Shaourefarda. Letters of Maqbool Bhat

To Azra Mir (daughter of G.M. Mir, the former president of NLF who now lives in Mirpur) from Camp Prison, Lahore Pakistan, dated 2nd April, 1973
Dear Azra Beitee (daughter)
May god always protect you. Your younger sister Rubina visited me on 26th March with your auntie (Maqbool Butt's wife) and gave me your letter.
As we were transferred from Kamelpur Prison to Camp Prison Lahore, it took me a little longer to write back to you. Although we were imprisoned here on a previous occasion but still the change caused various problems which kept me from writing to you earlier. Having read your views, I cannot explain in words how admirable and esteemed they were. Your letter shows that god has gifted you with the wealth of sensitivity at this young age. This is a great gift.
After reading your letter, I could not help thinking how sensitive you are and how much you are alert about the difficulty we are currently going through. I prey to god that he may increase your power of imagination and understanding and enrich the strength of feelings you have about our enslaved nation. May Allah enable you to become a daughter of Kashmir we could take pride in.
Dear Azra, I am aware that the problems we are experiencing have hurt you. I know that you have directly felt the pain and torture of imprisonment we experienced because your father (Ghulam Mohammed Mir) was with us during the stormy period. Your father's imprisonment brought the innocent faces of you and Rubina before my eyes, like two flower buds. I did fear that the wave of torture and oppression (brought upon us may depress you two. I remember the days when you and Rubina used to play with Papu (Javed Maqbool Butt) and Kaku (Shaukat Maqbool Butt) in the pleasant environment of Abbottabad, unaware all the issues around you. Who else can bear the sight of tears in the beautiful eyes of innocent children like you, but those heartless enemies of our movement?
The helplessness you felt out there kept us restless here inside the prison walls. But we faced every form of torture with the belief that this (new) challenge we are facing may temporarily deprive you of the love and affection you need but it will ultimately bring revolution to your thinking. That is exactly what has happened. Your letter has strengthened this belief of mine.
Now, let me explain to you how oppression affects the children of those who fight against it as opposed to those who are the oppressors. The children of the oppressors see the oppression around them but remain indifferent, whereas the children of Mujahids (freedom fighters) do not tolerate oppression. They feel the pain and wish to fight against oppression. The children of oppressors are provided with all the luxuries and comfort of the world, they have plenty to eat, (wear) expensive clothes and live in luxury houses but the children of Mujahids are not attracted to these kind of luxuries and comfort. They get satisfaction from struggling against the system of oppression. That gratification and satisfaction cannot be experienced with worldly wealth, expensive clothes or luxurious houses. That is why Mujahideen children prefer a day of freedom to a life of luxuries without any freedom. My dear child, the children of all the enslaved nations in the world not only have to suffer the oppression and suppression by tyrants, but also have to fight shoulder to shoulder, with there elders for freedom (from it). Slavery is such an evil where no discrimination is made between children, young and old. In slavery (situations) children are also affected by the torture and misery endured by their elders.
I will tell you a few incidents from history, which spell the hardship some children in our country had to suffer because of forced subjugation. It was around 1945 or 1946 when I was 8 or 9 years old. At that time the Dogras ruled Kashmir and the whole of Kashmiri nation was living under slavery conditions. One of the cruel forms of slavery is the feudal system. In this system the ruler or the king distributes land amongst his loyalists, who in turn become an instrument in carrying out the oppressive measure against ordinary people for him. It is this service which is awarded by the rulers through land distribution. These lands or fields are called Jagirs. The Jagirdars, the owners, do not offer any labour or till the fields. The work of tilling, seeding, growing the crops is done by the local peasants. All a Jagirdar does is to appear at the harvest time and take all the produce leaving a minute quantity for the peasants to live on. This Jagirdari system existed in our country during the Dogra rule too. The poor peasants had to do all the hard work but the landowner would take all the produce. The landowner in our area was called Divan, whom we had seldom seen. There were his agents called kardaar, whose job it was to collect grain and fruits etc once produced by the farmers. The year I am talking about had crops were poor due to bad weather. This left the farming families with very little to give to the Divan. Having given away all the produce it did not mount up to the usual season's quantity, which brought the whole area under the wrath of his agents. They started a series of crackdowns on the houses and stores of the poor peasants and many were whipped. When it did not produce results the Divan himself came to our village in a motorcade. This was the first time ever a motorcade came to our village. We were all amazed to see it. All the farmers in our village got together and pleaded before him for concession. They told him in detail the reasons for the low harvest but he did not believe them. He insisted upon having his usual share of the crops even if it meant that the children of the peasants had to starve to death. He also expressed his anger towards his agents and strictly instructed them to extract the full share. These agents knew very well that the peasants were left with nothing to be given to the Divan. But had no courage to argue with their master. As the jagirdar went to his car after giving instructions all the children of the village were told to lie down on the road in front of the car by their elders. The kardaar was also part of this plan. Hundreds of village children lied down in front of the Jagirdar's car and pleaded for concession and to write off the extra share or drive over them. I was one of those children and remember to this day the fear and chaos that ruled us. Everyone, young and old was in tears. They knew that if jagirdar left without giving concessions their lives would be made hell. Eventually, the jagirdar agreed to some amendments to his final decision.
This is just one incident that can give you some idea of the miserable conditions we the children of the poor Kashmiri peasants suffered during that period of slavery. Majority of our people were and still are peasants who suffer similar situations all around. They were forced to leave the country in search for work in the plains of Pakistan and India mainly in Punjab where they were referred to as Hattoos (luggage carriers). They used to work there for six months in a year and make small money to support their children and families. The other manual artisans and small vendors were also forced to leave there homes for various towns and cities across the subcontinent to sell their products. While they were away their children longed for the love and affection of their fathers. When this reality of slavery was realised by our nation (people), it was clearly thought that the only way to emancipate from the exploitation of the feudal system and to live an honorable life is to fight for freedom.
The fight initially began in 1931. In this fight there were two camps. In the one camp were the subjugated and wretched peoples of Kashmir and in the other were the rulers and their puppet officials, feudal lords and capitalists. The first phase of this battle was concluded in 1947. Scores of poor children had to sacrifice their parents and families who were killed in this battle. Thousands of young girls like your self had to live away from their fathers who were locked up behind the bars by those who defended slavery and exploitation. Then came the flood of 1947.
