Writer Confirms Indian Sinister Designs in Afghanistan

By Sajjad Shaukat

While, the US-led developed countries have spent billions of dollars for development in Afghanistan with a view to attaining stability and peace in the war-torn country, but, India has been destabilizing Afghanistan through various sinister designs.

In this regard, renowned writer Musa Khan Jalalzai in his recent article “Afghanistan teeters on the brink, “published in the Daily Times on November 5, 2016, has exposed and confirmed the sinister designs of India in Afghanistan.

In his article, Musa Khan Jalalzai quoted Michael Bassey Johnson who said, “Terrorism will never cease in a country where the so-called leaders are criminals and terrorists in disguise.”

Jalalzai wrote, “Afghanistan’s National Unity Government (NUG) is teetering on the brink. Internal political turmoil has worsened as differences over the power-sharing formula have intensified between the two presidents. Ethnic conflagration has also increased. Ethno-sectarian violence and the brinkmanship of the ruling class may further worsen the situation. The exponentially growing power of the Daesh in northern and eastern Afghanistan, and Taliban’s influence in the south means that the government and its allies have failed to bring stability to Afghanistan. Just recently, a Pandora’s box opened with the abrupt diatribe of Afghan Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum hammering President Ashraf Ghani for his wrongly designed ethnic policy, nepotism and power monopoly.”

He disclosed, “Mr. Dostum censured Abdullah Abdullah for his failure to act independently. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the ethnic policy of the president and said: “If you speak in Pashtu with President Ghani, you will be a good person, and if you speak Pashtu and you are from the Logar province, then you are a very good person. Mr. Dostum also accused the NDS Chief Muhammad Masoom Stanekzai for making things worse, and criticised unmerited appointments in the armed forces saying: “The corps commander for the north does not deserve his post, and he wants to paint General Dostum as a weak leader in the north and isolate him with their inappropriate behaviour...The jihadist figures appointed by President Ghani and Mr. Abdullah on key military posts had never seen a military base, and could not command even 100 soldiers. We have many experienced generals in our country who are out of job. Why aren’t they appointed on military posts? The 50 percent distribution of power is totally wrong, and this way of governance leads soldiers to death.”

He pointed out, “However, President’s Special Advisor for Governance Reforms, Ahmad Zia Massoud, accused the UNG of nepotism, and warning that this policy may further exacerbate ethnic tensions said: “What is good in this that I am in government as a Tajik and I bring all Tajiks to government? This creates a reaction. And what is good in this that a Pashtun is head of the state and then he appoints all Pashtuns in government offices? This is not good, and it creates a reaction from other ethnic groups.”

The writer elaborated, “In response to the vice president’s accusations, the office of the president termed the outburst as unexpected, and said that such accusations did not befit General Dostum. He said, “At present, Afghanistan has become a typical case of ethnic discrimination. Ethnic groups are more powerful in arms and fighting capabilities than the factional army of the country. In majority provinces, every powerful government official and military commander appoints members of his own ethnic groups to strengthen his position. In intelligence agencies like the NDS and RAMA and defence intelligence, Tajiks and Pashtuns are dominant, while Hazara and Uzbeks have one percent representation. Last month, clashes broke out when Tajiks demanded the reburial of the late king, Habibullah Khan. This action prompted intense rivalry between ethnic groups. On September 1, 2016, the funeral ceremony turned violent in Kabul, in which at least one person was killed and several others were injured. The king’s supporters were mainly Tajiks who were later attacked by General Dostum’s supporters.”

Musa Khan Jalalzai wrote, “The role of state and private media is seen suspicious as it covers language-related topics. Television and radio channels spread prejudice, racism and discrimination day and night. Ethnic tension between Pashtuns and Hazaras and between Tajiks and Pashtuns in northern provinces is openly discussed in talk shows. The recent tension renewed memories of the country’s long-running ethnic conflict that culminated in 1990s, and continued till the end of the Taliban regime in 2001. The ethnic politics of the NUG have failed. Mr Abdullah openly criticises Mr. Ghani for his ethnic favouritism. In Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz, Ghor, Baghlan and Takhar provinces, Pashtuns were humiliated, and their land was grabbed by Uzbek and Tajik war criminals.”

He explained, “Afghanistan is now caught up in a much broader series of violence. The Afghan scholar, Dr Zaman Stanizai, views the current ethnic conflict in the country as an unidentified and an unaddressed issue: “The current Afghan crisis is neither correctly identified nor adequately addressed. Pashtuns, who constitute the cohesive core of the otherwise ethnically diverse Afghan society, have earned the distinction of the most resistant for a reason. Like any other majority in any other state, they shoulder a heavier responsibility. The alienation of the majority will neither win hearts and minds nor will it help build institutions for a viable democracy.”

He revealed, “The controversial role of Indian government has further prompted a dangerous ethnic discrimination by providing millions of dollars to warlords and regional groups. Indian agencies—RAW, IB and Defence Intelligence Agency — are making things worse, and creating a strong opposition against the NUG in its efforts of rapprochement with Pakistan and China. Afghanistan is a bad victim of the proxy war between Pakistan and India, but with the inclination of Afghan government towards India, things have gone from bad to worse. India has been supporting the Northern Alliance since 1990s, which resulted in the return of war criminals into Afghanistan’s body politic. India secretly furthers its agenda to transform Afghanistan into its permanent colony by ‘recruiting’ thousands of young Afghans to study in Indian colleges and universities. Some Afghan politicians warn that India needs to balance its policy towards the Pashtuns, as the country has heavily invested in non-Pashtun groups. Only eight percent scholarship for Pashtuns exposes India’s ethnic role in Afghanistan.”

