choose one of them.2) Political organizations should not accept the monetary help from any government or agency instead of this should raise funds locally 3) They must snap all kinds of relations with the intelligence agencies of Delhi and Islamabad. When he put forth these suggestions before political and militant organizations in his speeches and writings Huriyat Conference and other leaders declare all this as mere imagination. But after 9/11 his friends and foes both not only acknowledged his farsightedness but are also talking now about indigenous movement it was his prophecy when he in his famous book Maslai Kashmir ki Shar‘i Hathiyat (published in June 2001) wrote that today or tomorrow Musharaf government will take U turn from Pakistan’s traditional stand on Kashmir which is obvious today. Although people are considering 9/11 responsible for this U turn but Dr. Qasim has in detail discussed the reasons which actually led Musharaf government to this U turn in the said book. Actually it was this political farsightedness and practical vision for which he was sentenced for life in a case he was implicated by the state authorities he often says that if I would have been given this life imprisonment for my political beliefs and thoughts I would have cheerfully accepted it but the cover of murder which the authorities took and without any witness and only on the basis of so-called confessional statement even after Jammu TADA Court had honourably acquitted him with his two colleagues this hurts lot. Dr. Qasim is first ever Kashmiri scholar and political ideologue who has been sentenced for life solely on the basis of his political beliefs. Strange aspect of his case is that TADA court acquitted him saying confessional statement has been extracted without following norms for recording the confessional statement and has been recorded under duress conditions. It is also surprising I think it is unique case in the history of TADA court too that lower court is acquitting somebody and apex court is sentencing him for life.We ask justice loving politicians, intellectuals, journalists, judges, advocates and organizations working for human rights that is it possible that a person having moderate views regarding religion, economy, politics and society can involve himself in a murder of an innocent person?From, last 15 years Dr. Muhammad Qasim is languishing behind bars for a crime he never committed. Not only his family, his wife and little children are in pain and agony but his well wishers too are worried due to his continuous imprisonment people of Kashmir are looking for his earliest release. His religious, educational, political and social services to his community are an open book. In this world of freedom of expression and thought his detention is a question mark on Indian democracy.Here I conclude my paper by the words of Jinab Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Chairman of Tehrik-i-Huriyat regarding Dr. Qasim.

“In Central Jail Srinagar there is our sincere colleague, pious devotee of Islam and freedom fighter Dr. Muhammad Qasim who after acquittal from TADA court, just for political revenge and to keep him away from this oppressed nation and to deprive people of Kashmir from his educational and religious abilities, was sentenced to life imprisonment. His remembrance, his ambition for reformation of society and his wish to liberate this nation will never fade away from our hearts and mind. His continuous imprisonment is a hurdle in our comprehensive work for freedom. It is not beyond the mercy and blessings of Allah Almighty that he comes out from this ordeal.” 

Kupwara residents recall memories of 1993 massacre

29 MUHARRAM-UL-HARAM 1430 AH ; TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009 CE: In occupied Kashmir, Indian troopers, who gunned down 27 civilians in Kupwara district on January 27, 1993 for observing shutdown on India’s Republic Day, continue to roam freely even after 16 years.

Memories of the massacre are still fresh in the minds of people and they are waiting for the day when the perpetrators would be punished.

The Traders Federation of Kupwara, on Monday held a prayer meeting to remember those who fell prey to the troopers’ bullets. “We demand that case should be reopened and killers be punished,” the traders said.

On the fateful day, troops of 15 Punjab and Gharwal regiments opened indiscriminate fire killing 27 civilians in Kupwara market. After the incident, police registered a case and assured the residents that erring troopers would be punished.

“There was no headway made after the case was registered. We are waiting for the day when killers would be punished,” said one of the survivors. 

Recalling the incident, the survivors said that the troops fired upon people only to avenge the strike observed by shopkeepers on January 26. They said that the patrolling party of Punjab regiment had warned the shopkeepers on January 25 of dire consequences if they observed strike and didn’t celebrate India’s Republic Day.  

“As the shopkeepers opened their shops on January 27, troopers opened fire from all the directions killing 27 people. After unleashing death, troopers asked survivors to assemble in the ground and undergo an identification parade,” recalled a survivor.  

He said that no one was allowed to lift the bodies and take the injured to hospital adding, “A boy died in front of his father, who begged the troopers to allow him to take his son to the hospital. But troopers didn’t pay any heed towards his pleas.”