During these stormy period the situation took such a turn that we entered from one phase of slavery to another. Dogra-rule came to an end but in the process our country was divided. One part went under occupation of Indian army while the other though called Azad (free) has none of the features of a free place. During this chaos hundreds of thousands of old and young as well as children were martyred. The blood of those unaccountable children along with the older members of our nation flows into the plains of Jammu and Valley, in the hills of Poonch, Muzzafarabad and Mirpur in the mountains and of Kargil and Ladakh. No monuments of these children can be found but these anonymous martyrs are the pride of our nation. To be able to tell all the stories of these young martyred boys and girls of our freedom struggle it requires a massive book. Here I want to tell you only one fact that the invaders murdered countless children just like those merciless hunters who kill the sprinkling sparrows on trees during spring. Some of these children were killed with spears and swords by the communialist intoxicated with the influence of sectarianism as herds of sheep are torn apart by the bloodthirsty wolves.
My dear child, 1947 was not the end of that era of sacrifices by the children of our nation. It is continuing even today and may (well) continue till the whole nation is liberated. Our people are continuously making sacrifices both in the occupied Kashmir (IOK) as well as in Azad Kashmir (POK). On both sides children are growing under the horrifying shadows of slavery. Countless Kashmiri children have become orphans (without any one to care for them) because the destruction and killings inflicted upon us by the enemies of our freedom. Consequently they have been deprived of the essential provisions for the (good) growth and upbringing of children. The details of those past events are too long to be told here. Recently, two young boys were killed in London. They too were the flowers of our nations. Basharat and Hanif of Mirpur who had sacrificed their youthful lives not only remind us of our history and tradition but also set an example for the future. Every child of our nation should be proud on them.
Dear Azra, I have written all that to clarify what agony children of slave nations have to go through. It is also important that you know these details because you have a great passion for the freedom our country, which is obvious from your quoting the couplet in your letter, which states
[Kudda Ney Aaj Takk Uss Qaoum Ki Hallat Nahein Baddlee
Naa Ho Jiss Ko Khiaal Aap Appni Hallat Kay Baddlane Ka]
God may never help any nation which does not realise itself to change its outlook.
Also, your determination is praiseworthy because you have expressed in your letter that: "We will not refrain from giving the last drop of our blood for the freedom, sovereignty and prosperity of our beloved Kashmir." I am greatly impressed by this passion in you. May Allah keep you on the right path, enhance your mind and fulfil your aspirations.
Now let me comment on some of your other views, which you have described in your letter. You say that you know the details of difficulties and oppression we went through, which makes ones heart sink but there are such stonehearted and ignorant people who enjoy and make fun of such stories. We must remember that only those peoples feel the pain in stories of repression who have them selves suffered or fought against it. The hard-hearted people or those who have not suffered would not understand such stories. They neither enjoy nor are saddened. However, there is a class of people who take pleasure in such stories. This is the (class of) repressors and their quislings. If people laugh at the torture and oppression we suffered for the freedom of our country then you can be sure they are the enemy of freedom of whole Kashmiri nation. They are the supporters of repression and enemy of justice and rights. Such people never last long and usually face humiliation within their lifetime. The righteous people always rise victorious with truth and justice. At the end such people look at themselves and are shamed.
You have also written that Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives for Pakistan but Pakistan brands them as 'agents'. Here, your views are slightly misplaced. It is not Pakistan that accuses Kashmiris of spying but the ruling traitors of this country. It is the same bunch of rulers who has denied the peoples of this country freedom and democracy and eventually disintegrated it. Indeed, the role these bunch of traitors have played has been far worse than spies. That is why they brand all patriotic (Kashmiris) and friends of (our) people as foreign agents or spies. These rulers who committed crimes against their own people and called authentic leaders as 'agents', accuse us (Kashmiris) of spying but we should not get angry. As for the actual Pakistan, the people of this country are concerned they will accept the truth when it is brought before them. The sentence given to us is not the (work of) real Pakistanis. The cruel (men) of ruling (class) who open fire on their own people are responsible for our sentence. Obviously the rulers who declared war against their own peoples can not offer anything to anyone else but injustice. Pakistani ruling class never ever supported Kashmiris in their fight for freedom, as they should have done. Indeed this class has no interest in the freedom of Kashmir. What ever they say is merely a lip service and must not be trusted.
However the peoples of Pakistan are our true supporters and friends. We will certainly have their support. The (ordinary) people of Pakistan have sincerity as well as sympathy for us. Whenever Kashmiris move forward the peoples of Pakistan will support them. You are right that by branding Kashmiri freedom fighters as 'agents' these rulers have actually served India. Perhaps it is the result of this hypocrisy (double policy) that they (Pakistani rulers) are faced with a humiliation at the end.
You (say that you) are happy about our determination to stand up for (our) right and did not give up the just cause during these challenges. This has only been possible with God's blessings by keeping us on the right path though out. Please pray to the almighty Allah that we stay on the right path in the future. Only then the National Liberation Front (NLF), Inshallah, will achieve bigger and greater successes.
The suggestion that 'Kashmiris have been brought to the point of neither here nor there' is a mistake. We were the true sons of the soil, we are and will remain so. The passion (flame) for freedom we possess will remain in us forever.
We will confront any force on earth that may come in our way in order to achieve our freedom. As you have rightly pointed out, the blood Kashmiris have given for the freedom of our country will never be wasted in vein. The blood of (our) martyrs brings the goal for freedom nearer. You are quite right that those who fight for the right and just cause have to go through tests and trials. Yes that is what makes them so noble - as they face all such challenges with patients and courage.
The prayer, which rises from the bottom of your innocent heart will surely be answered by the God almighty, as it is his promise to mankind that no power on earth can fail them as long as they are on the right path.
Rubina and Papoo tell me about you good health and that you are paying proper attention to your education. You (may) know that real power and wealth human beings may possess is the knowledge they acquire. This wealth can neither be stolen nor spent. Without 'knowledge' human beings are mere animals. That is why I hope that you will give even more attention to your studies.
Give my regards to your Ammee Jaan and lots of love to Beitee Rubina.
Yours loving uncle,
Muhammad Maqbool Butt