He said in the article, “Ethnic violence has created a hostile environment across Afghanistan. Pashtuns are being subjected to violence and torture in northern Afghanistan. Afghans who returned from Pakistan face violence and harassment, and are struggling to survive in their own country, but regional warlords are not willing to allow them to return to their hometowns. There are more than two million internally displaced Afghans who also face the wrath of war criminals and private militia commanders.”

He added, “Altercations over the agro-land in northern Afghanistan intensified as returnees claimed their occupied land, but without original documents, they are unable to repossess their land. Social media and private channels, repeatedly, illustrate public anger over the inconsideration of government vis-à-vis the armed forces of the country. In 2016, more than 16,000 Afghan soldiers and officers were killed and injured, and all but 2,600 joined Taliban and Daesh groups. In insider attacks 300 soldiers and officers were killed and 200 injured.”

However, Musa Khan Jalalzai has confirmed Indian sinister designs in Afghanistan by straightforwardly exposing the true picture of the Afghan imbroglio.

Nevertheless, 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. Unlike India, Pakistan shares common geographical, historical, religious and cultural bonds with Afghanistan. America and its Western partners have repeatedly recognized that Pak-Afghan stability is inter-related, which is essential for their global and regional interests. They know that without Islamabad’s help, stability cannot be achieved there. But, by supporting Indian negative role in Afghanistan at the cost of Pakistan, the US-led countries are encouraging New Delhi to continue anti-Pakistan and anti-Afghanistan moves. Thus, the US-Western countries are destabilizing South Asian security which is equally essential for their regional and global interests.

US-led Cabal to Raze the Muslim Unity

By Sajjad Shaukat  

By acting upon the old policy of divide and rule, US-led cabal of Israel and India are razing the Muslim unity to obtain their secret designs against the Islamic World.

As part of the double game, secret agencies agencies-American CIA, Indian RAW and Israeli Mossad are using various terrorist outfits such as the Islamic State group (Also known as Daesh, ISIS, ISIL), Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) etc., and their affiliated outfits like Al-Qaeda’s Al-Nusra Front, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi,  Jundollah (God’s soldiers) etc., and other similar terrorist groups to destabilize the Muslim World. These militant outfits, especially ISIL have claimed responsibility for various terror acts, conducted in Syria, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Indonesia, including some African countries like Libya.

Particularly, CIA, Mossad and RAW are in connivance with the ISIS militants to obtain the collective and individual interests of their countries against Russia, the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad, Pakistan and Iran.

American Jews who are owners of many big cartels—multinational corporations, arms industries, oil companies, banks etc., including print and electronic media of the US in particular and the world in general. Thus, by dominating American internal policies, Zionist Jews mould country’s foreign policy for their own interests, devoted to Israel. By changing America into corporate industry, they have converted the world into corporate industry.

In this regard, Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney pointed outs, “It is long been clear that the pro-Israel, ultra-Zionist network of think-tanks, public policy organizations, media outlets and lobbying organizations which have absolute control over the United States Congress, executive branch and foreign policy, actually run the US government…politicians who do not submit to the Zionist agenda are not elected or appointed to serve the government. We know that no government can serve two masters, and as a result, we have seen Israeli priorities placed above those of the American people.”

McKinney explains, “The idea that our leaders are pursuing America’s vital national interests abroad–is a myth…Israelis have a singularly powerful lobby in the US, which wields such political clout that no politician can afford to cross them…the pro-Israel movement, a well-organized political machine that operates as the Israeli government’s agent in America…a fifth column in league with a foreign government, so powerful that it has become the decisive factor in determining US policy.”

It is notable that after the 9/11 tragedy, both India and Israel who had jumped on the bandwagon of American fake global war on terror have been equating the ‘wars of liberation’ in Palestine and Kashmir with terrorism and under the cover, accelerated state terrorism on these controlled territories. Their main purpose is to divert the attention of the West from their own brutal tactics, while employing delaying tactics in the solution of Kashmir dispute and the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

In fact, Jewish-Hindu lobbies are collectively working in America and are well-penetrated in the US Administration and governments of the Western countries, especially Europe. These lobbies are exploiting the war against terrorism and presumed threats of Iran, China and Pakistan so as to protect the Indo-Israeli covert designs. With the help of some American law-makers and media, these entities have introduced dangerous socio-religious dimension in the world by equating the “war on terror” with “war on Islam” and acts of Al-Qaeda and ISIS with all the Muslims. With the support of these lobbies and in collaboration with the US neoconservatives, India and Israel have been exaggerating the threat of Islamophobia.

In this context, on October 19, 2007, the special issue of South Asia Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, under the caption-‘Working for India or against Islam? Islamophobia in Indian American Lobbies’ wrote, “In the past few years, Indian American community has gained an unprecedented visibility in the international arena and now constitutes influential ethnic lobbies in Washington. Among other factors, Hindu aligned with Jewish pressure groups in relation to the war against terrorism and to further the India-Israel-US strategic partnership play a major role in exaggerating Islamophobic overtones in the Indian American lobbies.”

