Hindu chauvinist derails Mumbai citizens' sit-in
Rising Kashmir August 31
Rising Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 30: The proposed sit in by the Concerned Young Citizens of Mumbai (CYCM) was derailed by the Hindu chauvinist led by the filmmaker Ashoka Pandit, Saturday.
CYCM which was granted permission to hold a sit in protest on Marine Drive, Mumbai, from 3 pm to 5pm, however, Deputy Commissioner of Police told them to held protest at Azad Maidan police station.
“As we reached the place film maker Ashoka Pandit with his company started abusing us. You are supporting ‘terrorists,” said CYCM president.
“We explained him we are protesting against the clampdown on media, the strict curfew as people were running short of food supplies,” he said.
Pandit in collaboration with the police intimated and detained them in police station.
Police later released them all on the condition that there won’t be any protest in support of Kashmir.
and an earlier report
:. Young Indians to March for Kashmir Today
Mumbai, Aug 30-A group calling itself ‘Concerned Young Citizens of India’ is organizing a silent march to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir in Mumbai today.
We have to extend our hand of friendship to Kashmiris who are feeling slighted by our government", a statement from the group received by Kashmir Observer said.
"To highlight the plight of the Kashmiris and to stand by them in solidarity and protect their right to free speech, we plan to go on a silent walk wearing white with black bands on our arms to let our government know that it cannot clamp down on a people's right to protest", it further said.
" The Indian government in Kashmir is clamping down on the fundamental rights of the people to express their grievances by violently suppressing it. Force is being used on journalists, doctors and ambulance drivers, which is not being widely reported because of the clampdown on the media. Text messages on mobile phones have also been curbed for the last few weeks. Newspapers and TV channels are not allowed to report. Food is not reaching hospitals because of the strict imposition of a curfew for several days", the statement said.
"Some of us feel it is important to stand in solidarity with people who are at the receiving end of this systemic violence in the name of democracy".
The group is expecting a good response to its call.
The march is being held on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m at Wilson College on Marine Drive, the statement said.
[Kashmir Observer]
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pregnant woman beaten by Indian troops; mother and fetus critically injured
Even expecting mother not spared during curfew
Greater Kashmir August 29
'Leave men, CRPF women troopers are ruthless'
ARIF SHAFI WANI
Srinagar, Aug 28: A would be mother yearns for the day when she would give birth to a new born baby but this yearning turned into nightmare for the 31-year old Afrooza who was subjected to inhuman treatment by paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men on her way to maternity hospital.
Writhing in pain, Afrooza lies in lap of her husband on a bed in labour room of Lal Ded hospital, where gynecologists are fighting hard to save the fetus, which she preserved dearly for more than eight months. The incident took place on Tuesday (August 26) at Hyderpora when Afrooza was on her way to Lal Ded Hospital. She was ruthlessly beaten up by CRPF troopers who didn't pay heed to her repeated pleas that she is pregnant and needs immediate medical aid.
She lost lot of blood due to beating and had to be operated upon. Doctors say due to serious injuries there are minimal chances of the survival of the fetus.
"The female CRPF troopers severely thrashed me without any reason," Afrooza told Greater Kashmir.
Afrooza hails from Maisuma and had gone to her parental home at Hyderpora so that in case of emergency she would get admitted in a private maternity nursing home there.
However, destiny had something else in store for her. When Afrooza developed pain she was admitted in the private nursing home but doctors there referred her to the Lal Ded Hospital.
"When we reached Hyderpora, a group of women CRPF troopers stopped our vehicle. I pleaded before them to allow us to move towards the hospital. However, they dragged Afrooza out of the car," said Afrooza's mother, Zaina.
"I pleaded before the troopers that I am expecting a baby and have to immediately reach the hospital. But they hit my stomach and private parts with rifle butts and batons. I helplessly cried for mercy but they continued to thrash me. Finally I started to bleed profusely and fell unconscious," she said and broke down.
With the help of some pedestrians, who carried curfew passes and were out only because of some urgency, she was rushed to the hospital. "Due to continuous bleeding her haemogram is dangerously low. She was profusely bleeding from cervical area and had to be operated upon to
stop bleeding. Her fetus has minimal chances of survival," said a doctor wishing anonymity.
"Leave men, CRPF women troopers are ruthless," she said.
Her husband, Jan Muhammad, will soon register a case against CRPF.
"I will file a case against the accused troopers. If the police does not register the case I will approach the Court. I want justice. They nearly killed my wife," he shouted.
Most of the patients and attendants in the crowded labour room of valley's sole maternity hospital fume with anger seeing the condition of Afrooza.
She is also referred as lady who bore the brunt of merciless thrashing by CRPF troopers.
Greater Kashmir August 29
'Leave men, CRPF women troopers are ruthless'
ARIF SHAFI WANI
Srinagar, Aug 28: A would be mother yearns for the day when she would give birth to a new born baby but this yearning turned into nightmare for the 31-year old Afrooza who was subjected to inhuman treatment by paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men on her way to maternity hospital.
Writhing in pain, Afrooza lies in lap of her husband on a bed in labour room of Lal Ded hospital, where gynecologists are fighting hard to save the fetus, which she preserved dearly for more than eight months. The incident took place on Tuesday (August 26) at Hyderpora when Afrooza was on her way to Lal Ded Hospital. She was ruthlessly beaten up by CRPF troopers who didn't pay heed to her repeated pleas that she is pregnant and needs immediate medical aid.
She lost lot of blood due to beating and had to be operated upon. Doctors say due to serious injuries there are minimal chances of the survival of the fetus.
"The female CRPF troopers severely thrashed me without any reason," Afrooza told Greater Kashmir.
Afrooza hails from Maisuma and had gone to her parental home at Hyderpora so that in case of emergency she would get admitted in a private maternity nursing home there.
However, destiny had something else in store for her. When Afrooza developed pain she was admitted in the private nursing home but doctors there referred her to the Lal Ded Hospital.
"When we reached Hyderpora, a group of women CRPF troopers stopped our vehicle. I pleaded before them to allow us to move towards the hospital. However, they dragged Afrooza out of the car," said Afrooza's mother, Zaina.
"I pleaded before the troopers that I am expecting a baby and have to immediately reach the hospital. But they hit my stomach and private parts with rifle butts and batons. I helplessly cried for mercy but they continued to thrash me. Finally I started to bleed profusely and fell unconscious," she said and broke down.
With the help of some pedestrians, who carried curfew passes and were out only because of some urgency, she was rushed to the hospital. "Due to continuous bleeding her haemogram is dangerously low. She was profusely bleeding from cervical area and had to be operated upon to
stop bleeding. Her fetus has minimal chances of survival," said a doctor wishing anonymity.
"Leave men, CRPF women troopers are ruthless," she said.
Her husband, Jan Muhammad, will soon register a case against CRPF.
"I will file a case against the accused troopers. If the police does not register the case I will approach the Court. I want justice. They nearly killed my wife," he shouted.
Most of the patients and attendants in the crowded labour room of valley's sole maternity hospital fume with anger seeing the condition of Afrooza.
She is also referred as lady who bore the brunt of merciless thrashing by CRPF troopers.
The Ministry of Plenty...
Curfew, blockade bring Kashmir near starvation
Greater Kashmir August 31
FAHEEM ASLAM
Srinagar, Aug 30: Shortage of essentials due to blockade and curfew is taking toll on consumers in the city and rural markets, with hundreds of them roaming from pillar to post in search of the necessary food items. Reports and eyewitnesses said the markets are running short of essentials including edible oil, flour, medicines, vegetables and milk. “Where are those trucks which the government says have arrived in the Valley with essential items?” questioned Muhammad Shafi Wani, a retired government employee. “The government is lying that there is no blockade to the Valley. Even onions and potatoes are not available in the city markets.” In the past six days, when people thronged the markets during the deal in curfew, they were surprised to observe the shortage of essentials. “The government claims on blockade seem to be a pure publicity stunt,” said Rashid Ahmad, a resident of Habba Kadal. “I have been roaming from market to market to get a bag of flour, but all shops are short of wheat and edible oil.” On Saturday, people complained shortage of milk in the market, which is being supplied by various milk federations locally. In many markets, people were seen pouncing over the three wheelers selling milk. “The federations have failed to provide enough milk to the customers,” they said. Pertinently, people allege the government’s ration depots are empty for the past many days. “Our local depot is empty for the past 15 days. We are suffering for what of rice, wheat and sugar,” said a group of resident from Hazratbal. “Everyday we are being told that trucks are arriving here with the essentials, but everyday we return home empty.” The situation is reportedly similar in the depots in hundreds of villages in north and south Kashmir. Meanwhile, people accused the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department of failing to check black marketing and hoarding. “Whatever little essentials are available in some markets are sold at higher prices. We can’t understand what the government is doing,” asked Zameer Ahmad, a customer. “The government is allowing black marketing and hoarding openly which is unwarranted.” The shortage of essentials has been triggered by the economic blockade enforced by “fanatics” in Jammu.http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=31_8_2008&ItemID=21&cat=1
Greater Kashmir August 31
FAHEEM ASLAM
Srinagar, Aug 30: Shortage of essentials due to blockade and curfew is taking toll on consumers in the city and rural markets, with hundreds of them roaming from pillar to post in search of the necessary food items. Reports and eyewitnesses said the markets are running short of essentials including edible oil, flour, medicines, vegetables and milk. “Where are those trucks which the government says have arrived in the Valley with essential items?” questioned Muhammad Shafi Wani, a retired government employee. “The government is lying that there is no blockade to the Valley. Even onions and potatoes are not available in the city markets.” In the past six days, when people thronged the markets during the deal in curfew, they were surprised to observe the shortage of essentials. “The government claims on blockade seem to be a pure publicity stunt,” said Rashid Ahmad, a resident of Habba Kadal. “I have been roaming from market to market to get a bag of flour, but all shops are short of wheat and edible oil.” On Saturday, people complained shortage of milk in the market, which is being supplied by various milk federations locally. In many markets, people were seen pouncing over the three wheelers selling milk. “The federations have failed to provide enough milk to the customers,” they said. Pertinently, people allege the government’s ration depots are empty for the past many days. “Our local depot is empty for the past 15 days. We are suffering for what of rice, wheat and sugar,” said a group of resident from Hazratbal. “Everyday we are being told that trucks are arriving here with the essentials, but everyday we return home empty.” The situation is reportedly similar in the depots in hundreds of villages in north and south Kashmir. Meanwhile, people accused the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department of failing to check black marketing and hoarding. “Whatever little essentials are available in some markets are sold at higher prices. We can’t understand what the government is doing,” asked Zameer Ahmad, a customer. “The government is allowing black marketing and hoarding openly which is unwarranted.” The shortage of essentials has been triggered by the economic blockade enforced by “fanatics” in Jammu.http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=31_8_2008&ItemID=21&cat=1
From the Ministry of Truth...
"Day by day and almost minute by minute the past was brought up to date." George Orwell, 1984
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/jk-will-be-normal-in-10-days-nsa---middle-path/72491-3.html
Was the killing of Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz an inside job, and not done by the local police? That’s the claim made by the National Security Adviser MK Narayanan in an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN. Aziz was killed a fortnight ago during a Hurryiat protest rally, a killing that spurred the azadi agitation in the Valley. The NSA also said that Kashmir Valley would return to a semblance of normalcy within the next seven to 10 days.
Karan Thapar: When do you think Kashmir will return to anything like a semblance of normalcy?