From Central Jail New Delhi, dated 2nd May, 1980
To Akraam Ullah Jaswaal, a Plebescite Front activist from Azad Kashmir
Dear Jaswaal Saib,
AslamoAlakum
I received your letter some time ago. A number of reasons kept me from writing a reply. I apologise for any concern this delay may have caused. The significance of correspondence between friends can not be denied. Once again, I am extremely sorry for my inhibition to write for many years. The reason, however, has never been that I had forgotten you. I hope you will not take the following explanation as an excuse. We often find ourselves, despite the desire, unable do what we want to do due to the unfavourable conditions. To describe and explain this aspect of prison life requires writing a book, but the saying that 'a prisoner is not supposed to be able to choose', explains our condition in prisons quite well.
You may find it surprising that it took me years of knocking at the judge's doors to win access to some writing material. You have rightly pointed out that I do not write about the misery of the (present) conditions around me. Not that I can not write, but because crying about the harshness of conditions is not my style. This letter is primarily an acknowledgement of your letter for which I am sure you will have been awaiting anxiously.
As for my feelings on receiving your letter it may look poetic but it was like a breath of morning breeze in a suffocating atmosphere. It revived all those delightful memories of the immortal relationship between us that can be rightly called as the most valuable common wealth of human life. I am hopeful that despite 'personal' reasons described in your letter you will continue writing letters to me at least for my sake, as these letters are the greatest gift I can have here in prison. What the officials do with these letters does cause worries but it should not put off committed friends like you.
Coming back to your letter. I have read it again and again not only because it was from you but also because I wanted to get the picture between the line. It transferred quite a lot on the paper out of pain and sympathy. However, what you wrote may be of great value when judged wisely and rationally under the existing conditions. For those who are involved passionately in changing these conditions and are determined to do so at any cost may have different criteria of judging and monitoring the current events. Of course eagerness and wish-full (thinking) have a place in life and reasons for it but life can not revolve around this tendency (all the time). Those who love to and are commitment to achieving (their goal) know that patience is a necessary quality for success.
An English writer wrote somewhere that nothing succeeds like a success, but it is equally true that nothing fails like a failure. If the goal is to grab power and leadership the above saying may have a value of maccavlian prescription, which involves superficial demands and compromises but the goal of making history requires completely different approach. For history is made by the kind of people who direct their theories and practices towards a fresh approach. They challenge and rebel against the established official people and values. Here are some points about this breed of people. Did Aristotle not have to drink poison? Did the messenger of (Allah) in his time jump into the fire of Nimrod? Did Jesus (Christ) not have to kiss the gallows (the cross), which was erected by the rulers of the time? Did our prophet (pbuh) show signs of desperation and anxiety when he was tortured and stoned in the markets of Taaeif? Did Gotham Buddha ever compromise with Brahaminic exploitations?
Take a look at the (rights) movement of Martin Luther King, the ideologies of Marx and Engles and the rise of anti-colonial movements for national liberation. Did any of these people compromise with the establishment values in their times?
There are several examples in history, which suggest that those who laid foundations for the (revolutionary) movements did not physically survive beyond the initial stage of maturity of their ideas. But that does not underestimate their role in the success of struggles in the light of their ideas. As for their historical role they remain the founding fathers of such struggles. This topic is too big to be covered in the space of this letter. Suffice to say that those who love an identity and chose to devote their life for (a cause) can not even dream of giving up let alone actually giving in. The simple reason is that giving up one's identity staggers the whole process of evolution of man's qualities, belief and commitment and may have consequences for the humanity (as a whole).
We should be wary of the time when man becomes slave for compromising on a belief and gives up the path of sacrifice and devotion. The human beings will then become walking corpses and society will become their graveyard. With this in mind your suggestion can be viewed in mildest terms as unacceptable.
You know that national identity takes shape by many (influential) factors and through several historical processes. It does not take form out of mere claims nor vanishes if some (individuals) give it up. It is a gift from nature. Once established no power on earth can dismantle it. Therefore, it is unthinkable and sinful to even think of division of our country, which as has a direct bearing on giving up our national identity.
Historical facts stay firmly rooted in history on their own merit and cannot be altered by the frailties of some individuals. However, being unable to cope with demands of history's course of action and opting out for opportunism and superficial actions by individuals or parties due to their frailties is a separate issue. Who knows better than yourself that under no circumstances can we be compelled to join that kind of people.
As for peace, who in the whole wide world does not wish peace and tranquillity (in our region)? But not being able to distinguish between the peace and calm in a graveyard and the peace and tranquillity of blooming life is a sign of naivete. The peace and tranquillity at the cost of just aspirations and wishes (of our people) overshadowed by constant terror and fear is no peace. To dream of such 'peace' is a mere corruption of mind. Indeed arguing for such peace is asking to accept the death of aspirations.
As this letter has gone too long, the topic has to be ended here. Worries about me should not occupy your mind too much. Just pray to god as whatever he will decide about me will in the long run prove to be best for all of us.
I am sorry to hear about the difficulty you are going through in your personal life. I pray to God to ease your problems as nothing else can be done from afar? The news that our respected friend Muhammed Zaman Abbasi has passed away is extremely disturbing. May god almighty bless his soul and award him heaven and give courage to his grieving family. Please express my condolences to all the family.
It also saddens me to know that respected Mir Hadayat Ullah had a heart attack but I am pleased that he is watching his diet and does not keep too much on his mind. This should improve his health. Give my sincere regards to Ansari saib, Bashir Tabbassam saib, Sufi Zaman saib, G.M. Mir saib, Muhammed Saddique baba, Dr. (Farooq Haider) saib and all other friends.
I received a letter from Dr. Saib in February and replied to his clinic address but did hear from him since. Convey my salaam to dear Naseem Lone and Nazaki Saib. I am aware of the former's sensitive nature and have had experience of it myself. As for saying that 'Koonj Bichhar Gaiee Daaroon Lubhdi sujnaa noon' (a heron has been separated from the flock in search for the beloved) is surely an expression of his sensitivity and points to a painful situation. Tell him that the actual tragedy, however, begins when 'Daar Bichhar jaey lubhda munzal noon' (the flock looses the way while searching for destination).
Pray to God to protect us from besieging into such a tragedy. Give my regards to Hashim and Ashraf. Delay in Hashim's appeal is becoming cause for concern for me. Please write to me about it in detail. Send my salaam to Dr. Bassat c/o Naseem Lone.
And finally! Do not think pessimistically that we have no friends. Those who are faithful and committed have the support and solidarity from whole of the universe and its creator. I am not being philosophical here but speaking out of my experience and consciousness.
I have to stop here as the space and ink are running out. Also this heavy letter will give reason to the 'Khudahee Faoujdaars' (the soldiers of god - sarcastic remark about postmen) to call it 'beyrung' (without postage stamps) and initiate an attack on your pocket. I do not wish that to happen. Enclosed is a paper for dear 'Islamabad Saib'. Please arrange for it to be reached to him. In fact it is a reply to his old mail I did not respond to.
You are right that I have reached a stage in life where my hair is going grey but what do I do about this heart which is continually teeming and blossoming youthful aspirations? As far as Darvaishaana style is concerned, this is your imagination. I do not even claim to have such attributes, never mind adopting them. The buzurgee (old age) and darvaishee (humble living) are specifically for your self. Physical ageing is an unavoidable process (of nature). What we need to seek from god is that he may not weaken our aspirations and ambitions with the weakening of our bodies.
Give my regards to all friends and your family members.
Lots of love to children.
Yours brother
Mohammed Maqbool Butt.