Besides other related-developments such as occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq, air strikes on Libya, assistance to CIA-backed rebel groups, Al-Qaeda’s Al-Nusra in fighting against the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and current Iraqi regime—promoting ethnic and sectarian divide and violence in the Islamic World to protect the political and economic interests of Israel, US has been supporting Indo-Israeli cabal to destabilize the Muslim World to complete the unfinished agenda of the Zionist Jews, though New Dehi has also been availing the opportunity to weaken Pakistan.

Notably, Pakistan is the only nuclear country in the Islamic World. Hence, it irritates America, Israel and India. However, chaos has, deliberately, been created in the Muslim world. US, India and Israel  are using the militants of the terrorist outfits to weaken the Tibetan regions of China, Iranian Sistan-Baluchistan, Pakistan’s province of Balochistan and Central Asia (Russian interests) by arranging the subversive activities to promote acrimonious sense of dissent, sectarian violence and to arouse sentiments of separatism. In this context, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is their special target. As regards Balochistan, every Pakistani knows that separatist groups like BLA, TTP, ISIL and their affiliated outfits, which have been creating unrest in the Balochistan province, gets logistic support from RAW and Mossad with the tactical assistance of CIA. In the recent years, these terrorist groups massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Besides the recent bomb blasts in Quetta-the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the recent past, these insurgent groups kidnapped and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan including Iranian diplomats. They have claimed responsibility for a number of terror assaults, including those on Shias in Balochsitan and Iranian Sistan-Baluchistan. In this respect, Tehran has directly accused CIA of funding these types of terror attacks.

While hinting towards US, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has rightly disclosed, “The bloody actions being committed in Iraq, Pakistan and Iran are aimed at creating a division between the Shias and Sunnis…those who carry out these terrorist actions are directly or indirectly foreign agents.”

It is mentionable that John Stockwell, ex-CIA Station Chief in Angola in 1976, who also worked for the director of the CIA under George Bush (Senior) and spent 13 years in the agency, confirmed the US Central Intelligence Agency’s expanding operations in a report. Stockwell’s report indicated that since the 2006 US-led Ethiopian invasion of Somalia, “the CIA maintains a growing security complex in the country, located right behind Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The complex contains over a dozen buildings as well as several metal hangars, which house CIA aircraft.”

Another report by United Press International claims, “The CIA complex contains a prison for the suspected militants who are routinely interrogated and tortured by the members of a Mogadishu-based CIA team.”

As regards the CIA role to exploit the Iranian election protests in 2009, its programme involved playing the media as well as having secret agents on the ground in Iran. In this connection, in May 2007, ABC News reported that the CIA had received secret presidential (Bush) approval to mount a covert “black” operation to destabilize Iranian government.

Starting from Iran, protests and armed clashes inspired by the CIA resulted into revolt in Tunisia, expanding uprising and demonstrations to Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, Yemen, Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria and Libya.

On March 31, 2011, the Guardian revealed that the President Obama had signed a secret order authorizing covert help to arm Libyan rebels. On May 20, 2011, The Guardian indicated, “US President Obama placed Washington on the side of popular uprisings not only in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya but also in Syria and Bahrain—a longtime American ally.” It wrote, “President unveils shift in US policy towards Arab countries—tells Syria’s Assad to get out of way.”

On March 2, 2011, Yemen’s President Saleh, describing the role of CIA and Israeli Mossad, disclosed, “I am going to reveal a secret…there is an operations room in Tel Aviv run by the White House with the aim of destabilizing the Arab world.” Saleh also said, “Opposition figures meet regularly with the US ambassador in Sanaa.”

Nevertheless, in line with the Obama’s strategy, CIA agents succeeded in ousting Tunisian President Ben Ali, Egyptian Mubarak (a close ally of the US) and Libyan President Col. Gaddafi, toppling the elected government in Egypt as part of the policy of the regime change in accordance with the Israeli agenda.

Nonetheless, regarding the Muslim World, the quote “United we stand, divided we fall” has been used several times in the history to instill a bond among several segments of the society to achieve grand collective aims. The phrase, in various forms, can be attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, US Founding Father John Dickinson and many others. A similar phrase also appears in the biblical testament in verses 12:25 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” It is more pertinent to the Muslims, as Islam regards all the Muslims as a single brotherhood “Ummah Wahida”; it professes unity among Muslims and abhors division. The Quran clearly ordains, “Wa`tasimu bihablillahi jamee`an wala tafarraqoo” (Hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not be divided) (Quran 3:103).

After coming into being, the Islam spread in the vastness of Arabia and beyond just due to the unity it displayed in the early years. The Islam loathes any division among its followers or any discrimination on the basis of color, creed and status. The Holly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in his famous sermon at Hajja-tul-Wida, “Arabs have no superiority over non-Arabs and non-Arabs have no superiority over Arabs; you are all equal except by piety and good action. I am leaving behind me two things, the Quran and my example (the Sunnah) and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

Till the time Muslims remained united, they were the sole superpower and ruled the world. They set standards for the rest of the world, and were intellectually, morally, economically and politically—the leaders and role model for other communities and nations.