M K Narayanan: Well, we are hopeful that this could be achieved in the next week to 10 days.
Karan Thapar: As soon as that?
M K Narayanan: Yes
Karan Thapar: A week or ten days?
M K Narayanan: Yes
Karan Thapar: You could have Srinagar going back to, what it was like in June?
M K Narayanan: Well may not be June, but I mean, signs of normalcy in the sense, what you can.
On Aziz’s killing
M K Narayanan: I am on record on saying that we would like to know who did the shooting, it wasn't done by the...
Karan Thapar: Who do you think did? You've raised questions about it, if it wasn't the police as the press has assumed you meant.
M K Narayanan: Yes, this is the concern even amongst Hurriyat and others, saying that who is now amongst us, who is trying to eliminate some of us?
Karan Thapar: You are saying that the Hurriyat accept that it wasn't the police who did the shooting?
M K Narayanan: Oh, they will never admit (to) it I suppose. But fact of the matter is....it was certainly not the police, he was shot in the back.
Karan Thapar: You are talking about Sheikh Abdul Aziz?
M K Narayanan: I am only talking about him
Karan Thapar: Do you have any idea who it might have been?
M K Narayanan: You'll know at the right time, when we are sure of who it is, or which group was responsible.
Karan Thapar: Does the finger point across the border to Pakistan?
M K Narayanan: No, we have no facts at the moment about A or B or C, what we are clear at the moment is this was not the police.
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/jk-will-be-normal-in-10-days-nsa---middle-path/72491-3.html
Was the killing of Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz an inside job, and not done by the local police? That’s the claim made by the National Security Adviser MK Narayanan in an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN. Aziz was killed a fortnight ago during a Hurryiat protest rally, a killing that spurred the azadi agitation in the Valley. The NSA also said that Kashmir Valley would return to a semblance of normalcy within the next seven to 10 days.
Karan Thapar: When do you think Kashmir will return to anything like a semblance of normalcy?
M K Narayanan: Well, we are hopeful that this could be achieved in the next week to 10 days.
Karan Thapar: As soon as that?
M K Narayanan: Yes
Karan Thapar: A week or ten days?
M K Narayanan: Yes
Karan Thapar: You could have Srinagar going back to, what it was like in June?
M K Narayanan: Well may not be June, but I mean, signs of normalcy in the sense, what you can.
On Aziz’s killing
M K Narayanan: I am on record on saying that we would like to know who did the shooting, it wasn't done by the...
Karan Thapar: Who do you think did? You've raised questions about it, if it wasn't the police as the press has assumed you meant.
M K Narayanan: Yes, this is the concern even amongst Hurriyat and others, saying that who is now amongst us, who is trying to eliminate some of us?
Karan Thapar: You are saying that the Hurriyat accept that it wasn't the police who did the shooting?
M K Narayanan: Oh, they will never admit (to) it I suppose. But fact of the matter is....it was certainly not the police, he was shot in the back.
Karan Thapar: You are talking about Sheikh Abdul Aziz?
M K Narayanan: I am only talking about him
Karan Thapar: Do you have any idea who it might have been?
M K Narayanan: You'll know at the right time, when we are sure of who it is, or which group was responsible.
Karan Thapar: Does the finger point across the border to Pakistan?
M K Narayanan: No, we have no facts at the moment about A or B or C, what we are clear at the moment is this was not the police.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Online petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/jk2008/petition.html
To:
Gordon Brown
Prime Minister United Kingdom
David Miliband
Foreign Secretary United Kingdom
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General United Nations
José Manuel Barroso
President European Commission
We are writing to bring to your attention the increasingly deteriorating situation in the Indian-controlled part of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. Over the last two months, the people of Kashmir have held mass public processions protesting against an economic blockade imposed against the valley of Kashmir by extremist elements in the southern region of Jammu.
These peaceful protests have now escalated into a demand for the right to self-determination guaranteed to the people of Kashmir by various United Nations Resolutions (including nos. 57/1948, 51/1948, 80/1950, and 122/1957). These rallies have drawn widespread support from hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris across the length and breadth of the Kashmir valley.
The Indian authorities have responded to these non-violent protests by using excessive lethal force including firing live rounds on unarmed protestors. So far, more than 25 unarmed civilians have been killed in firing by Indian soldiers. There are now more than 600,000 Indian soldiers and paramilitaries on active duty in Kashmir (which translates to approximately one soldier for every eight Kashmiris).
Initially the Indian government allowed the protests to proceed without much opposition. However, it has recently changed its approach and begun to adopt repressive measures. The Indian government has banned local television channels and placed restrictions on media freedom. Pro-freedom politicians have been arrested without charge and prevented from attending processions and giving speeches. Indefinite curfew has been imposed across the ten districts of the Kashmir valley and soldiers have been given shoot-at-sight orders in some places. We are deeply disturbed by the absence of any comment by the British government, the European Union or the United Nations on the recent spate of violence in Kashmir. When protests broke out in Tibet in March earlier this year, only a few thousand people took to the streets in Lhasa and other towns. Yet, there was a flurry of condemnation of the Chinese authorities by Western governments and international organisations. China was urged to refrain from using excessive force and to initiate meaningful talks with the Tibetans. In stark contrast to this vocal stance on Tibet, the international community has maintained complete silence on Kashmir.
We call upon the British government, as the former colonial power in South Asia, to discharge the moral responsibility it has to speak out against human rights violations in Kashmir and to urge all parties to exercise restraint and initiate peaceful negotiations for solving disputes. India is a member of the Commonwealth just like Zimbabwe and the Indian government deserves to be reminded of its obligations just as much as Mr Mugabe. In today’s world, the British government simply cannot afford to be seen as being selective in its criticism of other countries and exposure of state excesses when it comes to maintaining ethical and humanitarian high-grounds.
We, therefore, call upon you to urge the Indian government to:
• exercise restraint in dealing with protests in Kashmir,
• ensure human rights are not violated and bring perpetrators of human rights to justice, and
• initiate peaceful and meaningful negotiations to address the underlying causes of unrest in Kashmir, including the fundamental question of Kashmir’s future status.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
http://www.petitiononline.com/jk2008/petition.html
To:
Gordon Brown
Prime Minister United Kingdom
David Miliband
Foreign Secretary United Kingdom
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General United Nations
José Manuel Barroso
President European Commission
We are writing to bring to your attention the increasingly deteriorating situation in the Indian-controlled part of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. Over the last two months, the people of Kashmir have held mass public processions protesting against an economic blockade imposed against the valley of Kashmir by extremist elements in the southern region of Jammu.
These peaceful protests have now escalated into a demand for the right to self-determination guaranteed to the people of Kashmir by various United Nations Resolutions (including nos. 57/1948, 51/1948, 80/1950, and 122/1957). These rallies have drawn widespread support from hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris across the length and breadth of the Kashmir valley.
The Indian authorities have responded to these non-violent protests by using excessive lethal force including firing live rounds on unarmed protestors. So far, more than 25 unarmed civilians have been killed in firing by Indian soldiers. There are now more than 600,000 Indian soldiers and paramilitaries on active duty in Kashmir (which translates to approximately one soldier for every eight Kashmiris).
Initially the Indian government allowed the protests to proceed without much opposition. However, it has recently changed its approach and begun to adopt repressive measures. The Indian government has banned local television channels and placed restrictions on media freedom. Pro-freedom politicians have been arrested without charge and prevented from attending processions and giving speeches. Indefinite curfew has been imposed across the ten districts of the Kashmir valley and soldiers have been given shoot-at-sight orders in some places. We are deeply disturbed by the absence of any comment by the British government, the European Union or the United Nations on the recent spate of violence in Kashmir. When protests broke out in Tibet in March earlier this year, only a few thousand people took to the streets in Lhasa and other towns. Yet, there was a flurry of condemnation of the Chinese authorities by Western governments and international organisations. China was urged to refrain from using excessive force and to initiate meaningful talks with the Tibetans. In stark contrast to this vocal stance on Tibet, the international community has maintained complete silence on Kashmir.
We call upon the British government, as the former colonial power in South Asia, to discharge the moral responsibility it has to speak out against human rights violations in Kashmir and to urge all parties to exercise restraint and initiate peaceful negotiations for solving disputes. India is a member of the Commonwealth just like Zimbabwe and the Indian government deserves to be reminded of its obligations just as much as Mr Mugabe. In today’s world, the British government simply cannot afford to be seen as being selective in its criticism of other countries and exposure of state excesses when it comes to maintaining ethical and humanitarian high-grounds.
We, therefore, call upon you to urge the Indian government to:
• exercise restraint in dealing with protests in Kashmir,
• ensure human rights are not violated and bring perpetrators of human rights to justice, and
• initiate peaceful and meaningful negotiations to address the underlying causes of unrest in Kashmir, including the fundamental question of Kashmir’s future status.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
http://www.petitiononline.com/jk2008/petition.html
Indian govt rushes weapons and tear gas - not medicines or food - to Kashmir
IAF drops planeloads of arms to troops in Kashmir
http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6270&Itemid=1
Saturday August 30
Rising Kashmir MonitoringNew Delhi, Aug 29: The Indian Air Force is rushing planeloads of arms to troops and paramilitary troopers in Jammu and Kashmir from places as far as the Northeast and Tamil Nadu.
The AN-32s are bringing in canes and tear smoke canisters.New Delhi has arranged for "solidified plastic canes" to be flown in by the Indian Air Force along with surplus tear smoke canisters from south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam.Having fired close to 10,000 tear smoke canisters at the peaceful protestors in Kashmir in the past few days and beaten tens of thousands of protesters, the CRPF has exhausted its stocks. Ditto for the state police."When most of force has been deployed for counter-insurgency duty, how can the CRPF be equipped for law-and-order problems? We just planned our stocks," a senior CRPF official said.Sources said there were fewer law-and-order problems in some states and so surplus stocks were available. Every state's police get monthly stocks of tear smoke canisters, but not all of them need to fire these too often.Bengal, where the need to control unruly mobs never goes out of fashion, may learn its lessons from Kashmir. The plight of troopers in the northern state – and the shape the Singur siege is taking -- could well prompt the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government to consider stocking up on canes and tear smoke canisters.The batons Bengal police now use are made mostly of cane, fibreglass and wood, and are sourced from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, but the government might toy with the idea of using solidified plastic too.However, in Jammu and Kashmir, the troopers are bracing for a long haul and have called for extra stocks from other states.India’s only tear-gas factory at Tekanpur near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, has shut down production for a month – a yearly routine during the monsoon -- because of humidity.Experts, however, have held out hope of production resuming soon.The factory is controlled by the home ministry and receives technical guidance from the Bureau of Police Research and Development.
http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6270&Itemid=1
Saturday August 30
Rising Kashmir MonitoringNew Delhi, Aug 29: The Indian Air Force is rushing planeloads of arms to troops and paramilitary troopers in Jammu and Kashmir from places as far as the Northeast and Tamil Nadu.