From Tihar Jail, New Delhi dated 7th August, 1981
To Mian Sarwar, a political activist in Srinagar
Seeking help from God, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Dear Mian Ghulam Sarwar Sahib, Assalam-u-Alaikum
I received your letter of 27th July a few days ago. Believe me, that epistle of love and the attached newspaper clippings have doubled the joy of Eid for me. Not only because of the sincere affection that you have expressed for me, which I shall always treasure, but because in my long incarceration this is the first letter that I have received from my homeland upon which malign fate has foisted the oppression and occupation of India.... I have to say that into this desolate dungeon, your letter has brought me a hopeful message of life....You cannot possibly imagine what a man who has been cut off by force of circumstance from his countrymen, goes through. The pain and anguish that this isolation nourishes becomes all the more intense when one thinks of all those who have dreamt of a free homeland and dedicated their lives to the realisation of that dream.
Jean Paul Sartre has thus described the (deterioration of the) relationship between tormentors and the tormented:
'The end of communication is the beginning of all violence; where communication stops, beating, burning and hanging takes place'.
For the fulfillment of my desire for my land and my people, I have gone through 'the beating and the burning' at the hands of those that deny truth. Having failed to break my spirit, only 'hanging' is left for them to try.
May the Almighty strengthen my resolve and fortitude and bestow upon me the patience that I may not waver in this final test.
I accept your affection and sincerity, but I certainly do not deserve the praise that you shower upon me. To stand up to and defy the standard bearers of tyranny is the greatest honour of humanity. The history of ripping off from tyrants their democratic robes' and exposing their monstrosity is as old as the history of man. This glorious chapter of our history has been luminescent for centuries. We have never had, nor shall ever have, a dearth of heroes, who as moths embrace the flame, are ever ready to lay down their lives for liberty. It is a different matter that on several occasions during our struggle, we have faced a situation of 'Yeh Nadaan Gir Gayey Sajdoon Mein Jab Waqt-e-Qayaam Aaya' (when the test came the fools started praying instead of standing up) because of a compromising attitude of some of our comrades or again because of the machinations of some opportunists. But such temporary phases are common in the history of nations. They can never achieve permanence.
Nations survive because of that (strong) spirit, that abiding passion for liberty, which according to our Holy Prophet (pbuh), "emboldens one to recite the Kalima-e-Tawheed (the call for truth) before a tyrant, and that too with the conviction that this is the greatest Jihad".
I have never considered myself apart from this struggle for freedom that our people have embarked upon. Inspite of my weaknesses and infirmities, I have tried my best to discharge my responsibilities. In this never ending conflict between truth and falsehood, those who respond to their conscience and identify themselves with the standard bearers of truth, covet no rewards and desire no praise. This long and trying struggle sees many crests and troughs. The passage of time and unfavorable circumstance may affect its intensity but cannot put and end to it. It is the greatest duty of every upholder of truth to continue this struggle in all its intensity. Negligence can only lead to a state where not only does humanity lose the purpose and meaning of our existence but slows down that current of noble deeds that has sustained prophets and those that revolutionised human life. We can not claim to belong to that category of benefactors of humanity, but inspite of our vulnerability we can benefit by following their example. As long as the gloomy night of oppression hovers over us, we have to go on illuminating the scaffolds and gallows with out heads.
I am convinced that only those who struggle with a firmness of faith, enjoining truth and patience can deliver humanity from a fearful disaster. Pray that the Almighty Allah include us amongst righteous. It is possible that you (may well) be bored with what I have written in a spate of emotions, but you can understand that except for my ideas and feelings, I have nothing that I can bequeath to those who remember me.
You have mentioned your efforts to get my 'sentence' reduced; I express my gratitude to you. You have based your efforts on the premise that the 'crimes' that I have been accused of are a result of my political convictions. What were these crimes? How were they investigated? How was the case against me framed? And in the process, how were law and justice torn to shreds? Who played what role in this farce? What manipulations took place to get me liquidated? All this shall remain a mystery for now! A whole book is required to narrate the full (story); a letter is all too brief for the task. I am certain that the time shall soon come, when I shall recount the facts of this so-called case (against me) in people's court. If the local administration feels that the requirements of law and justice have been met, why are the proceedings not being made public?
The press clippings attached with your letter have made me aware of the public outcry evoked by the proposed decision to carry execute the 'sentence' against me. Please convey my gratitude to all leaders, eminent citizens, organisations and institutions that have played a principal role in this.
By the grace of God, I am in perfect health. I spend my time with forbearance in this 'death cell', where I was shifted to in the last week of May this year. Since then I have not been back to the security ward where I was incarcerated for the past five years, I feel that the government has not reviewed the decision to carry out the sentence. So things are as they were. Let us see which way the wind blows.
To you, and through you, to all my countrymen, my regards.
Soliciting your prayers
Mohammad Maqbool Butt