After getting humiliating defeat from the hands of the inferior by failing to cope with the shrewd diplomacy, Muslims soon realized the unity as the forte of Islam. Since then, the enemies of Islam have tried to break this unity by planting the seeds of dissention among the Muslims in one pretext or the other. The relentless efforts and tactics by the enemies have been employed to divide the Muslims on the basis of color, creed, language, ethnicity and culture. There are numerous occasions in the history, when the Muslims swallowed the bait and suffered horrendous consequences—weakened the Ummah as a whole.

The introduction of internet/social media has given a lot to the mankind and given it an unprecedented reach. However, this excellent facility is also being utilized to create divisions among the Muslims by sowing misunderstanding on trivial issues. The foreign based/funded think tanks, intellectuals and pseudo religious scholars are raising controversies on non-issues. They have coined various terms to brand the Muslims in various groups and create mutual hatred to destroy their unity.

The difference of opinion is a positive attribute and a sign of living society, Allah’s Prophet (PBUH) called “IKHTILAFO UMMATI RAHMAH” (The intellectual difference of opinion in my Ummah is a blessing) Nevertheless, taking these differences of opinion beyond intellectual discourse raises negativities and leads on the course of collision, which one can note in the Islamic World.

All the Muslims believe in oneness of Allah and finality of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). All four Imams had difference of opinion on certain issues; however, these differences were purely intellectual and based upon the Hadith of Prophet (PBUH) which reached to them at different times. Despite the difference of opinion, the Imams or the scholars of early times always respected each other and never ever condemned each other or called the other Imam and his followers as wrong. The discussion on the differences in Fiqah was never made a topic of Friday Sermons and never the Muslims were asked not to follow the other Imams.

The Islam has surpassed all the religions of the world with more than 23% of the world population as Muslims. The major deposits of natural resources of the world are mostly owned by the Muslim countries, but, the sad part is that in spite of such a great number of followers and the resources, the Muslims are suffering. This suffering is the outcome of differences/division among the Muslims who are divided on the basis of languages, ethnicity, regional preferences, nationalism and above all sectarian beliefs in the name of Islam. Those countries like the US, Israel, India and some Western countries who do not want to see the Muslims gaining strength are bent upon dividing them to the roots. There appears a grand plan of widening the gulf between Muslims by organizing various conferences and seminars on controversial issues at international level by inviting selective religious scholars, thereby, embroiling the Muslims, all over the world in general and the Gulf countries in particular by creating sectarian strife.

Therefore, there is a need to create awareness among the Muslims. Their religious scholars need to highlight the looming threats in their sermons and create unity among Muslims. 

The Muslim religious scholars and clerics (Ulma) must make it clear that the spirit of Islam/ Quran, even invites the followers of other religions on common terms. In this context, “Quran 3:64-71-Surah Ale-Imran says: “O people of book! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah: that we associate no partners with Him: that we erect not from among ourselves Lords and patrons other than Allah.” If we can  come on common terms with other religions, then why not with our own Muslim brothers with whom we may have just trivial differences of theological commentaries/opinions on the interpretation of few sayings/ practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Being Muslims, we need to hold “the rope of Allah, Quran and Hadith” tightlty and do not get divided. We have to unite in the name of Allah and not to fight among ourselves in the name of Allah. Islam ordains protection of non-Muslims simply to show the respect for the canons of divinity and humanity, then how can we afford to fight with our own Muslim brothers?

Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) has compared the Muslim community with human body, and according to him all the Muslims are like one body, when even a single part of human body suffers for any reason the restlessness is felt in all the parts of body.

Islam is basically a religion of peace that lays great emphasis upon mutual understanding and love among the fellow Muslims. Great stress is laid upon the unity and development of brotherhood among fellow Muslim brothers.

At present, the Muslims who need unity which will not be against other religions, but, can make the Muslim World an invincible force and it must not  let to be destroyed at any cost, as the absence of unity brings and breeds disruption, devastation and disputes (A disputed matter or issue is that matter/issue in which the Muslim scholars are divided) which are being manipulating by the US-led cabal.

Instead of condemning each other, calling names and killing the Muslims, we must follow whichever Muslim school of thought we want to follow, but, we must respect others view points as well. The intellectual differences of opinion should not be considered as a dispute and should not be debated on streets or during Friday sermons. It should be discussed in the universities, and Dar-ul-Ulooms (Religious seminaries).

The unity does not shun any one’s personal and substantial right of expression and will mean to have respect and honor for others’ thoughts. It means to show broadmindedness, respect, and avoidance of every sort of chauvinism. We must follow the esteemed companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who, at times, despite having academic differences among them remained friendly and respected each other.

While, all the enemies of Islam are united against the Muslims; we need to be united now more than ever before. The lives of the companions of the Holly Prophet (PBUH) and early Muslims lead us to the conclusion that all the Muslims are brothers and are like a single body and therefore, can never be indifferent towards one another. Among them should prevail the spirit of cooperation, goodwill and love.

At this critical hour, if the Muslims do not unite by following the true spirit of Islam, the US-led cabal, particularly of Israel and India will further raze the so-called unity among the Muslim countries.