The AN-32s are bringing in canes and tear smoke canisters.New Delhi has arranged for "solidified plastic canes" to be flown in by the Indian Air Force along with surplus tear smoke canisters from south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam.Having fired close to 10,000 tear smoke canisters at the peaceful protestors in Kashmir in the past few days and beaten tens of thousands of protesters, the CRPF has exhausted its stocks. Ditto for the state police."When most of force has been deployed for counter-insurgency duty, how can the CRPF be equipped for law-and-order problems? We just planned our stocks," a senior CRPF official said.Sources said there were fewer law-and-order problems in some states and so surplus stocks were available. Every state's police get monthly stocks of tear smoke canisters, but not all of them need to fire these too often.Bengal, where the need to control unruly mobs never goes out of fashion, may learn its lessons from Kashmir. The plight of troopers in the northern state – and the shape the Singur siege is taking -- could well prompt the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government to consider stocking up on canes and tear smoke canisters.The batons Bengal police now use are made mostly of cane, fibreglass and wood, and are sourced from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, but the government might toy with the idea of using solidified plastic too.However, in Jammu and Kashmir, the troopers are bracing for a long haul and have called for extra stocks from other states.India’s only tear-gas factory at Tekanpur near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, has shut down production for a month – a yearly routine during the monsoon -- because of humidity.Experts, however, have held out hope of production resuming soon.The factory is controlled by the home ministry and receives technical guidance from the Bureau of Police Research and Development.
August 27-29 events log
Recent News
29 August
-People in Kashmir prevented from offering Friday prayers by Indian Security Forces
-Indian Security forces quoted in Hawal as saying that "people will be shot if they go for prayers"
-Imam of Jamia Masjid, Imam Syed naqshbandi placed under house arrest
-Paramilitary BSF Gypsy (No. JK-05- 5005) hits ambulance(JK-01-G- 1265) injuring two lady doctors and driver
-Resistance Leader Shabir Shah abducted from Rawalpora by Indian Security forces
-Thousands of people demonstrate for release of resistance leaders and transfer of sub-divisional police officer Sumbal, Harmeet Singh
- upto 10 Demonstrators in Ganderbal injured when Indian Security forces fire tear gas and resort to cane-charging.
-Demonstrators in Kangan injured when Indian Security forces fire tear gas and resort to cane-charging
-Demonstrations in Sopore, Nupora,Rafiabad,Shopian and Islamabad
-IAF rushing planeloads of arms to troops and paramillitay troopers in Kashmir
-300 retired Indian army personnel including retired army majors, colonel and other army officers burn Kashmir State flag in Jammu. Retired INdian army officers shout - There should be one state, one constitution and one flag in India. We do not accept the special status of Jammu and Kashmir state
28 August
-Martyr Ghulam Nabi Wani, injured in firing in Budgam succumbs to injuries.
-8 month pregnant Afrooza when travelling to Lal-Ded hospital, dragged out of car and beaten by female CRPF troppers at Hyderpora, till Afrooza was unconscious. Slim chances of survival of fetus.
-5 year old boy beaten in Batmaloo by Indian Security Forces. Indian security forces claim harassment by child. Child released when DIG CRPF MP Nathiel intervened
-Zahoor Ahmed Hajam, Bandipore abducted by Indian Security forces for distributing vegetables free in Bandipore
-India reacts to UN high commission for human rights (hchr) terming these as "UNWARRANTED" AND "IRRESPONSIBLE" and bluntly tells unhcr that NEW DELHI DOES NOT NEED "ANY ADVICE"
-Doda journalists demonstrate against accesses committed by Indian Security forces
-Paralysed Aijaz Ahmed of Srandu, Kulgam beaten by CRPF troopers
-Hundreds of people demonstrate for release of Resistance Leaders
-Residents of Maisuma come out of their homes and protest demanding whereabouts of Yasin Malik
-Associate Editor of Greater Kashmir harassed by Indian forces who threaten to shoot him.
-New Delhi based channels go of air in Kashmir to prevent news of atrocities getting to people of Kashmir
-Delhi Union of Journalists condemn attack on journalists-Abducted Resistance Leaders Asiya Andrabi, Hilal Ahmad War, Mehrajudin Kalwal, Ayaz Akbar shifted to Central Jail Srinagar.
-India ranks 120 rank out of 169 in press freedom index (Current incidents would push it even lower)
27 August
-Hilal Ahmed Mir martyred in Soibughk, Budgam when Indian Security forces open fire on protesters, Muhammad Amin critically wounded.
-Muhammad Yousuf Banday martyred in Kupwara when INdian Security forces (21 Rashtriya Rifles) open fire on protesters
-Manzoor Ahmed Hurrah and Ishtyaq Ahmed Sheikh injured in CRPF firing
-At least 10 injured in Rainawari when INdian Security forces & police open fire.
-Mirwaiz Qazi Yasir and 12 others in Islamabad abducted by Indian Security forces led by SSP Nitish Kumar
-CRPF and 3rd Rashtriya Rifles not allowing distribution of milk. Instead RR taunts , "where is your Lashkar, you need azaadi"
-in Islamaabad Two renegade turned Special Police Officers Jehangir and Imran are beating civilians without provocations
-Abdul Rehman Mir, Muhammad Ramzan Malik and Abdul Majeed Khan abducted by army in Kawoosa area
-United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR calls on the Indian authorities and in particular security forces to respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression, and comply with international human rights principles in controlling the demonstrators.
-Hundreds in Handwara stage demonstration after Rashtriya Rifles set fire to houses in Chopan Mohalla. Rashtriya Rifles rough up inhabitants . 6 seriously injured-Bakers beaten in Downtown Srinagar by CRPF and told they would be killed if they prepare bread for anyone. Caller from Bohri Kadal says that there is nothing to eat and children are starving.
-Zahoor Ahmas Khan beaten and thrown into River Jehlum by CRPF in Habba Kadal. CRPF also fire rubber bullets on Zahoor. Zahoor rescued by other Kashmiris
-Mobsters lob petrol bombs and fire dozens of rounds of fire at muslims in Poonch
-Dinesh Bharti finally detained under Public Safety Act for instigating mobsters. Dinesh Bharti has gone underground.
-Resistance Leader Taeiq Moulvi abducted by Indian Security Forces
-United States expresses concern over resurgence of tension in Kashmir.
29 August
-People in Kashmir prevented from offering Friday prayers by Indian Security Forces
-Indian Security forces quoted in Hawal as saying that "people will be shot if they go for prayers"
-Imam of Jamia Masjid, Imam Syed naqshbandi placed under house arrest
-Paramilitary BSF Gypsy (No. JK-05- 5005) hits ambulance(JK-01-G- 1265) injuring two lady doctors and driver
-Resistance Leader Shabir Shah abducted from Rawalpora by Indian Security forces
-Thousands of people demonstrate for release of resistance leaders and transfer of sub-divisional police officer Sumbal, Harmeet Singh
- upto 10 Demonstrators in Ganderbal injured when Indian Security forces fire tear gas and resort to cane-charging.
-Demonstrators in Kangan injured when Indian Security forces fire tear gas and resort to cane-charging
-Demonstrations in Sopore, Nupora,Rafiabad,Shopian and Islamabad
-IAF rushing planeloads of arms to troops and paramillitay troopers in Kashmir
-300 retired Indian army personnel including retired army majors, colonel and other army officers burn Kashmir State flag in Jammu. Retired INdian army officers shout - There should be one state, one constitution and one flag in India. We do not accept the special status of Jammu and Kashmir state
28 August
-Martyr Ghulam Nabi Wani, injured in firing in Budgam succumbs to injuries.
-8 month pregnant Afrooza when travelling to Lal-Ded hospital, dragged out of car and beaten by female CRPF troppers at Hyderpora, till Afrooza was unconscious. Slim chances of survival of fetus.
-5 year old boy beaten in Batmaloo by Indian Security Forces. Indian security forces claim harassment by child. Child released when DIG CRPF MP Nathiel intervened
-Zahoor Ahmed Hajam, Bandipore abducted by Indian Security forces for distributing vegetables free in Bandipore
-India reacts to UN high commission for human rights (hchr) terming these as "UNWARRANTED" AND "IRRESPONSIBLE" and bluntly tells unhcr that NEW DELHI DOES NOT NEED "ANY ADVICE"
-Doda journalists demonstrate against accesses committed by Indian Security forces
-Paralysed Aijaz Ahmed of Srandu, Kulgam beaten by CRPF troopers
-Hundreds of people demonstrate for release of Resistance Leaders
-Residents of Maisuma come out of their homes and protest demanding whereabouts of Yasin Malik
-Associate Editor of Greater Kashmir harassed by Indian forces who threaten to shoot him.
-New Delhi based channels go of air in Kashmir to prevent news of atrocities getting to people of Kashmir
-Delhi Union of Journalists condemn attack on journalists-Abducted Resistance Leaders Asiya Andrabi, Hilal Ahmad War, Mehrajudin Kalwal, Ayaz Akbar shifted to Central Jail Srinagar.
-India ranks 120 rank out of 169 in press freedom index (Current incidents would push it even lower)
27 August
-Hilal Ahmed Mir martyred in Soibughk, Budgam when Indian Security forces open fire on protesters, Muhammad Amin critically wounded.
-Muhammad Yousuf Banday martyred in Kupwara when INdian Security forces (21 Rashtriya Rifles) open fire on protesters
-Manzoor Ahmed Hurrah and Ishtyaq Ahmed Sheikh injured in CRPF firing
-At least 10 injured in Rainawari when INdian Security forces & police open fire.
-Mirwaiz Qazi Yasir and 12 others in Islamabad abducted by Indian Security forces led by SSP Nitish Kumar
-CRPF and 3rd Rashtriya Rifles not allowing distribution of milk. Instead RR taunts , "where is your Lashkar, you need azaadi"
-in Islamaabad Two renegade turned Special Police Officers Jehangir and Imran are beating civilians without provocations
-Abdul Rehman Mir, Muhammad Ramzan Malik and Abdul Majeed Khan abducted by army in Kawoosa area
-United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR calls on the Indian authorities and in particular security forces to respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression, and comply with international human rights principles in controlling the demonstrators.
-Hundreds in Handwara stage demonstration after Rashtriya Rifles set fire to houses in Chopan Mohalla. Rashtriya Rifles rough up inhabitants . 6 seriously injured-Bakers beaten in Downtown Srinagar by CRPF and told they would be killed if they prepare bread for anyone. Caller from Bohri Kadal says that there is nothing to eat and children are starving.
-Zahoor Ahmas Khan beaten and thrown into River Jehlum by CRPF in Habba Kadal. CRPF also fire rubber bullets on Zahoor. Zahoor rescued by other Kashmiris
-Mobsters lob petrol bombs and fire dozens of rounds of fire at muslims in Poonch
-Dinesh Bharti finally detained under Public Safety Act for instigating mobsters. Dinesh Bharti has gone underground.
-Resistance Leader Taeiq Moulvi abducted by Indian Security Forces
-United States expresses concern over resurgence of tension in Kashmir.
Fact-finding team
People’s Union for Democratic Rights, Delhi
PRESS RELEASE, 26th August 2008
Findings of an Investigation Conducted From 22 to 25 August 2008
A six-member team from four human rights organisations conducted an investigation into the “economic blockade” in Kashmir and its aftermath. The team toured the districts of Srinagar , Budgam, Baramulla, and Bandipora. The team spoke to victims of the violence and their families, people who were part of protests, doctors at the SMHS hospital, journalists, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, and office bearers of many social and political organisations. However, the fact finding was disrupted as the state announced an indefinite curfew from the morning of 24th August. The release also addresses the second round of curfew currently in force. The total loss of life during the two periods of curfew stands at over 35.