Nefarious Design.

This refers to the government decision of granting 800 kanals of forest land to the SASB, which is getting emboldened day by day, and defying every sane voice, logic and making law to bend as and when it suits it. As rightly mentioned by our intellectuals this land transfer besides bringing disaster to our already fragile ecology, as they have constructed lavatories, huts and helipads as well and are in mood of extending duration of yatra and number of pilgrims, has hidden agenda of changing states demography on the pattern of what Israel did in Palestine.
The statement of chief executive officer of SASB Dr Arun kumar, undermining and making fun of state legislature and denying land transfer being temporary smacks of their intentions. What is interesting to see are the tricks being played by ‘mainstream parties’, while forest minister Qazi Afzal showed ignorance on the construction of helipads on forest land and even formed a team to ascertain the truth is now justifying this land transfer. PDP which is trying to save it’s image by racking childish stories of blackmail has been exposed by the reports that they have recommended to centre to launch counter propaganda at national level as a remedy to neutralize the effects of the agitation started by pro-freedom leadership.
National Conference, which actually created the SASB in 2001 and vested powers of a sovereign body to it, now cannot escape blame and fool people by their rhetoric statements. They overtly or covertly are giving support to the land transfer by giving statements only. There can’t be any hope on these so called elected representatives as they are creations and stooges of Delhi and have clear understanding when it comes to ‘national interests’ of India, they on the directions of centre with pre-occupied mindset have made mockery of ‘Institute of Kashmir Studies’ by making it’s studies limited. They are the people who cleverly and steadily eroded special status of Kashmir and sold land to outsiders through land grants bill, in the name of promoting tourism and can went to any extent to please there masters at New Delhi.
Pro-freedom leadership if really wants to save national interest of Kashmir and wants to come together on this issue without any pressure or directions of outside powers is really a welcome and positive step and should be appreciated. The APHC which consists of several parties is by and large not seen as independent as it should be. They should apply their own mind and say their own what they think and feel and assert themselves rather than be apron-strings and receiving directions from others as pointed by a Hindi song:-
“Main karta raha aouroo ki kahe – Meri baat merey mann hi mey rahi”

Speaking Against Freedom of Pen.