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_pak@hotmail.com

Courtesy Veterans Today

Jammu Martyrs Day

By Sajjad Shaukat

This time Jammu Martyrs Day has come at time when the people of Kashmir have accelerated their legitimate struggle in the aftermath of the martyrdom of the young Kashmir leader Burhan Wani by the Indian security forces in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) in wake of continued sieges and prolonged curfew. Since July 8, 2016, Indian forces have martyred more than 100 innocent persons who have been protesting against the martyrdom of Burhan Wani. By manipulating the false flag terror attacks at a military base in Uri and Baramulla, the BJP-led Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also intensified war-hysteria against Pakistan. After deployment of heavy arms and weapons at the Line of Control (LoC), Indian forces have increased troops and continue shelling in Pakistani side of Azad Kashmir. New Delhi’s main aim is to deflect the attention of the international community from the new phase of Kashmiri Intifada, while ressure has been mounting on the Modi government both domestically and internationally to resolve the issue of Kashmir with Pakistan.

However, like other “black days”, Jammu Martyrs Day which is another gloomy day in the history of Kashmir, is celebrated on 6th of November by the Kashmiris and the Pakistanis on both sides of the LoC and by those, living abroad to remember the great sacrifices of 2.50 lakh inmates of Jammu including men, women, children and elderly Muslims who were mercilessly slaughtered by the armed Hindu gangsters, the Indian occupying and the Dogra military troops near Jammu Sialkot working boundary under a nefarious pre-planned conspiracy, while they were proceeding for migrating to their beloved homeland Pakistan. This tragedy occurred on this very day in 1947.

During the first week of November in 1947‚ hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris were killed by the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh‚ Indian army and Hindu extremists in different parts of Jammu region, while they were migrating to Pakistan. But, their brutalities were not confined to it. As part of pre-planned scheme, on November 5, 1947, announcements were made everywhere in Jammu, asking Muslims to assemble in police lines where from they would be sent to Pakistan. On November 6, Jammu Muslims including men women and children were seemingly dispatched towards Pakistan in trucks. But before they could reach the destination, Indian army, forces of Maharaja and Hindu extremists at Samba Reasi and other places martyred them in gruesome manner. Thus, over 2.50 Muslim inmates of Jammu city and adjoining areas were martyred.

Nevertheless, the huge deaths had stunned the world. In this regard, the ‘Time” magazine, in its November 47 publication also pointed out the figure of 2, 50,000 deaths of Jammu people.

But, these sacrifices did not go waste, as they have kept the Kashmir issue alive. As regards the historical background, during the partition of the Sub-continent, 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 design to forcibly wrest Kashmir began to unfold on August 16, 1947, with the announcement of the Radcliffe Boundary Award. It 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.

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 to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine whether they wish to join Pakistan or India. 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.

The very tragedy of Kashmiris had started after 1947 when they were denied their genuine right of self-determination. They organized themselves against the injustices of India and launched a war of liberation which New Delhi tried to crush through various forms of brutalities.

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 encounter.

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 one 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-held Kashmir. Then researchers and other groups reported finding thousands of mass graves without markers. In this respect, 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.

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, 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.

But, New Delhi is still showing its intransigence in order to resolve Kashmir dispute with Pakistan by neglecting the fact that Kashmir remains a nuclear flashpoint between both the neighbouring countries.

In this context, Egbert Jahn in his book, “Kashmir: Flashpoint for a Nuclear War or Even a Third World War?” has pointed out, “The Kashmir conflict is embedded in the wider conflict over the incomplete creation of nations and states on the Indian subcontinent, which during the east-west conflict even threatened at times to escalate into a nuclear world war between Pakistan and the USA on the one side and India and the USSR on the other. Until now, there have been three wars between India and Pakistan over the Jammu and Kashmir: in 1947–49, 1965 and 1999… finally, the Indo-Chinese border war of 1962…after these wars…and could unexpectedly again lead to a regional and under certain circumstances…even a major nuclear war or a Third World War.”

Meanwhile, like the previous year, Pakistan’s recent serious and sincere effort at the annual session of the United Nations—the recent speech of Pakistan’s prime minister and his meeting with the American president, highlighting the Kashmir dispute and demanding its solution has infused a new spirit among the Kashmiri people.

Nonetheless, 6th of November is commemorated by the Kashmiris and Pakistanis as the Jammu Martyrs Day to remember the supreme sacrifices of lives, laid down by 2,50,000 people of Jammu, who were ruthlessly massacred by the Hindu extremists, Indian forces and the Dogra military troops on November 6, 1947.