The main findings of the team are summarized below:
1. Azaadi is the primary demand in Kashmir
The team arrived in Srinagar on 22 August and witnessed the massive protest meeting at the Idgah grounds. People gathered there publicly declared their primary demand for azaadi (freedom) at the meeting venue and through numerous street processions in various streets of Srinagar on 22 and 23 August. During our interviews with individual families and with groups, people voiced the same demand. A wide range of social and political organisations have also reiterated this demand.
2. Use of curfew to create a confrontation
Curfew was imposed from the evening of 11 August and again from the morning of 24 August. The first time it was imposed hours after the security forces opened fire at many places on an unarmed procession heading to the Muzaffarabad border killing at least __ people. It was expected that people would come out in the following day to protest against the killings. Curfew thus became an instrument to prevent people from assembling and gave security forces the power to use force against unarmed protestors.
The second time curfew was imposed with the express purpose of preventing the dharna at Lal Chowk. The previous gathering at Idgah, where this dharna was announced, had been peaceful. Therefore curfew became the means by which a confrontation was created, which could have been easily avoided. The clamping down on media and the brutal attacks on journalists happened while the team was still there. Arrests of leaders, raids of homes and intimidation of local residents by the army and CRPF are happening even now. On 24th itself, our team issued an appeal to the central government to lift the curfew to prevent loss of life.
3. Deliberate blockade of supplies and its indifferent handling.
While our team has not investigated the happenings in the Jammu region, its impact on Kashmir has been confirmed through our interviews. Protests in Jammu , which started from early July, took a more violent turn from the beginning of August. This led to severe restriction on the movement of goods and people on the Srinagar-Jammu highway and even into Punjab . Records at the highway check points, as reported in the Economic Times (21.8.08), confirm the substantial lowering of goods traffic in July and its worsening in August. Shortages were created as a result: of oils and cooking gas in the rural areas, of cereals and medicines in the urban areas. Given the fears of Kashmiri transporters and drivers, the impact was far worse in traffic moving out of Kashmir . This has led to substantial losses for fruit growers as well as handicrafts and carpet manufacturers and transporters. Fruit could be found rotting at many places and handicraft manufacturers report cancellation of export orders for the ramazan season and fears for the Christmas season. The team was told that till 23rd August, 80 % of the trucks were not leaving the valley for fear of attacks and only some 15-20 trucks were able to carry the apples out of the valley after assurance of safe passage from the government. The loss—over 75% of the fruit are rotting in the Sopore mandi. In Seer Jagir, a village in Sopore tehsil, the team met small farmers with average land holding of 4-5 acres, which produces on an average 3000 boxes of apples per annum. The 30 farmers in this village reported that they have lost on an average Rs 2 lakh this season. Therefore, the total loss of this small village account to nearly 60 lakh. The government’s lackadaisical attitude in ensuring supplies and its attempt to deny the ‘blockade’ led to feeling of ill-will in Kashmir .
4. Firing incidents (11-14th August) were unprovoked and aimed to kill
The team investigated 15 cases of deaths that occurred on account of firing by CRPF and JK police between 11 and 14 August. The actual death toll is estimated to be above 30. The findings show a clear pattern: (a) The firings were aimed to kill. This was evident from eye witness accounts which showed that the firings were indiscriminate and aimed directly at the crowd. At Paribal, near Bandipura town on 12th August the RR and JK police fired on the crowd from above the hill where the 15 RR camp is located. (b) A large number of deaths resulted from injuries in the abdomen, chest, head or upper or lower back. The same was confirmed by hospital records. (c) In some cases, as at Lasjen on 12 August, protesters were deceived into by an assurance of allowing peaceful procession and then resorting to firing. Three people were killed including one 50 year old woman and six others received bullet injuries.
5. Attacks on those Injured
The total number of people injured in the period between 11 and 14 August is not clearly established. However, at SMHS hospital alone, over 500 patients were admitted in the same period. The team met families and those injured and killed in the attacks. We were repeatedly told that the security forces never tried to reach the injured to hospital. Worse, vehicles carrying injured to hospital were routinely attacked. Hospital sources claim that a number of ambulances were attacked. The same is confirmed by news reports today and the health department has threatened to stop ambulance services given the injuries received by ambulance drivers. Our team was told that in Lasjen, even those carrying dead bodies back from the hospital were attacked on 12th August. Elsewhere, in Bandipora the same was reported. The van carrying Mehrajuddin Kakh, injured in the Bandipura killing on 12 August, was attacked by CRPF and STF at Parimpora. Not only were the occupants attacked, Mehrajuddin’s thigh injury was brutalized by twisting a lathi in it. He died the same night. Equally, Imran Ahmed Wani who was injured in the Bagi Mehtab firing on 12 August was deliberately refused ambulance service for nearly two hours. In fact, when he did get into one, it was attacked at Rambagh Pul. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
6. Attack on the SMHS hospital, Srinagar
What is unbelievable is the attack on SMHS Hospital on 11 and 12 August successively. The SMHS hospital received the largest number of casualties. When doctors were trying to conduct emergency operations at break-neck speed in order to save lives, the Casualty was attacked with tear gas shells followed by firing live bullets. The firing was again repeated on 12 August. It is the dedication of doctors, paramedic staff, ambulance drivers and timely arranging of bandages, gauze and cotton by the medical representatives, at the risk of their own lives, that managed to save a large number of lives. The doctors also confirmed that the help received by the ordinary people in saving the lives of those injured was remarkable. People helped the medical staff in transporting the wounded to the OT, aided in tending treatment in the Casualty and arranged vans and ambulances to carry them to the different hospitals in the city and elsewhere.
7. Attacks on Funeral Processions
Funeral processions were repeatedly attacked in many places as large numbers of people marched with the bier to the graveyards. The team was told that the funeral procession of Ishfaq Ahmed Kana, shot dead at Qamarwari Chowk, Srinagar on 11 August, to the Idgah Martyrs Memorial was attacked by the CRPF with lathis and rubber bullets. In Baghi Mahtab, Javed Ahmed Mir’s funeral procession was attacked and one person was killed in the firing. Other protest demonstrations protesting against the killings were also attacked. For instance, the protest demonstration following the shooting of Owais Majeed Zarga in Rainawari, Srinagar on 12th August was attacked by the Kashmir police stationed outside the office of the local MLA, Mhd Shahid. Two boys were injured in the firing.
8. Raids and Attacks on Residents:
During the evening of 13 and 14 August, security forces engaged in an indiscriminate and large-scale attack on houses in localities close to the firings, thrashing people and smashing window panes. At Safakadal, Srinagar , residents showed how their houses and a nearby mosque were attacked by the CRPF. At Lasjen, JK police and CRPF personnel entered houses to thrash people. Relatives were forcibly prevented from accessing homes of deceased and women relatives at the house of Imtiaz Rahim, who died in the firing, showed us the marks of brutality at the hands of the security forces.
9. FIRs: Refusals and Distortions:
In most cases, the families have not registered any FIRs against the security forces as they fear going to the police station or that it would invite further violence. Where families of those killed were able to go to police stations after many days, they found that FIRs were already lodged stating that the protestors attacked security forces who in turn were forced to open fire. When families tried to get their version recorded, the same was refused. Complaints are rejected. In the case of the Bagi Mahtab killings where the families of the deceased (Javed Ahmed Mir and Imran Ahmed Wani) were given a totally false version of the happenings in the FIR. When challenged, the police said that the families must come ten days later with 4 eye witnesses to corroborate their story. This refusal even to receive complaints is tantamount to making the security forces judges of their own actions.
10. Present Curfew and Developments
On 24 August, Kashmir was greeted by indefinite curfew when it woke up in the morning. Within a few hours four media persons, on their way to office had been badly beaten up at Rambagh by the CRPF. The identity cards and passes issued during the last phase of curfew presented by the journalists were rejected. Mr Bilal, bureau chief of Sahara Samay was admitted to the Bone and Joints hospital and later to the SMHS hospital. By evening, security forces opened fire in Dal Gate area killing one person and critically injuring another. Homes of political leaders were raided and some arrested. In the rural areas, the army threatened local imams, nambardars and chowkidars on 24 August that they would be held responsible if people dared to join in the procession to Lal Chowk. Over the last two days, the curfew has lad to at least seven people being killed in firing by security forces and over 275 injured in various parts of Kashmir valley.
Essential supplies to Srinagar city, such as medicines, water tankers and milk, have been blocked and this ‘blockade’ has been done at the instance of the CRPF. The entire control of land and order in Srinagar city has all been handed over to the CRPF and news reports have suggested that the local police have also been beaten by the CRPF.
CONCLUSION
The investigation team is of the opinion that the firing, brutality, loss of life was not only wholly avoidable but done deliberately. The disruption of road traffic to Kashmir needed to be recognized by the government and addressed. The resort to curfew after the firing on 11 August denied the people a right to protest and be heard. Additionally, the curfew provided the security forces the power to open fire with impunity. A number of extremely inhuman crimes were committed by the security forces by denying and obstructing medical aid to the injured, attacking the injured and most seriously by launching an attack on the SMHS hospital. No existing law in the country provides immunity to police and security forces for such crimes. The lack of any action against these forces even where the crimes are established by eye-witnesses and reported in newspapers, makes people lose whatever faith in the government that may have remained after decades of army rule. Despite these happenings, the people of Kashmir have shown exemplary restraint and ensured that all processions and public gatherings after the lifting of curfew remain wholly peaceful. This situation should have been utilized to initiate political dialogue instead of the visit by the National Security Advisor.
The imposition of curfew to prevent another such pre-declared peaceful mass gathering can only be seen as an invitation to another bloody attack on protestors and serves as a message to the people of Kashmir that the Indian government would not tolerate peaceful and unarmed protest.
WE DEMAND
1. Immediate lifting of the curfew and restoration of ample space to people to peaceably collect and voice their demands.
2. Criminal charges be registered against those responsible for attacks on injured people, ambulances and hospitals as well as widespread damage to houses.
3. Peoples complaints concerning arbitrary and indiscriminate use of fire by security forces be registered and the culprits brought to book.
4. Law and order duties be immediately restored to the police in Srinagar and all forces be made ot work ‘in aid of civil power’ as required by law.
5. The situation of the peaceful expression of peoples demands be utilized to initiate a political dialogue, the political establishment is duty-bound to do so when people in such large numbers are voicing these.
Harish Dhawan
Secretary, PUDR
On behalf of
People’s Democratic Forum (PDF), Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee (APCLC), Andhra Pradesh
Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), Jammu and Kashmir
People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR), Delhi
PRESS RELEASE, 26th August 2008
Findings of an Investigation Conducted From 22 to 25 August 2008
A six-member team from four human rights organisations conducted an investigation into the “economic blockade” in Kashmir and its aftermath. The team toured the districts of Srinagar , Budgam, Baramulla, and Bandipora. The team spoke to victims of the violence and their families, people who were part of protests, doctors at the SMHS hospital, journalists, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, and office bearers of many social and political organisations. However, the fact finding was disrupted as the state announced an indefinite curfew from the morning of 24th August. The release also addresses the second round of curfew currently in force. The total loss of life during the two periods of curfew stands at over 35.
The main findings of the team are summarized below:
1. Azaadi is the primary demand in Kashmir
The team arrived in Srinagar on 22 August and witnessed the massive protest meeting at the Idgah grounds. People gathered there publicly declared their primary demand for azaadi (freedom) at the meeting venue and through numerous street processions in various streets of Srinagar on 22 and 23 August. During our interviews with individual families and with groups, people voiced the same demand. A wide range of social and political organisations have also reiterated this demand.