This refers to the news ‘Azad wields sword at anti-govt pen’. What he actually means by this? Does he wants that pen should be made subservient to the govt? And true soldiers of pen should sold their consciousness, strangle their genuine ideas, thoughts and vision for better tomorrow of Kashmir, be part of propagating govt’s false propaganda of peace and development, Should take people as dumb driven cattle so they can be herded to the chief ministers make believe world of ‘Khushaal Kashmir’.
Of what development C.M is talking about? Our state has much water potential but still we are reeling under power crises becoz all the power goes to outside state on the pretext of being centrally funded projects. Due to Indus water treaty our state has suffered loss of more than 55000 corers. How can industries flourish here without electricity? Un-employment is on rise so is price of essential commodities. C.M feels proud of construction of roads, but what about Mughal road project? This is yet to be completed even after 4 decades. For every thing our state has been deliberately made dependent on outside support. We will definitely prosper when we will achieve independence becoz we have so much of natural resources, when exploited in better way we will be even able to give aid to other countries.
Who has made atmosphere of Kashmir insecure? It is the presence of 7 lakh troops by which kashmiris aren’t felling secure in their own land, kashmiris aren’t secure even in any part of India where they falsely implicated in different cases, killed in fake encounters and labelled as ‘terrorists’. Why C.M is silent on inhuman treatment meted to kashmiris in various jails especially in Tihar jail where condition of kashmiri detainees is worse than of Abu gharib and Guantanamo bay and on recent discovery of 940 nameless graves. Indian troops empowered by draconian laws are committing serious war crimes and are indulging in gross human rights violations. If C.M is so confident that only one percent of people are with pro-freedom politics then he should ask his masters in Delhi to fulfil their promise of plebiscite in Kashmir. This speaking against freedom of pen suits dictators not someone who claims to be elected representative.

NC Saga of Betrayals

NC patron Farooq Abdullah alleges that under a conspiracy discrimination is meted out and some vested interests are trying to destabilize integrity of J&K. While addressing a public gathering he said, “They are dividing people in the name of Paharis and Gujjars, Jammuties and Kashmiries and Hindus and Muslims, which is not only unfortunate but even fatal for the composite culture of State”. (GK, 16 May 2008). Kashmiris are discriminated in every sphere of life, be it mobile companies who have large customer base in Kashmir and earn more here but still they are shifting from here to Jammu leaving employees in lurch. Everywhere the story is the same. In power sector nothing is hidden. India has stretched claws over this sector and robbed us of this main resource, and in development works Kashmir is far behind due to the biased bureaucracy. All this is done with full command and patronage from Delhi darbar, to which NC and particularly its Patron Dr. Farooq has been so loyal. This man known for contradicting himself, doublespeak and blowing hot and cold in same breath now says these things just to gain credibility among masses which has suffered heavily due to the anti-People and pro-Delhi policies followed by him and his party to keep Delhi in good humour. Firstly his father made blunders. He parted away from Muslim Conference at the behest of Indian National Congress in 1938 and when Kashmir was about to be free from Dogra rule, Kashmiris were thrown straight into frying pan of Indian chokehold. After the launching of plebiscite Front the biggest mistake Sheikh Abdullah made was that he broke the fountain of resistance i.e. plebiscite front to which every one was associated. That is why we see today number of parties and more leaders than followers. If he was tired of struggle, he should have bidden adieu to politics and led normal life without breaking the front. The nature of Kashmir dispute would have itself forced India to address this dispute. Had it been so, people of Kashmir would have still high regard and respect for him, but he left the ship midway and took complete U turn and betrayed the movement. Even his opponents felt disgraced for the post for which he left everything behind. He was downsized, as CM from PM of Kashmir and got nothing from Delhi to sell to people for surrendering his two decade struggle for Plebiscite. His son Farooq Abdullah, who publicly declared his commitment to the cause of independent Kashmir once, ditched the movement. Still when he struck a deal with Rajeev Gandhi in 1986, before joining office, he along with his full cabinet went straight to Delhi to get their master’s ‘ashirwaad’ and the praised same Jagmohan who destabilized his government in 1984. So it was a mere show to quit the chair in 1990 on the pretext that he can’t work with a person who destabilized his government in 1984. He quit as he was not feeling comfortable with the chair, which he got through massive rigging, by which he became so unpopular that he was not allowed even to offer Nimaz at eidgah because armed struggle was in full boom then and NC workers and leaders were feeling threatened here as they had received ultimatum of leaving this party or face dire consequences. Dr. Farooq tried his level best to frighten people and advised people not to support armed struggle. On 7th may 1989 while addressing people he said, “police would raze your houses, ransack your homes, break open your shops and even subject your womenfolk to molestation if you are found assisting terrorists”. But it didn’t work as sentiment of freedom is deep rooted in the hearts and minds of people. Still his son Omer Abdullah believes it was ‘enforced mass uprising’. After the ruthless aggression of Indian security forces, which had launched many brutal operations against armed guerrillas and local people here such as Operation Eagle, Operation Tiger, Operation Catch and Kill, which they are still following, real face of Indian democracy got exposed and New Delhi was thinking of some face saving mechanism and they needed someone to participate in their bogus elections. Again NC betrayed trust of people in 1996 and joined election chorus to provide much needed relief to Delhi and threw their demand of autonomy before joining elections to winds. Human rights abuses by Indian Security Forces have reached to alarming proportions. Who advocated bombarding of neighbouring country to ‘finish training camps’? Who revolted against Hizb’s dialogue with centre? Who was first to implement draconian act POTA when it was still an ordinance? It was he who used to call Hurriyat Conference as- “bunch of seven jokers”. Now in order to gain public sympathy, the party is doing all these tricks. The revelations made by L.K.Advani in his auto-biography ‘My Country My Life’ that Abdullahs preferred power over autonomy was already known to people of Kashmir. And now their utterance that ‘centre has no option but to restore states autonomy’ is sheer rhetoric and nothing else. Whom Farooq Abdullah tries to fool, perhaps to himself as people’s memory is not that short.