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

Modi’s despicable agenda

Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal

THE probability of the conflict escalation between India and Pakistan has multiplied in the recent months due to Prime Minister Narendra Singh Modi’s despicable agenda. In reality, his jingoistic attitude has been haunting the peace and prosperity of the entire region. Ironically, international community seems reluctant to reprimand the irresponsible behaviour of the Prime Minister of India. Since his oath taking as a Prime Minister of India, the people of Indian occupied Kashmir and minorities, especially Muslims, in entire India have been suffering from the Hindu Fundamentalist brutalities. He has been punishing Kashmiris because they did not support his party in the state elections in 2014 and thereby BJP had failed to secure 44 plus seats in the state assembly to make first Hindu Government in Srinagar.
Premier Modi’s cunning tactics to decisive Islamabad, especially in the realm of dialogue process have negative impact on both states relationship. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did his best to engage him for the prosperity of the region. Regrettably, he failed to convince him that nuclear alarmed states could only resolve their disputes through dialogue instead of war. Islamabad is adamant to not cave in to the Modi’s unrealistic despicable coercive diplomacy and threat of the use of force including surgical strikes. Moreover, the Indian hawkish ruling elite’s irrational arrogance and overbearing demands on Kashmir dispute are equally unacceptable. Certainly, the firm stance of Islamabad annoyed the Hindu fundamentalists in New Delhi.
The prevailing tension between the belligerent neighbours triggered due to the sudden upsurge in Kashmiris freedom movement in the Indian occupied Kashmir. The extrajudicial killing of Burhan Wani, a 22-year-old pro-freedom leader on July 8, 2016 amplified Kashmiris frustration and resentment. The Indian law enforcement agencies’ atrocities augmented the resilience of the insurgent. Prime Minister Nerandra Modi is desperate as well as frustrated. His government’s internal and external policies have exposed his Hindu Fundamentalist agenda. The continuing suffering of the minorities in India have shaken many Indians conscious and therefore they have been questioning the Modi’s governance style.Perhaps, they are not comfortable with the ruling BJP government sanctioning of RSS agenda. Whereas; without RSS, the BJP is a politically inert entity in India.
The Indian Army’s atrocities, especially targeting the Kashmiris youth resulted in the attack on Indian Army Brigade Headquarter in Uri, Baramulla District, Indian Held Kashmir on September 18, 2016. The attackers killed 19 Indian soldiers. The killing of the Indian soldiers at the protected Brigade headquarter not only exposed the Indian security agencies vulnerability to the freedom fighters but also amplified Premier Modi’s anger. He immediately announced to take punitive measures against Pakistan. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) also unnerved Premier Modi and his associates. They cannot accept prospering Pakistan. He made many attempts to scuttle CPEC project. After realizing that Chinese leadership is not paying attention to his irrational demands, he articulated threats of water wars, surgical strikes and above all announced to isolate Pakistan internationally and economically. Precisely, he is determined to undo Pakistan through his vertical and horizontal escalation strategy.
The alarming issue is that Premier Modi has been employing warmongering tactics to attract the attention of common man within India or to sustain his popularity among the Indian voters. He seemed convinced that increasing tension at the India-Pakistan border would assist BJP in winning the elections in Utter Pradesh province. Ironically, Premier Modi and his advisors have been failing to realize that increasing bellicosity between the nuclear-armed nations and jingoism could spiral out of control and likely turn into full-blown military confrontation entailing nuclear annihilation. Its an open secret that India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) have been patronizing terrorists groups to attack soft targets in Pakistan. For instance, the terrorists who were involved in attack on the police training college, Quetta were constantly in contact with their leadership and handlers in Afghanistan. They killed 61 trainees in the college and wounding at least 117 people.
The apathetic attitude of the international community on the Indians atrocities in the Indian held Kashmir and New Delhi’s aggressive approach towards Pakistan encourage Modi government to further deteriorate the situation in the sub-continent. Delhi Police illegally detained Pakistani High Commission’s official for a few hours on the suspicion of espionage. The detention and manhandling of a diplomat contravened the 1961 Vienna Convention. Notwithstanding, the Indian police violated Vienna Convention;the Indian foreign secretary summoned Pakistani High Commissioner, Abdul Basit on October 27, 2016. He was conveyed that his Commission’s visa officer Mehmood Akhtar was involved in espionage activities and therefore declared persona non grata.
The foreign secretary also demanded that Mr. Akhtar should leave the country within 48 hours. Conversely, Pakistani Foreign Office has rejected the Indian allegations as “false and unsubstantiated.” In a tit for tat response the government of Pakistan declared Surjeet Singh, an official of the Indian High Commission, as persona non grata on October 28, 2016.To conclude, Premier Modi instead of addressing the Kashmiris legitimate demands; has been accusing and intimidating Pakistanis without realizing that latter are capable to defend their country. Thus, Modi’s despicable agenda is equally perilous for the Indians.
— The writer is Associate Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

Refocus on Anti-Pakistan Elements in Balochistan

By Sajjad Shaukat

When during the regime of the President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan initiated the construction of Gwadar deep-seaport in Balochistan province in March 2002 with Chinese assistance, sirens went off in the capitals of some European countries, especially the US, India and Israel which took it as a threat to their global and regional plans.

Located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, Balochistan’s Gwadar seaport is close to the Strait of Hormuz from where more than 17 million barrels of oil passes every day. Its ideal location among South Asia, the oil-rich Middle East, and oil and gas-resourced Central Asia has further increased its strategic significance. Besides, Balochistan’s abundant mineral resources irritate the eyes of the US, India and Israel which intend to destabilize Pakistan for their collective aims, as the latter is also the only nuclear country in the Islamic World.

In fact, based in Afghanistan, operatives of American CIA, Israeli Mossad and Indian RAW which are well-penetrated in the terrorist outfits like Islamic State group (Also known as Daesh, ISIS, ISIL), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and their affiliated Taliban groups are using their terrorists to destabilize Tibetan regions of China, Iranian Sistan-Baluchistan and Pakistan’s Balochistan by arranging the subversive activities. In this regard, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is their special target of these anti-Pakistan elements.  

In this respect, ISIL claimed responsibility for a terror attack on the Police Training College in Quetta-the provincial capital of Pakistan which left at least 60 individuals dead on October 24, this year.