2. Use of curfew to create a confrontation
Curfew was imposed from the evening of 11 August and again from the morning of 24 August. The first time it was imposed hours after the security forces opened fire at many places on an unarmed procession heading to the Muzaffarabad border killing at least __ people. It was expected that people would come out in the following day to protest against the killings. Curfew thus became an instrument to prevent people from assembling and gave security forces the power to use force against unarmed protestors.
The second time curfew was imposed with the express purpose of preventing the dharna at Lal Chowk. The previous gathering at Idgah, where this dharna was announced, had been peaceful. Therefore curfew became the means by which a confrontation was created, which could have been easily avoided. The clamping down on media and the brutal attacks on journalists happened while the team was still there. Arrests of leaders, raids of homes and intimidation of local residents by the army and CRPF are happening even now. On 24th itself, our team issued an appeal to the central government to lift the curfew to prevent loss of life.
3. Deliberate blockade of supplies and its indifferent handling.
While our team has not investigated the happenings in the Jammu region, its impact on Kashmir has been confirmed through our interviews. Protests in Jammu , which started from early July, took a more violent turn from the beginning of August. This led to severe restriction on the movement of goods and people on the Srinagar-Jammu highway and even into Punjab . Records at the highway check points, as reported in the Economic Times (21.8.08), confirm the substantial lowering of goods traffic in July and its worsening in August. Shortages were created as a result: of oils and cooking gas in the rural areas, of cereals and medicines in the urban areas. Given the fears of Kashmiri transporters and drivers, the impact was far worse in traffic moving out of Kashmir . This has led to substantial losses for fruit growers as well as handicrafts and carpet manufacturers and transporters. Fruit could be found rotting at many places and handicraft manufacturers report cancellation of export orders for the ramazan season and fears for the Christmas season. The team was told that till 23rd August, 80 % of the trucks were not leaving the valley for fear of attacks and only some 15-20 trucks were able to carry the apples out of the valley after assurance of safe passage from the government. The loss—over 75% of the fruit are rotting in the Sopore mandi. In Seer Jagir, a village in Sopore tehsil, the team met small farmers with average land holding of 4-5 acres, which produces on an average 3000 boxes of apples per annum. The 30 farmers in this village reported that they have lost on an average Rs 2 lakh this season. Therefore, the total loss of this small village account to nearly 60 lakh. The government’s lackadaisical attitude in ensuring supplies and its attempt to deny the ‘blockade’ led to feeling of ill-will in Kashmir .
4. Firing incidents (11-14th August) were unprovoked and aimed to kill
The team investigated 15 cases of deaths that occurred on account of firing by CRPF and JK police between 11 and 14 August. The actual death toll is estimated to be above 30. The findings show a clear pattern: (a) The firings were aimed to kill. This was evident from eye witness accounts which showed that the firings were indiscriminate and aimed directly at the crowd. At Paribal, near Bandipura town on 12th August the RR and JK police fired on the crowd from above the hill where the 15 RR camp is located. (b) A large number of deaths resulted from injuries in the abdomen, chest, head or upper or lower back. The same was confirmed by hospital records. (c) In some cases, as at Lasjen on 12 August, protesters were deceived into by an assurance of allowing peaceful procession and then resorting to firing. Three people were killed including one 50 year old woman and six others received bullet injuries.
5. Attacks on those Injured
The total number of people injured in the period between 11 and 14 August is not clearly established. However, at SMHS hospital alone, over 500 patients were admitted in the same period. The team met families and those injured and killed in the attacks. We were repeatedly told that the security forces never tried to reach the injured to hospital. Worse, vehicles carrying injured to hospital were routinely attacked. Hospital sources claim that a number of ambulances were attacked. The same is confirmed by news reports today and the health department has threatened to stop ambulance services given the injuries received by ambulance drivers. Our team was told that in Lasjen, even those carrying dead bodies back from the hospital were attacked on 12th August. Elsewhere, in Bandipora the same was reported. The van carrying Mehrajuddin Kakh, injured in the Bandipura killing on 12 August, was attacked by CRPF and STF at Parimpora. Not only were the occupants attacked, Mehrajuddin’s thigh injury was brutalized by twisting a lathi in it. He died the same night. Equally, Imran Ahmed Wani who was injured in the Bagi Mehtab firing on 12 August was deliberately refused ambulance service for nearly two hours. In fact, when he did get into one, it was attacked at Rambagh Pul. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
6. Attack on the SMHS hospital, Srinagar
What is unbelievable is the attack on SMHS Hospital on 11 and 12 August successively. The SMHS hospital received the largest number of casualties. When doctors were trying to conduct emergency operations at break-neck speed in order to save lives, the Casualty was attacked with tear gas shells followed by firing live bullets. The firing was again repeated on 12 August. It is the dedication of doctors, paramedic staff, ambulance drivers and timely arranging of bandages, gauze and cotton by the medical representatives, at the risk of their own lives, that managed to save a large number of lives. The doctors also confirmed that the help received by the ordinary people in saving the lives of those injured was remarkable. People helped the medical staff in transporting the wounded to the OT, aided in tending treatment in the Casualty and arranged vans and ambulances to carry them to the different hospitals in the city and elsewhere.
7. Attacks on Funeral Processions
Funeral processions were repeatedly attacked in many places as large numbers of people marched with the bier to the graveyards. The team was told that the funeral procession of Ishfaq Ahmed Kana, shot dead at Qamarwari Chowk, Srinagar on 11 August, to the Idgah Martyrs Memorial was attacked by the CRPF with lathis and rubber bullets. In Baghi Mahtab, Javed Ahmed Mir’s funeral procession was attacked and one person was killed in the firing. Other protest demonstrations protesting against the killings were also attacked. For instance, the protest demonstration following the shooting of Owais Majeed Zarga in Rainawari, Srinagar on 12th August was attacked by the Kashmir police stationed outside the office of the local MLA, Mhd Shahid. Two boys were injured in the firing.
8. Raids and Attacks on Residents:
During the evening of 13 and 14 August, security forces engaged in an indiscriminate and large-scale attack on houses in localities close to the firings, thrashing people and smashing window panes. At Safakadal, Srinagar , residents showed how their houses and a nearby mosque were attacked by the CRPF. At Lasjen, JK police and CRPF personnel entered houses to thrash people. Relatives were forcibly prevented from accessing homes of deceased and women relatives at the house of Imtiaz Rahim, who died in the firing, showed us the marks of brutality at the hands of the security forces.
9. FIRs: Refusals and Distortions:
In most cases, the families have not registered any FIRs against the security forces as they fear going to the police station or that it would invite further violence. Where families of those killed were able to go to police stations after many days, they found that FIRs were already lodged stating that the protestors attacked security forces who in turn were forced to open fire. When families tried to get their version recorded, the same was refused. Complaints are rejected. In the case of the Bagi Mahtab killings where the families of the deceased (Javed Ahmed Mir and Imran Ahmed Wani) were given a totally false version of the happenings in the FIR. When challenged, the police said that the families must come ten days later with 4 eye witnesses to corroborate their story. This refusal even to receive complaints is tantamount to making the security forces judges of their own actions.
10. Present Curfew and Developments
On 24 August, Kashmir was greeted by indefinite curfew when it woke up in the morning. Within a few hours four media persons, on their way to office had been badly beaten up at Rambagh by the CRPF. The identity cards and passes issued during the last phase of curfew presented by the journalists were rejected. Mr Bilal, bureau chief of Sahara Samay was admitted to the Bone and Joints hospital and later to the SMHS hospital. By evening, security forces opened fire in Dal Gate area killing one person and critically injuring another. Homes of political leaders were raided and some arrested. In the rural areas, the army threatened local imams, nambardars and chowkidars on 24 August that they would be held responsible if people dared to join in the procession to Lal Chowk. Over the last two days, the curfew has lad to at least seven people being killed in firing by security forces and over 275 injured in various parts of Kashmir valley.
Essential supplies to Srinagar city, such as medicines, water tankers and milk, have been blocked and this ‘blockade’ has been done at the instance of the CRPF. The entire control of land and order in Srinagar city has all been handed over to the CRPF and news reports have suggested that the local police have also been beaten by the CRPF.
CONCLUSION
The investigation team is of the opinion that the firing, brutality, loss of life was not only wholly avoidable but done deliberately. The disruption of road traffic to Kashmir needed to be recognized by the government and addressed. The resort to curfew after the firing on 11 August denied the people a right to protest and be heard. Additionally, the curfew provided the security forces the power to open fire with impunity. A number of extremely inhuman crimes were committed by the security forces by denying and obstructing medical aid to the injured, attacking the injured and most seriously by launching an attack on the SMHS hospital. No existing law in the country provides immunity to police and security forces for such crimes. The lack of any action against these forces even where the crimes are established by eye-witnesses and reported in newspapers, makes people lose whatever faith in the government that may have remained after decades of army rule. Despite these happenings, the people of Kashmir have shown exemplary restraint and ensured that all processions and public gatherings after the lifting of curfew remain wholly peaceful. This situation should have been utilized to initiate political dialogue instead of the visit by the National Security Advisor.
The imposition of curfew to prevent another such pre-declared peaceful mass gathering can only be seen as an invitation to another bloody attack on protestors and serves as a message to the people of Kashmir that the Indian government would not tolerate peaceful and unarmed protest.
WE DEMAND
1. Immediate lifting of the curfew and restoration of ample space to people to peaceably collect and voice their demands.
2. Criminal charges be registered against those responsible for attacks on injured people, ambulances and hospitals as well as widespread damage to houses.
3. Peoples complaints concerning arbitrary and indiscriminate use of fire by security forces be registered and the culprits brought to book.
4. Law and order duties be immediately restored to the police in Srinagar and all forces be made ot work ‘in aid of civil power’ as required by law.
5. The situation of the peaceful expression of peoples demands be utilized to initiate a political dialogue, the political establishment is duty-bound to do so when people in such large numbers are voicing these.
Harish Dhawan
Secretary, PUDR
On behalf of
People’s Democratic Forum (PDF), Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee (APCLC), Andhra Pradesh
Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), Jammu and Kashmir
People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR), Delhi
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Reporters Without Borders calls on the Indian authorities to put an immediate stop to the censorship and violence against the media in Kashmir
25 August 2008
Censorship and violence against press in Kashmir
Reporters Without Borders calls on the Indian authorities to put an immediate stop to the censorship and violence against the media in Kashmir that has been prompted by a wave of protests against Indian rule. At least 13 journalists were beaten by police yesterday in Srinagar, local TV stations are being censored and a curfew is making it hard for newspapers to bring out their issues.
“This latest crisis in Indian Kashmir must not be used as a pretext for subjecting the press to more violence and obstruction,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Journalists must have all the guarantees they need, including permanent passes, to be able to work freely despite the curfew. We also call on the police authorities to investigate the violence by certain elements that have led to injuries in the ranks of the press. If no sanctions are adopted, the door will be left open for more abuses. Finally, we call for an end to the censorship of local TV stations, which is a clear violation of the right of Kashmiris to be informed.”
At least 13 journalists were beaten by members of the Central Reserve Police Force in Srinagar as they tried to get to their offices yesterday despite the curfew introduced earlier in the day. The journalists had passes issued on 11 August but the police members said they were no long valid.
The injured journalists included Bilal Bhat, the Sahara Samay TV station’s bureau chief in Srinagar, who had several ribs broken, and his cameraman, Muzaffar. Ajaz Ahmad of News X, Jehangir Aziz of ETV’s Urdu service and Amin War of The Tribune newspaper were also injured.