Kashmir Media Service

Kashmir Watch

Kashmiris remember Handwara massacre even after 19 years

Aftermath of Gawkadal massacre

 After the Gawkadal massacre on 21 of the Januay 1990 were Fifty two unarmed civilians were massacred by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)  tens of thousands of people from Handwara  were  heading toward Handwara Chowk to protest aganist the Gawkadal massacre which killed 55 which took place just 3 days before.

Kashmir Media Service

27 MUHARRAM-UL-HARAM 1430 AH ; SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2009 CE:-Nineteen years after Handwara district witnessed one of the worst massacres in the history of occupied Kashmir, people still remember the bloodbath by the troops of Indian Border Security Force (BSF).
Twenty-five protesters were killed in cold blood by the paramilitary BSF troopers on January 25, 1990.
“I along with around tens of thousands of people was heading toward Handwara Chowk. When the procession crossed Handwara Police Station, troopers coming from opposite side jumped from their vehicles and without any warning turned their barrels at us and fired indiscriminately,” said Ghulam Rasool who was part of 25 January 1990 procession in Handwara when 25 people were killed.

Rasool said that he and others were protesting against human rights violations and serial crackdowns in Gaw Kadal area of Srinagar when without any provocation troopers opened fire at them. “Suddenly people hit by bullets were falling in front of me. Some of them died on the spot. Many others were critically injured.”

While recollecting what happened on the day, a survivor, Nazir Ahmed said, “Thousands of people from Handwara and other adjoining areas raising pro-freedom slogans assembled in the town to protest against the Gaw Kadal massacre, where 55 persons were shot dead by the troopers just few days before.” He said that BSF troopers continued indiscriminate firing on people for three hours. Hundreds of troopers cornered the demonstrators from every side and emptied their magazines on their chests.

Another survivor, Fayaz Ahmed said that the mere thought of that day sends shivers down his spine. “The BSF troopers had gone mad. Doomsday cannot be worse than what I wave witnessed. Within minutes bodies were piled on streets and blood was scattered everywhere,” he added.

The locals said “Instead of allowing us to construct a memorial where the carnage took place, occupation authorities constructed a bunker there to add insult to our injuries.” “Their memorial should be built in the main Chowk so that our future generations don’t forget the history,” they added.

Gawkadal massacre

Fresh memories and forgotten killers

Greater KASHMR

TASIM ZAHID

Srinagar, 23 MUHARRAM-UL-HARAM 1430 AH Wednesday, January 21, 2009: Fifty two unarmed civilians were massacred by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers on 21 January, 1990 at Gawkadal. The memories of the first of a series of bloodiest massacres by Indian troopers across the Valley carried out to quell the freedom struggle are fresh in the minds of the survivors and the families of the victims. And the spot where the people were mowed down like flies is marked by a granite memorial which has a marble stone inscribed with the names of the martyrs and a tap from which passersby drink water. The memorial is hidden from the public gaze for most of the times by a row of auto rickshaws. The accused killers, as a norm, were exonerated a long time back.  
 Not knowing how to respond to the mass uprising, New Delhi deputed governor Jagmohan to Kashmir. He took the charge on January 19 and on the same night the troopers searched homes in the Guru Bazaar area during crackdown operations, and randomly arrested 56 civilians, beat up and abused people. 
 On January 20, the families including a large number of women, took to streets demanding the release of their kin who had been pulled out of their beds. They laid siege on the divisional commissioner's office for the whole day. Eventually, by the evening 50 of those arrested were set free as nothing was found against them. 
Next day, a huge procession was taken out from Mehjoor Nagar and thousands of people from civil lines areas joined it. The protesters were marching toward Chota Bazar where the troopers had molested some women a day before. But when it reached Gawkadal the CRPF troopers fired at the unarmed peaceful protesters killing 52 of them and injuring scores of others. 
 Prominent journalist and columnist Zahir-ud-din witnessed the massacre. He says, “I was in the middle of crowd, when they started firing started. First they fired a shot in air and then at people. I just ran.”
 “Next day we buried twelve bodies in our martyr’s graveyard at Magarmal Bagh without knowing the identities of the dead. I think some of them were never identified,” Zahir-ud-din said.
  A Shopkeeper at Gawkadal wishing anonymity said, “The bodies were scattered on the road. The Imam Sahib of our mosque mustered up courage and walked among the bodies, trying to see if someone was breathing. How can we forget that day?” But for Abdul Rouf Wani’s courageous act the death toll would have been much higher than 52. Rouf stood in front of the barrel of a machine gun from which a CRPF trooper was firing at the procession.
 Rouf was 20 years old and the results of his matriculation exam were declared three months later. 
 His elder sister, Zulehuma, said, “Who would rejoice at the exam results of a dead brother. When he was martyred my younger brother said Rouf was not made for this world. He was always different from all of us.”
 “When he was young he once told me that he wanted to die a martyr’s death. Every breath he took was in the way of the Allah,” she said. Rouf had spent the night before the massacre in a mosque reciting Quran, Zulehuma said, adding, “He had returned home two days before from Gulmarg where he had spent a month along with many other preachers of Tabligh movement, preaching Islam.”
 Zulehuma belives that her brother’s sacrifices would not go waste. “Today we are in the same situation as we were in the 1990. People have sold the blood of those who offered sacrifices which will not go waste,” she said. 
 Zulehuma has only one question for the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, “Has he ever asked himself where thousands of people of his age in Kashmir are? They have been killed.”
 The massacre changed the life of Showkat Ahmed Khan. He built the memorial at the Gowkadal crossing. He joined the JKLF which spearheaded the struggle at that time. On 12 March 2002 he met the same fate as those killed at Gawkadal. After his arrest by the dreaded Special Task Force, his body was found from Shalteng. His father-in-law, Nazir Ahmad says that Showkat’s face “had nearly split into two with bullets.”
 Showkat left behind a small baby girl who was barely three months old at that time. His wife has remarried since, but his daughter lives with his Showkat’s family. Nazir Ahmed says that she calls Showkat’s brother as his father.