As regards the terror attack, IG FC Major General Sher Afgun informed the press that the attackers acted on directions from Afghanistan and the initial investigation suggests that the terrorists were affiliated with the outlawed Lashkar-e- Jhangvi Al Almi militant group. He elaborated, “We came to know from the communication intercepts that there were three militants who were getting instructions from Afghanistan.”

Earlier, an affiliated faction of the ISIS and TTP, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Jamaat-ur-Ahrar (TTP-JA) took responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing in Quetta, which killed at least 74 people on August 8, 2016 in an attack at the government-run Civil Hospital.

However, it is part of ploy that two terrorist groups accepted responsibility for the terror assaults in Quetta to divert the attention from the US-led India and Israel. Especially, Washington and New Delhi are playing double game with Pakistan to obtain the clandestine aims, particularly by trying to sabotage the CPEC.

As part of the dual strategy, CIA, RAW and Mossad are in connivance with the Afghan intelligence agency, National Directorate of Security (NDS) and other terrorist groups. With latest capture of six NDS supported terrorists in Balochistan, the number of NDS backed terrorists arrested and killed by Pakistani Intelligence agencies has crossed over 126. These external secret agencies are particularly supporting the TTP which is hiding in Nuristan and Kunar provinces of Afghanistan. Reportedly, Mullah Fazlullah led TTP is being prepared to carry out a fresh wave of terror activities inside Pakistan, as the latter has become center of the Great Game owing to the ideal location of Balochistan.

As regards Balochistan, every Pakistani knows that separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and their affiliated outfits, including Jundollah (God’s soldiers), Lashkar-i-Janghvi which have been creating unrest in the Balochistan get logistic support from RAW and Mossad with the tactical assistance of CIA. In the recent years, these terrorist outfits massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. In the recent past, these externally-supported insurgent groups kidnapped and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan including Iranian diplomats. They have claimed responsibility for a number of terror assaults, including those on Shias in Balochsitan and Iranian Sistan-Baluchistan.

It is of particular attention that arrest of the Indian spy Kulbushan Yadav in Balochistan has exposed Indian undeclared war against Pakistan. While addressing a joint press conference with Federal Minister for Information Pervaiz Rasheed, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen. Asim Saleem Bajwa said on March 29, 2016, “Kulbushan Yadav’s arrest is a rare case that does not happen very often.” He disclosed that Yadav was an active officer of the Indian Navy prior to his joining RAW. He also served as a scrap dealer and had a jewelry business in Chahbahar, Iran, after he joined RAW in 2013.

A video was also shown during the press conference in which Yadav confessed that he spied for India. Yadav admitted that he was assigned with the task to create unrest in Karachi and Balolchitan by stating, “I supported the individuals who worked to destabilize Pakistan…I promoted the criminal mindset that was there in Balochistan.” Another task assigned to him was to target the Gwadar Port. Yadav also confessed—funding Baloch separatists along with other terrorists. During investigation, RAW agent Yadav admitted that during his stay, he contacted various Baloch separatist leaders and insurgents, including Dr Allah Nazar Baloch, to execute the task to damage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.

It is also of particular attention that the armed forces of Pakistan have broken the backbone of the foreign-backed terrorists by the successful military operation Zarb-e-Azb, which has also been extended to other parts of the country, including Balochistan. And Pakistan’s primary intelligence agency, ISI has broken the network of these terrorist groups by capturing several militants, while thwarting a number of terror attempts.

It is mentionable that since the government of the Balochistan province announced general pardon and protection to the Baloch militants as part of reconciliation process, many insurgents and their leaders have surrendered their arms and decided to work for the development of Pakistan and the province, peace has been restored in the Balochistan.

But recent terror assaults in Balochistan shows that the US-led India and Israel have again started acts of sabotage in the province.

Besides backing subversive activities in the province, as part of the propaganda, foreign entities are also supporting other anti-Pakistan elements in Balochistan.  

In this connection, Naila Qadri, President of the World Baloch Women’s Forum during her visit to India in an interview stated that Balcoh activists want to form “Azad Balochistan Government in Exile” and they want India, Afghanistan and SAARC countries to support Balochistan Government in Exile. She also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narindera Modi, Minister of External Affairs Shusma Swaraj, Indian people and media for their support.

She also held a conference on October 29 for Baloch people for expressing solidarity with their brethren across the border, organized at All India Institute of Local Self Government— Sthanjkraj Bhavan, C.D, Barfiwala Road, Juhu Gali, Coordinator Andheri (W), Mumbai, India. Shri Ramdas Athawale (Union Minister for Social Justice), Professor Naila Qadri and Mazdak Baloch (Son of Naila Qadri) participated in the conference.

Hamdan Baloch (Baloch Republican Student Organization) lashed out at Naila Qadri on issuing statement regarding formation of government in exile and stated that no single person can speak on behalf of Baloch people without any support from people of Balochistan. He added that Baloch Republican Army (BRP) condemns any such move to form such a government in exile and BRP will do nothing without taking government of India into confidence.