The curfew prevented the publication of regional newspapers today, including the daily Greater Kashmir, which posted this message on its website: “Due to unavoidable circumstances, the print edition of Greater Kashmir will not be on the stands on 25 August. We regret the inconvenience to our readers. This was the first time in the past decade that GK staffers could not reach the office due to restrictions.”
An Indian newspaper’s correspondent in Srinagar told Reporters Without Borders: "I had to go through 20 checkpoints to get to my office and each time I was subjected to the same humiliation and the same questions about my work as a journalist."
The authorities yesterday asked local TV stations not to broadcast reports liable to “excite” the population until further order. TV executives and editors were summoned and told it would be preferable if they suspended news programmes and just broadcast entertainment. The government claimed that reports broadcast by certain stations violated the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995.
It was on the basis of this law that a Srinagar judge yesterday finally ordered the TV stations to suppress their news programmes and just carry entertainment.
Groups of journalists responded by staging street demonstrations against the violence and censorship. “Let the press work” said the placard brandished by one Srinagar reporter.
Indian troops patrolling the streets of Srinagar and other cities in the region today used megaphones to call on the population to stay at home. Demonstrations planned by Kashmiri political parties have been banned. Several demonstrators were shot dead for violating the curfew.
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=28297
Censorship and violence against press in Kashmir
Reporters Without Borders calls on the Indian authorities to put an immediate stop to the censorship and violence against the media in Kashmir that has been prompted by a wave of protests against Indian rule. At least 13 journalists were beaten by police yesterday in Srinagar, local TV stations are being censored and a curfew is making it hard for newspapers to bring out their issues.
“This latest crisis in Indian Kashmir must not be used as a pretext for subjecting the press to more violence and obstruction,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Journalists must have all the guarantees they need, including permanent passes, to be able to work freely despite the curfew. We also call on the police authorities to investigate the violence by certain elements that have led to injuries in the ranks of the press. If no sanctions are adopted, the door will be left open for more abuses. Finally, we call for an end to the censorship of local TV stations, which is a clear violation of the right of Kashmiris to be informed.”
At least 13 journalists were beaten by members of the Central Reserve Police Force in Srinagar as they tried to get to their offices yesterday despite the curfew introduced earlier in the day. The journalists had passes issued on 11 August but the police members said they were no long valid.
The injured journalists included Bilal Bhat, the Sahara Samay TV station’s bureau chief in Srinagar, who had several ribs broken, and his cameraman, Muzaffar. Ajaz Ahmad of News X, Jehangir Aziz of ETV’s Urdu service and Amin War of The Tribune newspaper were also injured.
The curfew prevented the publication of regional newspapers today, including the daily Greater Kashmir, which posted this message on its website: “Due to unavoidable circumstances, the print edition of Greater Kashmir will not be on the stands on 25 August. We regret the inconvenience to our readers. This was the first time in the past decade that GK staffers could not reach the office due to restrictions.”
An Indian newspaper’s correspondent in Srinagar told Reporters Without Borders: "I had to go through 20 checkpoints to get to my office and each time I was subjected to the same humiliation and the same questions about my work as a journalist."
The authorities yesterday asked local TV stations not to broadcast reports liable to “excite” the population until further order. TV executives and editors were summoned and told it would be preferable if they suspended news programmes and just broadcast entertainment. The government claimed that reports broadcast by certain stations violated the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995.
It was on the basis of this law that a Srinagar judge yesterday finally ordered the TV stations to suppress their news programmes and just carry entertainment.
Groups of journalists responded by staging street demonstrations against the violence and censorship. “Let the press work” said the placard brandished by one Srinagar reporter.
Indian troops patrolling the streets of Srinagar and other cities in the region today used megaphones to call on the population to stay at home. Demonstrations planned by Kashmiri political parties have been banned. Several demonstrators were shot dead for violating the curfew.
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=28297
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
UN calls for restraint in Indian-administered Kashmir
http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/1058F3E39F77ACE5C12574B2004E5CE3?opendocument
UNITED NATIONS
Press Release
OHCHR calls for restraint in Indian-administered Kashmir
27 August 2008
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is concerned about the recent violent protests in Indian-administered Kashmir that have reportedly led to civilian casualties as well as restrictions to the right to freedom of assembly and expression.
OHCHR calls on the Indian authorities and in particular security forces to respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression, and comply with international human rights principles in controlling the demonstrators. The use of force should be proportionate to the threat posed and firearms must only be used in dispersing a violent assembly to protect individuals against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. The Acting High Commissioner calls for thorough and independent investigations into all killings that have occurred so far.
OHCHR also calls on the demonstrators to protest using peaceful means only. Leaders of the different protesting groups have a responsibility to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and that the demonstrators are not carrying sticks, guns or other weapons and refrain from intimidation. Political actors are urged to take all necessary protection measures to avoid exposing people under 18, including young children, to violence and to manipulation for political ends.
UNITED NATIONS
Press Release
OHCHR calls for restraint in Indian-administered Kashmir
27 August 2008
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is concerned about the recent violent protests in Indian-administered Kashmir that have reportedly led to civilian casualties as well as restrictions to the right to freedom of assembly and expression.
OHCHR calls on the Indian authorities and in particular security forces to respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression, and comply with international human rights principles in controlling the demonstrators. The use of force should be proportionate to the threat posed and firearms must only be used in dispersing a violent assembly to protect individuals against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. The Acting High Commissioner calls for thorough and independent investigations into all killings that have occurred so far.
OHCHR also calls on the demonstrators to protest using peaceful means only. Leaders of the different protesting groups have a responsibility to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and that the demonstrators are not carrying sticks, guns or other weapons and refrain from intimidation. Political actors are urged to take all necessary protection measures to avoid exposing people under 18, including young children, to violence and to manipulation for political ends.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
CRPF troopers stop ambulances from ferrying bodies
Waiting for the burial
http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6207&Itemid=1
Rising Kashmir August 27
CRPF troopers stop ambulances from ferrying bodies
Hakeem Irfan
Srinagar, Aug 26: The bodies of patients who died during the past three days are stuck in hospitals of Kashmir valley as paramilitary CRPF troopers are targeting hospital vehicles and ambulances.
Hospital officials said Kashmir is facing a medical emergency and a major crisis.
They said that the bodies of patients who are dying in the hospital are lying inside the hospital for the past three days as the CRPF troopers attacked the ambulances which were taking these bodies to their families.
An ambulance driver of SHMS hospital pleading anonymity fearing reprisal from the CRPF troopers said: “I don’t have the courage to ferry another body. On Monday I ferried a body and the troopers attacked my ambulance and went hammer and tong on me as well as the family members of the dead. They didn’t even respect the body and misbehaved with it.”
Another lady doctor in the hospital said while she accompanied a patient in another ambulance, the CRPF troopers ransacked it and added that the policemen deployed at the spot had saved her from the wrath of the CRPF troopers.
Javed Ahmed, a resident of Trehgam Kupwara whose father who was ailing for quite sometime now and passed in SMHS hospital on Monday said, “It is a pity that I am not able to take the body of my father home. The poor ambulance driver is not ready to take me because he fears the troopers will kill him as well as me if we take my father’s body to my home in the ambulance.”
A doctor posted at the SMHS hospital said that a patient from Damhal Hanjipora lost her eye as it could not be operated at the right time. “The CRPF troopers did not allow me to come out of my house although I told them that I had to perform an important operation at the hospital,” he said.
The hospital officials said that the hospital had ran out of drugs and added that only one medical shop outside is open which has also ran out of stock.
http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6207&Itemid=1
Rising Kashmir August 27
CRPF troopers stop ambulances from ferrying bodies
Hakeem Irfan
Srinagar, Aug 26: The bodies of patients who died during the past three days are stuck in hospitals of Kashmir valley as paramilitary CRPF troopers are targeting hospital vehicles and ambulances.
Hospital officials said Kashmir is facing a medical emergency and a major crisis.
They said that the bodies of patients who are dying in the hospital are lying inside the hospital for the past three days as the CRPF troopers attacked the ambulances which were taking these bodies to their families.
An ambulance driver of SHMS hospital pleading anonymity fearing reprisal from the CRPF troopers said: “I don’t have the courage to ferry another body. On Monday I ferried a body and the troopers attacked my ambulance and went hammer and tong on me as well as the family members of the dead. They didn’t even respect the body and misbehaved with it.”
Another lady doctor in the hospital said while she accompanied a patient in another ambulance, the CRPF troopers ransacked it and added that the policemen deployed at the spot had saved her from the wrath of the CRPF troopers.
Javed Ahmed, a resident of Trehgam Kupwara whose father who was ailing for quite sometime now and passed in SMHS hospital on Monday said, “It is a pity that I am not able to take the body of my father home. The poor ambulance driver is not ready to take me because he fears the troopers will kill him as well as me if we take my father’s body to my home in the ambulance.”
A doctor posted at the SMHS hospital said that a patient from Damhal Hanjipora lost her eye as it could not be operated at the right time. “The CRPF troopers did not allow me to come out of my house although I told them that I had to perform an important operation at the hospital,” he said.
The hospital officials said that the hospital had ran out of drugs and added that only one medical shop outside is open which has also ran out of stock.
26 August Kashmir under siege
26 August
-Death Toll in yesterday's firing on peaceful protestors reaches 8. Over 200 people injured.
-Bashir Ahmed Bahar martyred n Nadipora. INdian Security forces had indiscrimately fired on Bashir and other protesters on August 25th.
-SIX-MONTH-old Muskan beaten by CRPF
-40 persons abducted by Indian Security Forces in Baramulla
-CRPF beats Farooq Ahmed Sofi & Rahil Massud of media Rising Kashmir
-undreds of people tried to defy the curfew at Achabal, Bijbehara and main Islamabad
-Hospitals including SMHS, Lal-Ded and G.B.Pant short of medicines
-Residents of Bandipora prevented from participating in funeral prayers of four martyrs massacred in MOnday's firing.
--Children starving as Indian Security Forces do not allow women in many areas of Kashmir valley to fetch essentials like milk and vegetables
25 August
-Shoukat Ahmad Khanday martyred in Narbal, 16 injured in Narbal when CRPF open fire
-two martyred including 16 year old Basit Ahmad Shaikh in Pulwama when CRPF 182 Battalion headed by Commandant K C Sharma open direct fire on procession. 15 injured
-18 year old Fahmeeda martyred in Handwara ,6 injured in firing by Indian Security Forces
-Naseema, Muhammad Shafi Dar, Shahid Ahmad Pahlu (student in BA first year)Martyred, 40 others injured in Hajjan in firing by Indian Security Forces
-3 injured in Ganderbal
-Sangarash Samiti, Leela Karan Sharma threatens fresh blockade of Kashmir valley if police takes action on rioters in Jammu.
-Syed Ali Gilani has received a heart attack at 9:30 and his health is deteriorating
-Doctors beaten by CRPF troopers
-Many injured in Kupwara when CRPF open fire
-6 injured in Palhallan when Indian Security Forces open fire
-At least 25 injured in Ajas when INdian Security Forces led by DSP Harmeet Singh open indiscriminate fire on unarmed Kashmiris
-Ambulance Driver, Ghulam MOhammad Moglu and at least 8 other ambulance drivers and 3 paramedicals are battling for life when CRPF troopers beat them up.