 And Showkat’s neighbor’s remember him as the “man who made the memorial.”

Gawkadal massacre: Fresh memories and forgotten killers

TASIM ZAHID

Greater Kashmir

Srinagar,23 MUHARRAM-UL-HARAM 1430 AH Wednesday, January 21, 2009: Fifty two unarmed civilians were massacred by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers on 21 January, 1990 at Gawkadal. The memories of the first of a series of bloodiest massacres by Indian troopers across the Valley carried out to quell the freedom struggle are fresh in the minds of the survivors and the families of the victims. And the spot where the people were mowed down like flies is marked by a granite memorial which has a marble stone inscribed with the names of the martyrs and a tap from which passersby drink water. The memorial is hidden from the public gaze for most of the times by a row of auto rickshaws. The accused killers, as a norm, were exonerated a long time back.  

 Not knowing how to respond to the mass uprising, New Delhi deputed governor Jagmohan to Kashmir. He took the charge on January 19 and on the same night the troopers searched homes in the Guru Bazaar area during crackdown operations, and randomly arrested 56 civilians, beat up and abused people. 
 On January 20, the families including a large number of women, took to streets demanding the release of their kin who had been pulled out of their beds. They laid siege on the divisional commissioner's office for the whole day. Eventually, by the evening 50 of those arrested were set free as nothing was found against them. 
Next day, a huge procession was taken out from Mehjoor Nagar and thousands of people from civil lines areas joined it. The protesters were marching toward Chota Bazar where the troopers had molested some women a day before. But when it reached Gawkadal the CRPF troopers fired at the unarmed peaceful protesters killing 52 of them and injuring scores of others. 
 Prominent journalist and columnist Zahir-ud-din witnessed the massacre. He says, “I was in the middle of crowd, when they started firing started. First they fired a shot in air and then at people. I just ran.”
 “Next day we buried twelve bodies in our martyr’s graveyard at Magarmal Bagh without knowing the identities of the dead. I think some of them were never identified,” Zahir-ud-din said.
  A Shopkeeper at Gawkadal wishing anonymity said, “The bodies were scattered on the road. The Imam Sahib of our mosque mustered up courage and walked among the bodies, trying to see if someone was breathing. How can we forget that day?” But for Abdul Rouf Wani’s courageous act the death toll would have been much higher than 52. Rouf stood in front of the barrel of a machine gun from which a CRPF trooper was firing at the procession.
 Rouf was 20 years old and the results of his matriculation exam were declared three months later. 
 His elder sister, Zulehuma, said, “Who would rejoice at the exam results of a dead brother. When he was martyred my younger brother said Rouf was not made for this world. He was always different from all of us.”
 “When he was young he once told me that he wanted to die a martyr’s death. Every breath he took was in the way of the Allah,” she said. Rouf had spent the night before the massacre in a mosque reciting Quran, Zulehuma said, adding, “He had returned home two days before from Gulmarg where he had spent a month along with many other preachers of Tabligh movement, preaching Islam.”
 Zulehuma belives that her brother’s sacrifices would not go waste. “Today we are in the same situation as we were in the 1990. People have sold the blood of those who offered sacrifices which will not go waste,” she said. 
 Zulehuma has only one question for the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, “Has he ever asked himself where thousands of people of his age in Kashmir are? They have been killed.”
 The massacre changed the life of Showkat Ahmed Khan. He built the memorial at the Gowkadal crossing. He joined the JKLF which spearheaded the struggle at that time. On 12 March 2002 he met the same fate as those killed at Gawkadal. After his arrest by the dreaded Special Task Force, his body was found from Shalteng. His father-in-law, Nazir Ahmad says that Showkat’s face “had nearly split into two with bullets.”
 Showkat left behind a small baby girl who was barely three months old at that time. His wife has remarried since, but his daughter lives with his Showkat’s family. Nazir Ahmed says that she calls Showkat’s brother as his father.