So Called Instrument Of accession

Draconian Laws Increasing Alienation

Draconian law AFSPA is in full vogue in J&K As rightly pointed by GK columnist Hassan Zaingree that “AFSPA and democracy are irreconcilable and can’t be stuffed in one scabbard”. This law which provides full patronage and impunity to the Indian soldiers has wreaked havoc and let loose reign of terror in JK and has made troops to act above the law of land. Ironically India who claims to be ‘worlds largest democracy’ and ‘champion of human rights’ is still following this notorious law which has been condemned by international human rights organisations. Notwithstanding this criticism this act is in full force in many states of India as well, although it matters for India when violations occur in any other state as for them kashmiris are children of lesser God. In 2004 when a Manipuri women Thang jam Manorama was violated and killed by Assam Rifles of Indian army, protests followed which forced the then P.M A.B.Vajpayee to set a commission to review the provisions of the AFSPA in November 2004 which was headed by Justice Jeevan Reddy, V.R.rashavan, P.P.Shrivastava (former special secretary in union home ministry), Dr. S.B.Nakade (former VC Marathwada University), Sanjoy Hazarika (senior journalist). In their report they reported that “the act, for whatever reason has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate, and an instrument of discrimination and high handness”. However this report was made to look like as North-east-centric view and missed J&K. The average mentions about J&K by the US state dept in its country state report on human rights violations and killings in conflict areas are 56.4 from 1993-2002. For Manipur it is mere 7.3 during this period, combined US state dept for seven north east states is 36.2 far less than J&K.
Indian troops empowered with many other draconian laws such as P.S.A (where in any person can be detained without trial for 2 years) are indulging in worst kind state sponsored terrorism, which is increasing alienation of kashmiris from India more and more and in the words of S.A.F.M.A this alienation is ‘complete and irreversible’. But still those at the helm of affairs haven’t shown any iota of consciousness or any word of sympathy (unlike in case of Sikh riots to which P.M’s head got ‘hung in shame’) with the people of Kashmir. That is why these troops aren’t taken by Kashmiris as custodians of law but alien and evil forces representing their colonial masters sitting at New Delhi.

Uncle Sam's Hypocricy On Kashmir

This refers to the news “US offers India help to fight militants in JK”. This speaks about doublespeak which has become hallmark of the U.S. on one side they offer their sympathies with Tibetans and on other side they brutally suppress people in Iraq and Afghanistan, Urges U.N to slam economic sanctions on Iran while supports Israel in their every wrong doing which has violated U.N resolutions more than 2000 times, shows concern towards human rights violation perpetuated by Indian troops in Kashmir and shamelessly offers India help in quelling our genuine freedom struggle.
Up to mid 60’s and in early 90’s U.S was very much supportive of kashmiris movement (as it suited their national interest then) with many of it’s senior officials like John Mallot, Prof. William Wayne Baker and many others openly criticizing Indian policy over Kashmir. But as demanded by its national interests and to counter china it turned blind eye towards plight of kashmiris and mostly so after 9/11. This offer of US to India has many Security threats for India also as it will shift balance of power in South Asia therefore there is ever apprehension that level of violence will increase. America with its military bases across the world and its troop’s presence in Iraq and Afghanistan wants complete control of affairs in South Asia. In case of US help to India, Kashmir will find more space and sympathy in Muslim world; this help will provoke Muslim warriors across world to fight in Kashmir for martyrdom. Kashmiri fighters with limited agenda of liberation of their motherland have restricted their fight with India within J&K but there is no guarantee that warriors with international agenda will do so, they may take their struggle in every nook and corner of India which is already facing trouble in more than 16 states, this may lead to disintegration of India. So this is high time for India to understand multiple dimensions of Kashmir dispute.
India is trying hard to equate our struggle with that of Al-Qaeda to garner support of west but our struggle is a national liberation movement poles apart from al-qaeda aimed to achieve complete independence and reunification of our forcibly divided parts of Kashmir. There are about 18 resolutions on Kashmir pending before Security Council in U.N to which both India and Pakistan are signatory and world witness. India and America who both were under English rule should understand that national movement’s takes natural course and end only after their logical conclusion. Justice as they say is supposedly blind. It will not be muted and we will not be silenced.

Maqbool Bhat! Icon of Resistance Movement.