While this anti-Pakistan woman is not a Baloch and was rather a Mahajar from India, She married a person who was actually a Pashtun and lived in Balochistan. This is the only relationship of her to be called as Baloch. She is Naila Qadri daughter of Syed Ahmed Mohibullah Qadri who migrated from Hyderabad, India, but now she is showing herself as a Baloch. Orya Maqbool Jan who know her history revealed in a TV programe that how this lady tries to hide her Mahajar accent and pose as a Baloch and she is working on India’s behalf (presumably on their payroll) posing herself as Baloch. 

Taking cognizance of the anti-Pakistan elements in Balochistan, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif who visited the Civil Hospital and met with the victims of the deadly bombing of August 8, 2016 had said, “Having been defeated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terrorists shifting focus to Balochistan…incident is an attempt to undermine improved peace in Balochistan, specially targeting CPEC.”

Addressing a seminar titled “Development of Balochistan and Economic Corridor” in Gwadar, Gen. Raheel Sharif had stated on April 13, 2016, “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the grand manifestation of the deep-rooted ties between China and Pakistan…indeed a corridor of peace and prosperity for the region and beyond, however Indian agency RAW is sabotaging the mega project.”

During his earlier visit to Quetta, Gen. Raheel Sharif on April 15, 2015 warned foreign forces and spy agencies against destabilizing Pakistan by supporting insurgents in Balochistan. Gen. Raheel elaborated, “Army will continue supporting the Balochistan government till terrorism is wiped out…those found involved in funding and facilitating terrorists will be dealt with iron hands.”

Nevertheless, anti-Pakistan elements in Balochistan have reactivated themselves to misguide the loyalist Baloch against the federation. Now, these patriot people must castigate the conspiracy of these external entities, especially India, including other anti-Pakistan elements which want to create obstacles in the development of the province.

Perils of Unsafe Nuclear India

Sarah Khan

After signing of Indo-US nuclear deal in 2005, India is ambitiously working on its nuclear program, especially related to production of fissile material and nuclear weapons development. The deal granted to India by so called “world champion of international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament”, United States, has allowed India to use its indigenous resources for weapons productions only. Moreover, the deal didn’t compel India to adhere to international nuclear non-proliferation regimes and convention. This gave India added confidence to invest heavily in the military domain of nuclear production without any international obligations. In addition to weapons production, India is striving to built and purchase offensive and defensive missile systems which may aggravate regional tensions in the coming decades.
One of the important aspects pertaining to Indian nuclear program is its unsafeguarded facilities. A study titled ‘Indian Unsafeguarded Nuclear Program’ which was published by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and was co-authored by four nuclear scholars, unveils a new and comprehensive assessment of India’s nuclear weapon capacity. The study indicates that India has sufficient material and the technical capacity to produce between 356 and 492 nuclear bombs.
The study contains evidence that India has the largest and oldest unsafeguarded nuclear programme in the developing world and among the states not party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Member states of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) should consider the large and swiftly expanding Indian nuclear bomb capacity when dealing with India’s NSG membership and ensure that Indian membership of this export control arrangement does not, in any way, help India expand and accelerate its nuclear weapons program.
India operates a number of facilities, including eight of its pressurized heavy water power reactors (PHWRs), that serve a civilian or commercial function and that are not listed in India’s safeguards agreement. These facilities are not subject to safeguards. This category includes three heavy water production plants that India expressly designated for civilian use as part of the Separation Plan but that are not subject to safeguards because they are not listed in India’s safeguards agreement and India’s additional protocol does not extend to them.
In addition to all nuclear power facilities, there are 52,000-plus radiological facilities. These include medical institutions, industrial uses, and research facilities, and safety violations happen at them, too. There have been several nuclear accidents at various facilities. A few incidents are reported owing to secrecy that shrouds Indian nuclear program. The most serious incident to date is Mayapuri in 2010, in which a cobalt-60 source was sold and taken apart in a scrapyard, killing one man and hospitalising seven others.
Arguably, India’s fast breeder reactor (FBR) and thorium fuel cycle programs fall into the category of civilian unsafeguarded, although both are capable of producing unsafeguarded weapons-usable material. In March 2006, Singh stated that FBRs would be excluded from safeguards during the development stage in order to avoid “encumbrances” on the program. India has maintained the option of using its FBRs to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons.
World’s most alarming nuclear dangers emanate from India in contemporary times. India is home to large stockpiles of fissile material and it continues to accumulate even larger stockpiles in the absence of any international mechanism to impose limit/ban on fissile material production. Having lowest standards of nuclear safety and security as per Nuclear Threat Initiative index 2016, it has some of the world’s highest population density. India is also susceptible to a terrorist attack on a nuclear facility, or the theft of nuclear materials to create a radiological bomb or crude nuclear weapon.
The incident of firing and killing of three guards at Madras nuclear facility in October 2014 depicted deplorable standards of nuclear security in India. Such incidents at nuclear facilities indicate an urgent need for improvement. Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Mumbai is a salient case study of the intersection of terror and nuclear materials. It houses the Dhruva reactor, India’s major source of weapons-grade plutonium. An attack on a facility like BARC could constitute aggression against India’s nuclear weapons production and reconstitution capabilities. Foregoing in view, US and all those major powers running to seize nuclear deals with India must take concrete steps to compel India for enhancing its nuclear safety and security standards at all nuclear facilities. Accumulation of fissile material, missile development and nuclear weapons production by India needs to be halted in order to avoid nuclear perils emanating from India.