-Resistance Leader Yasin Malik, Shahid-ul-Islam detained
-resistance Leader Shakeel Bakhshi beaten badly by INdian Security Forces
-Kashmir Newspapers unable to bring out print editions due to indiscriminate restrictions by Indian Security forces on even media and paramedical forces
-Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi will hold an inquiry into the attack on mediapersons by the paramilitary (CRPF) men
-Reporters Without Borders has called on the Indian authorities to put an immediate stop to the censorship and violence against the media in Kashmir
-Ray of hope - Indian Peace Activists and Human rights activists in a signed statement condemn violation of human rights - Arundhati Roy, Aruna Roy, Anand Chakravarti, Goutam Novlakha, Mahaseweta Devi, Medha Patkar, Nikhil Dey, Prashant Bhushan, Sanjay Kak, Uma Chakravarti, Sharmila Purkayastha, Harish Dhawan, Paramjeet Singh, Professor Babiah, Professor Ramaswamy and Raghunath
-Aga Syed Hasan under house arrest
-Shabir Shah, Naeem Ahmad Khan and Masarat Alam evade abduction
-No firing on mobsters in Jammu
-Indian govt finally hands security of the Lakhanpur-Jammu-Srinagar highway to the army after weeks of blockade
-Indian govt. plans to gift 100 acres of forestland in Kashmir to the Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti for use three months a year.
-Resistance Leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar farooq,Yasin Malik may be shifted outside Kashmir
-In Jammu unruly mob blocks highway and pelts stone on police in course of which SSP Jammu is injured.police resort to lathicharge. In Kashmir we all know the story.
24 August
-Ghulam Mohamamd Hajam of Dalgate martyred in indiscriminate firing by Indian Security Forces when he ventured out to buy milk. Police register FIR against CRPF under 302 and 307
-Zahid Ahmad Banday of Beerwah martyred in indiscriminate firing by Indian Security Forces
-Muhammad Yakoob Hajam critically injured in firing by Indian security Forces
- 15000 people in Handwara demonstrate against desecration of Quran by Indian Security Forces (21 Rashtriya Rifles)
-29 Demonstrators injured in Beerwah
14 injured in Handwara
-Journalists including Japanese journalist beaten by Indian Security forces
-Bilal Bhat (Sahara TV) severely injured after being ruthlessly beaten by Indian Security Forces
-ETV's Manoj Kaul, Jehangir, News X Aijaz Ahmad and NDTV Aamir Ahmad beaten by CRPF
-Policeman Riyaz Ahmad beaten ruthlessly by CRPF (73 Battalion). FIR filed in Humhamma
-Demonstrations in Khanyar, Nowhatta,Hyderpora, Rawalpora, Chanapora, Khanyar, , Gojwara, Jamia Masjid Maisuma, Nowgam, Natipora, Rambagh
-Ban slapped on local newspapers describing them as "agent provocateurs"
-Resistance Leader Ayaz Akbar, Salim Geelani, Hakeem Rashid, Ayaz Akbar, Mehrajudin Kalwal, Moulana Tariq abducted by Indian Security Forces
-Resistance Leaders Shabir Shah, Nayeem Khan, Bashir Bhat, Showkat Bakshi, Yasin Malik evade abduction
-Ghulam Shah (ANC ) to join protests against Indian Security Forces
-All 10 districts of Kashmir valley under curfew, crackdown started.
-Resistance Leaders Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq abducted by Indian Security Forces
23 August
-Mushtaq Ahmad of Poonch martyred in firing by Indian Security forces. Reyaz Ahmad critical
-Five Poonch Muslims injured when Indian security forces open fire to disperse protesters in Poonch district
-Indian Security Forces beat Hilal Baig in Pampore and two youth in Srinagar
-Processions continue in Srinagar city
-Resistance Leader Salahuddin announces halt of operations in civilian areas
-Arun Jaitley (BJP) admits that BJP participated in blocking the highway but insists that it was only a disruption and not blockade, which lasted for a day.
22 August
-32 Muslims in Poonch wounded, three critically when Indian security forces fire on procession protesting police highhandness in settling dispute arising due to misbehavior of Dr Bishan Sharma with Muslim girl on Aug 12
-Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Kulgam martyred while travelling to the Eidgah Chalo -Freedom Prayer and Demonstration
-Kashmir Medical Representatives Association's Sheikh Niyaz states shortage of about 90 percent of life-saving drugs in valley due to blockade
--Zahoor Ahmed, 23, of Safa Kada beaten by CRPF personnel
-Teargas and cane charging on Hindu demonstrators who set ablaze police station and truck following arrest of youth.
-At least a million pray for freedom in Eidgah amidst green and black flags. Resistance Leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar farooq, Shabir Shah, Yasin Malik, Muhammad Salim Nanaji, Nayeem Khan, Javed Mir, Zaffar Bhat, Masrat Alam participate.
-Demonstration similar to that of 60's Moe-Muqaddas
-Omar abdullah (NC) advocates freedom for Kashmir!!
-Thousands of Gujjars are migrating from Jammu to Kashmir
-Kashmir Centre EU holds rally outside UN office and presnts memorandum to the UN office for attention of Secretary General
-3 days shutdown declared
-Death Toll in yesterday's firing on peaceful protestors reaches 8. Over 200 people injured.
-Bashir Ahmed Bahar martyred n Nadipora. INdian Security forces had indiscrimately fired on Bashir and other protesters on August 25th.
-SIX-MONTH-old Muskan beaten by CRPF
-40 persons abducted by Indian Security Forces in Baramulla
-CRPF beats Farooq Ahmed Sofi & Rahil Massud of media Rising Kashmir
-undreds of people tried to defy the curfew at Achabal, Bijbehara and main Islamabad
-Hospitals including SMHS, Lal-Ded and G.B.Pant short of medicines
-Residents of Bandipora prevented from participating in funeral prayers of four martyrs massacred in MOnday's firing.
--Children starving as Indian Security Forces do not allow women in many areas of Kashmir valley to fetch essentials like milk and vegetables
25 August
-Shoukat Ahmad Khanday martyred in Narbal, 16 injured in Narbal when CRPF open fire
-two martyred including 16 year old Basit Ahmad Shaikh in Pulwama when CRPF 182 Battalion headed by Commandant K C Sharma open direct fire on procession. 15 injured
-18 year old Fahmeeda martyred in Handwara ,6 injured in firing by Indian Security Forces
-Naseema, Muhammad Shafi Dar, Shahid Ahmad Pahlu (student in BA first year)Martyred, 40 others injured in Hajjan in firing by Indian Security Forces
-3 injured in Ganderbal
-Sangarash Samiti, Leela Karan Sharma threatens fresh blockade of Kashmir valley if police takes action on rioters in Jammu.
-Syed Ali Gilani has received a heart attack at 9:30 and his health is deteriorating
-Doctors beaten by CRPF troopers
-Many injured in Kupwara when CRPF open fire
-6 injured in Palhallan when Indian Security Forces open fire
-At least 25 injured in Ajas when INdian Security Forces led by DSP Harmeet Singh open indiscriminate fire on unarmed Kashmiris
-Ambulance Driver, Ghulam MOhammad Moglu and at least 8 other ambulance drivers and 3 paramedicals are battling for life when CRPF troopers beat them up.
-Resistance Leader Yasin Malik, Shahid-ul-Islam detained
-resistance Leader Shakeel Bakhshi beaten badly by INdian Security Forces
-Kashmir Newspapers unable to bring out print editions due to indiscriminate restrictions by Indian Security forces on even media and paramedical forces
-Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi will hold an inquiry into the attack on mediapersons by the paramilitary (CRPF) men
-Reporters Without Borders has called on the Indian authorities to put an immediate stop to the censorship and violence against the media in Kashmir
-Ray of hope - Indian Peace Activists and Human rights activists in a signed statement condemn violation of human rights - Arundhati Roy, Aruna Roy, Anand Chakravarti, Goutam Novlakha, Mahaseweta Devi, Medha Patkar, Nikhil Dey, Prashant Bhushan, Sanjay Kak, Uma Chakravarti, Sharmila Purkayastha, Harish Dhawan, Paramjeet Singh, Professor Babiah, Professor Ramaswamy and Raghunath
-Aga Syed Hasan under house arrest
-Shabir Shah, Naeem Ahmad Khan and Masarat Alam evade abduction
-No firing on mobsters in Jammu
-Indian govt finally hands security of the Lakhanpur-Jammu-Srinagar highway to the army after weeks of blockade
-Indian govt. plans to gift 100 acres of forestland in Kashmir to the Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti for use three months a year.
-Resistance Leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar farooq,Yasin Malik may be shifted outside Kashmir
-In Jammu unruly mob blocks highway and pelts stone on police in course of which SSP Jammu is injured.police resort to lathicharge. In Kashmir we all know the story.
24 August
-Ghulam Mohamamd Hajam of Dalgate martyred in indiscriminate firing by Indian Security Forces when he ventured out to buy milk. Police register FIR against CRPF under 302 and 307
-Zahid Ahmad Banday of Beerwah martyred in indiscriminate firing by Indian Security Forces
-Muhammad Yakoob Hajam critically injured in firing by Indian security Forces
- 15000 people in Handwara demonstrate against desecration of Quran by Indian Security Forces (21 Rashtriya Rifles)
-29 Demonstrators injured in Beerwah
14 injured in Handwara
-Journalists including Japanese journalist beaten by Indian Security forces
-Bilal Bhat (Sahara TV) severely injured after being ruthlessly beaten by Indian Security Forces
-ETV's Manoj Kaul, Jehangir, News X Aijaz Ahmad and NDTV Aamir Ahmad beaten by CRPF
-Policeman Riyaz Ahmad beaten ruthlessly by CRPF (73 Battalion). FIR filed in Humhamma
-Demonstrations in Khanyar, Nowhatta,Hyderpora, Rawalpora, Chanapora, Khanyar, , Gojwara, Jamia Masjid Maisuma, Nowgam, Natipora, Rambagh
-Ban slapped on local newspapers describing them as "agent provocateurs"
-Resistance Leader Ayaz Akbar, Salim Geelani, Hakeem Rashid, Ayaz Akbar, Mehrajudin Kalwal, Moulana Tariq abducted by Indian Security Forces
-Resistance Leaders Shabir Shah, Nayeem Khan, Bashir Bhat, Showkat Bakshi, Yasin Malik evade abduction
-Ghulam Shah (ANC ) to join protests against Indian Security Forces
-All 10 districts of Kashmir valley under curfew, crackdown started.
-Resistance Leaders Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq abducted by Indian Security Forces
23 August
-Mushtaq Ahmad of Poonch martyred in firing by Indian Security forces. Reyaz Ahmad critical
-Five Poonch Muslims injured when Indian security forces open fire to disperse protesters in Poonch district
-Indian Security Forces beat Hilal Baig in Pampore and two youth in Srinagar
-Processions continue in Srinagar city
-Resistance Leader Salahuddin announces halt of operations in civilian areas
-Arun Jaitley (BJP) admits that BJP participated in blocking the highway but insists that it was only a disruption and not blockade, which lasted for a day.
22 August
-32 Muslims in Poonch wounded, three critically when Indian security forces fire on procession protesting police highhandness in settling dispute arising due to misbehavior of Dr Bishan Sharma with Muslim girl on Aug 12
-Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Kulgam martyred while travelling to the Eidgah Chalo -Freedom Prayer and Demonstration
-Kashmir Medical Representatives Association's Sheikh Niyaz states shortage of about 90 percent of life-saving drugs in valley due to blockade
--Zahoor Ahmed, 23, of Safa Kada beaten by CRPF personnel
-Teargas and cane charging on Hindu demonstrators who set ablaze police station and truck following arrest of youth.