My only crime is that I have rebelled against slavery, oppression, poverty, ignorance and exploitation of my people: Father of nation, an eloquent orator, pioneer of armed struggle, adept guerrilla commander, political genius and great son of soil Shaheed Maqbool Bhat, who inspired millions of kashmiris and lit flame and passion for freedom in the hearts and minds of people and gave an undying lesson to his oppressed nation through martyrdom.
Maqbool bhat became victim of parochialism, sadism and apathy, was labelled as Indian and Pakistani agent by the henchmen of different agencies who were suffering from kleptomania, obscurantism and apathetic attitude. But these monopolistic vampires would be feeling poleaxed to see Maqbool bhat becoming heartthrob of oppressed people becoz falsehood by its nature is bound to perish.
Maqbool bhat was a man with mission and vision, who dreamed about independent Kashmir and had to suffer through out his life for espousing this noble cause. But he stood like a rock against injustice and indefatigable against hurricane of suppression and through sheer determination and resilience rose to the iconic stature in the resistance movement.
At this time when dozens of formulas for K.resolution are being floated which neglect the huge sacrifice of people and attoot-ang and shah-rag theory which have already lost sheen, in this context 3rd option of independent Kashmir emerges as ideal solution which Maqbool bhat dreamed of about 4 decades ago. The praise and credence to his views and contributions even by his detractors leads to the triumph of his charisma.
India by hanging one Maqbool bhat has created thousands of Maqbool bhat who are ready to act as creosote against the evil and imperialistic forces. By refusing to return his mortal remains, so as to get burial in his home soil, which is craving to take this proud son in her lap, India has belied it’s claim of being ‘worlds largest democracy’.
whole nation pays tributes to this legendary leader who gived this movement kiss of life and taught us the real meaning of azadi and for which he sacrificed his precious life.

Appeasing India.

This refers to the release of Kashmir singh, an Indian spy held in Pakistan for spying and other anti Pakistan activities by Pakistani authorities. But in return India handed over dead body of Khalid mehmood, who went to India in 2005 to watch a cricket match. It is ironical that Pakistan high commission in New Delhi preferred to remain silent on the killing of it’s national till release of Kashmir singh so as to make his release easy and without any hiccups as alleged by his relatives just to appease India.
Taking an overview of present Pakistan’s setups policies, which are being formulated to keep America and it’s allies in good humour have made Pakistan a virtual hell for it’s people, has emboldened India which is evident from it’s double standards as on one side it wants it’s spies back and it’s protest on handing death warrant to Sarbjit singh, another Indian spy involved in number of bomb blasts in Pakistan, and on another side she has made death sentence to Afzal Guroo, who has been pleading innocent and denied fair trial, a matter of national pride. Kashmiri people shouldn’t get surprised on pakistans silence on Afzal guroo’s death sentence as Pakistan then also kept mum when India hanged legendry Maqbool Bhat

Kashmiri people are not politically naïve so as not to understand that 4 point formula of pak prez is nothing but and Indian view point whose real aim is to make C.F.L international border thus dividing our motherland into two parts permanently. Also the statement of Asif Zardari that “we should sideline Kashmir issue for better trade relations” is indication that what we have to do is to do by us on our own. Now it is the time for true Kashmiri patriots and revolutionaries to stand up and take the scene for launching of peaceful political resistance movement on both sides of C.F.L for the emancipation of long cherished dream of complete independence of Kashmir.

Political Gimmicks

This refers to the elections, as the elections are coming closer ‘mainstream leaders’ are resorting to political gimmickry and verbal jugglery just to score points over their rivals. To fool people they are making false promises and debating issues which are totally out of their command as nothing more than administrative works are in their hands. Advocates of bullet for bullet policy are now demanding withdrawal of troops and repealing of AFSPA. When in power they are comfortable and fell no shame on being stooges of New Delhi but it is only when they loose grip over power and eye on elections the suddenly see that injustice is being meted to kashmiris. Dreamers of bombarding neighbouring country and merchants of death and destruction now act as ‘peace doves’ talking tunes of reconciliation and taking into confidence even U.J.C for meaningful dialogue, accusing others of not disbanding S.O.G, which is there own creation. They are synaxis of fraudists who run passive separatism just to gain public sympathy and votes, and our ‘benefactor’ rolls red carpet for these sybarites and hypocrates on one side and on other-side insists pro-freedom leaders to launch election boycott. Is this there Kashmir strategy? These are set of opportunistic people who actually belong to none, once Indian troops will leave this land they will be first to raise flag of independence or of Pakistan at towers and other places, pro-freedom leaders may get chance afterwards.
On other side of Kashmir situation is not as green as appears to be. To take part in elections one should have affidavit, taking oath of allegiance for Kashmir’s accession with Pakistan, which belies Pakistan’s claim of unconditional support for Kashmir cause. The people of this side of Kashmir particularly youth are more interested in doing business overseas rather than in liberation movement and its leadership has paid only lip service and done almost nothing practical Rather than those sycophants who talk of interim solution and advice to forget permanent solution as according to them independence is not possible even after 100 years, true freedom fighters and revolutionaries should form government there. Who will channelise resources for liberation movement and highlight it in its right perspective besides this will justify its name as ‘base camp’. If Pakistan says P.A.K as ‘Azad Kashmir’ then it should accept it as ‘Azad’ as well which compel India to come clean on Kashmir issue. If movement is of ours then its remote control should also be in our hands as it is we who have to do what is to be done, as rightly said by Mehjoor:-
“Who will free you, O! ‘Bulbul’, while you bewail in the cage?
With your hands, work out your own salvation”.