 And Showkat’s neighbor’s remember him as the “man who made the memorial.”

Indian Troops kill passerby outside CM house

 
Wasim Khalid/ Shabir Ali

Srinagar/Islamabad, Jan 7: A 34-year old deaf and dumb was shot dead by army personnel few meters away from the residence of the chief minister, Omar Abdullah at Gupkar Sonawar last night. 

Police sources said that the incident took place at 10:30 pm on Tuesday evening when [Indian] army men stationed at the residential compound of Commander 31 Sub Area on Gupkar Road opened fire on Abdul Rashid Reshi, who was killed on spot. 

They said the chief minister; Omar Abdullah’s residence is few meters away from the spot, where the incident took place.

After hearing the gunshots, a police team rushed to the spot to inquire into the matter.

“During preliminary investigations, we found Reshi had entered the army camp by scaling the wall,” SSP Srinagar, Afhad-ul-Mujtaba told Rising Kashmir.

He claimed that he was challenged and asked by army personnel to stop. “He, however, ignored the warning and continued to move ahead. Later, the sentry stationed at the third check post opened fire on him, killing him on the spot,” he said.

Mujtaba said a Kangri (firepot) and an identity card were recovered from his possession. The deceased, Abdul Rashid Reshi, belonged to Veer Saran village of Pahalgam, Islamabad.  

When asked whether any weapons were recovered from the deceased, SSP said, “No weapons or incriminating material was recovered from him. During investigations, it was found that he was impaired by speech and hearing”.

“We have taken cognizance and registered case under CRPC,” added SSP. 

Family Speaks

The family members of the deceased said that Reshi had left for Srinagar on Tuesday morning. “He had left his home to work as a labourer in Srinagar,” Reshi’s brother, Ghulam Qadir Reshi said. 
“He had not informed us and we were searching for him”.

He said, “On Tuesday evening they came to know about his killing from their distant relative, Ghulam Nabi Reshi, currently staying in Srinagar”.

“My brother could not speak or hear. Those who say he was mentally ill are trying to project the things differently” he said.  

Qadir said, “He had come to Srinagar to earn livelihood but instead his life was cut short by army personnel, who killed him without any justification”.

Stating that he and his family members voted for National Conference during the assembly elections, Qadir said, “We voted for development but got death bag in return. The troops killed my innocent brother without any reason”. 

As the body of Abdul Rashid Reshi was brought to his village for last rites, hundreds of people took to roads and staged anti-India and anti-army demonstrations. Shouting pro-freedom and anti India slogans, the villagers and relatives of the victim demanded judicial probe into the killing.

Rafi Mir, the local MLA also demanded a judicial probe into the incident. “The guilty persons should be taken to task and punished,” he said.

He said that the case should not be hushed up.

Army orders probe

A defence spokesman while confirming the killing of the impaired person said, “Army guards at the residential compound of Commander 31 Sub Area on Gupkar Road, Srinagar fired on an intruder who scaled over rear boundary wall and entered its premises at about 10 pm on January 6”.

He claimed that the intruder despite being challenged repeatedly by the sentries did not stop and continued to run towards the residence. “The sentries then fired on the individual resulting in his death. The body was handed over to the police, who are investigating the matter,” he said.  

The defence spokesman said that army has ordered a high level inquiry into the incident.

He, however, claimed, “While the intention of the individual is not clear at this juncture, the possibility of his carrying out reconnaissance with the aim of launching a fidayeen attack at a later date cannot be ruled out and the same is also being examined by the inquiry instituted into the case.”  

[Rising Kashmir]

[KW Note: Since 1988, the U.N. recognised disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir has been hit by confrontation between Kashmiri Guerrillas and the Indian Military, which has resulted in more than One hundred thousand of deaths.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act contains no guidelines for ensuring effective control of the Military forces by the civil authorities. Under the act the Indian Military have the power to shoot, arrest, search, seize and even kill when they deem it necessary.]