-At least a million pray for freedom in Eidgah amidst green and black flags. Resistance Leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar farooq, Shabir Shah, Yasin Malik, Muhammad Salim Nanaji, Nayeem Khan, Javed Mir, Zaffar Bhat, Masrat Alam participate.
-Demonstration similar to that of 60's Moe-Muqaddas
-Omar abdullah (NC) advocates freedom for Kashmir!!
-Thousands of Gujjars are migrating from Jammu to Kashmir
-Kashmir Centre EU holds rally outside UN office and presnts memorandum to the UN office for attention of Secretary General
-3 days shutdown declared
Friday, August 22, 2008
250 Muslim families evicted from Bishnah, Akhnoor
http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6084&Itemid=1
250 Muslim families evicted from Bishnah, Akhnoor
Mir Imran/Rising KashmirInam ul Rehman
Srinagar, Aug 21: At least 250 Muslim Gujjar families were forcibly evicted by the Hindu rioters from Akhnoor and Bishnah areas in Jammu province.
The rightwing Hindu activists attacked the Gujjar Muslims at Akhnoor and Bishnah during the preceding night, setting dozens of hutments on fire and abusing the womenfolk.
Lal Hussain, head of the Gujjar Muslims in Bishnah told Rising Kashmir, “On Thursday evening, 1000 Hindu rioters carrying swords, tridents (trishuls) and other sharp edged weapons entered Bishnah, (20 kms from Jammu). Raising provocative and religious slogans, the rioters forced us to recite “Bam Bam Bole” and looted our belongings. They set afire six houses and left the place”.
After an hour, he said, the rioters returned and begin harassing women folk. “When the males of the community resented, the rioters attacked them. They were beaten, kicked and abused,” he said, adding, “The rioters asked us to leave the place or be ready to face consequences”.
Police and army personnel posted in the area did not intervene to prevent the rioters from attacking the Muslims. “They watched as mute spectators,” he said
With police and army personnel backing the rioters, Hussain said, “We had no alternative but to flee from the place. In the midnight I asked the community members to move out. We are presently putting up at Sujma, Narwal, which falls in Batindi, where other Muslim refuges are taking shelter”.
Around 150 Gujjar families moved out from the area during the intervening night of Wedensday/Thursday.
The Hindu rioters also attacked the Muslim Gujjars in Akhnoor. At least 100 families have migrated from the area after being assaulted by the rightwing Hindu activists.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, a local Mir Muhammad Akram said, “The rioters shouting ‘Bam Bam Bole’ and ‘Jai Mata di’ and carrying long knives and tridents attacked us in the dead of the night. They beat the male population and abused the women folk”.
He said, “The army and police personnel were informed and they did too little to safeguard our lives”.
Another Gujjar Khalid Bashir said that Hindu rioters asked them to join the procession and raise Hindu religious slogans. “When we refused, they threatened to take away our womenfolk,” Bashir said, adding, “We had no option but to migrate from the area to ensure safety of our womenfolk.”
Akram further said, “Some policemen in uniform also accompanied the rioters. They spoke on behalf of rioters and asked us to leave the place or we will be thrown out.”
“Before leaving the place, the rioters set 25 hutments on fire,” he added.
Akram along with nearly 100 families left the place at midnight and moved towards Sujma.
A top Gujjar leader, pleading anonymity told Rising Kashmir that Hindus want to build colonies in the area. “The Gujjars have huge chunk of land in the area and Hindus want to build colonies on their land. For this reason, they have been selectively targetting them.”
Muslims Front Jammu (MFJ) chairman Prof Zahir-ud-din expressed shock over the lackadaisical approach of the administration and said rioters should be defeated with tough stand. “Administration is afraid to take any action against the Hindu rioters,” said Zahir.
Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation national secretary Dr Javaid Rahi said that such incidents are bad for the communal harmony of the State. “Muslim Gujjars should not leave their ancestral villages and instead should live with the neighbours of majority community,” Rahi said.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mandeep K Bandari denied that Muslim Gujjars have migrated from Bishnah, Akhnoor and other places in Jammu province.
Bandari claimed that 70 Muslim families of Jammu, Sambh and Kathu are demanding security cover. “They fear attacks by rioters and we will provide them extra security,” Bandari said.
He claimed that all the Muslim families demanding security will be provided accommodation in nearby police pickets.
Assaults on Muslims increase in Rajouri, Poonch
Son of former MLA among 13 injured
With Amarnath Yatra Sangarh Samiti (AYSS) intensifying its stir in Jammu, the Hindu rioters have increased attacks on Muslims in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. At least 13 Muslims including son of former National Conference MLA were injured in the fresh attacks.
The Hindu rioters, according to reports, have increased their activities in Jammu-Poonch highway. The rioters have carried out at least seven attacks on the Muslim on the Highway during past three days.
The Hindu rioters attacked a tempo traveller carrying three Thana Mandi residents on the highway. The trio identified as Mohammad Sadiq, Mohammad Sultan and Saleem Farooq were stopped by rioters at Hasyote Morh and attacked with sharp edged weapons.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Mohammad Sadiq said that the rioters beat them up mercilessly. “All of us suffered injuries. The Hindu rioters asked us to stop travelling on the Poonch-Jammu Highway. They threatened us of dire consequences if we continue to use the highway,” he said.
In a related incident, the rioters intercepted the son of former National Conference MLA, Aijaz Jan at Bagnoti, Nowshera. Aijaz, who is NC’s youth wing’s provincial secretary was travelling from Jammu to Poonch when the rioters attacked his vehicle. Aijaz, his wife and driver were manhandled by the rioters amidst “Bam Bam Bole” slogans.
When contacted, Aijaz told Rising Kashmir that dozen of rioters intercepted his vehicle at Bagnoti and thrashed him and his driver. “They did not spare my wife also and beat her too. The vehicle was also damaged”, he said.
In another incident, the rioters attacked Haji Mohammad Aslam, who had returned from Saudi Arabia and was on way to his home town in Thanamandi. He was asked to alight from a vehicle at Siot Morh and beaten mercilessly in front of the Hindu travellers. The rioters snatched cash and costly garments from him and let him go only after a Hindu lecturer intervened and them to spare him.
The rioters, according to the local residents, damaged a Tata Sumo, a Tempo traveller and two buses in the same area.
The rightwing Hindu activists attacked a school bus of Himalayan Education Mission in Dhangri area of Rajouri and damaged it completely. A Tempo traveller, carrying supplies to Jammu from Poonch was intercepted in Muradpur area by the rioters. They unloaded the supplies and then took the vehicle into their custody.
When contacted, Station House Officer Police Station Nowshera Mohammad Aslam said that an FIR no 139 under section 392, 134, 427 and 336 has been registered in Police Station Nowshera. “Two rioters Ranjeet Singh son of Surinder Singh and Surinder Kumar son of Dev Raj were arrested by police. Another six rioters involved in harassing Muslims in the area are absconding and police have launched manhunt to track them down,” he said.
The police officer further said that police personnel have been deployed on Poonch-Jammu highway from Siot Morh to Nowshera bridge to ensure safety of people.
Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement (JKPM) chairman Ghulam Ahmed Mir has taken strong note of the growing attacks on Muslims in Rajouri and Poonch.
To protest against the attacks, the organisation gave a call for "Jammu Chaloo" after Friday prayers. “We will march towards Jammu against assault on Muslim, their property and vehicles by the Hindu rioters,” he said, adding, “The rioters are forcing them to retaliate”.
250 Muslim families evicted from Bishnah, Akhnoor
Mir Imran/Rising KashmirInam ul Rehman
Srinagar, Aug 21: At least 250 Muslim Gujjar families were forcibly evicted by the Hindu rioters from Akhnoor and Bishnah areas in Jammu province.
The rightwing Hindu activists attacked the Gujjar Muslims at Akhnoor and Bishnah during the preceding night, setting dozens of hutments on fire and abusing the womenfolk.
Lal Hussain, head of the Gujjar Muslims in Bishnah told Rising Kashmir, “On Thursday evening, 1000 Hindu rioters carrying swords, tridents (trishuls) and other sharp edged weapons entered Bishnah, (20 kms from Jammu). Raising provocative and religious slogans, the rioters forced us to recite “Bam Bam Bole” and looted our belongings. They set afire six houses and left the place”.
After an hour, he said, the rioters returned and begin harassing women folk. “When the males of the community resented, the rioters attacked them. They were beaten, kicked and abused,” he said, adding, “The rioters asked us to leave the place or be ready to face consequences”.
Police and army personnel posted in the area did not intervene to prevent the rioters from attacking the Muslims. “They watched as mute spectators,” he said
With police and army personnel backing the rioters, Hussain said, “We had no alternative but to flee from the place. In the midnight I asked the community members to move out. We are presently putting up at Sujma, Narwal, which falls in Batindi, where other Muslim refuges are taking shelter”.
Around 150 Gujjar families moved out from the area during the intervening night of Wedensday/Thursday.
The Hindu rioters also attacked the Muslim Gujjars in Akhnoor. At least 100 families have migrated from the area after being assaulted by the rightwing Hindu activists.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, a local Mir Muhammad Akram said, “The rioters shouting ‘Bam Bam Bole’ and ‘Jai Mata di’ and carrying long knives and tridents attacked us in the dead of the night. They beat the male population and abused the women folk”.
He said, “The army and police personnel were informed and they did too little to safeguard our lives”.
Another Gujjar Khalid Bashir said that Hindu rioters asked them to join the procession and raise Hindu religious slogans. “When we refused, they threatened to take away our womenfolk,” Bashir said, adding, “We had no option but to migrate from the area to ensure safety of our womenfolk.”
Akram further said, “Some policemen in uniform also accompanied the rioters. They spoke on behalf of rioters and asked us to leave the place or we will be thrown out.”
“Before leaving the place, the rioters set 25 hutments on fire,” he added.
Akram along with nearly 100 families left the place at midnight and moved towards Sujma.
A top Gujjar leader, pleading anonymity told Rising Kashmir that Hindus want to build colonies in the area. “The Gujjars have huge chunk of land in the area and Hindus want to build colonies on their land. For this reason, they have been selectively targetting them.”
Muslims Front Jammu (MFJ) chairman Prof Zahir-ud-din expressed shock over the lackadaisical approach of the administration and said rioters should be defeated with tough stand. “Administration is afraid to take any action against the Hindu rioters,” said Zahir.
Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation national secretary Dr Javaid Rahi said that such incidents are bad for the communal harmony of the State. “Muslim Gujjars should not leave their ancestral villages and instead should live with the neighbours of majority community,” Rahi said.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Mandeep K Bandari denied that Muslim Gujjars have migrated from Bishnah, Akhnoor and other places in Jammu province.
Bandari claimed that 70 Muslim families of Jammu, Sambh and Kathu are demanding security cover. “They fear attacks by rioters and we will provide them extra security,” Bandari said.
He claimed that all the Muslim families demanding security will be provided accommodation in nearby police pickets.
Assaults on Muslims increase in Rajouri, Poonch
Son of former MLA among 13 injured
With Amarnath Yatra Sangarh Samiti (AYSS) intensifying its stir in Jammu, the Hindu rioters have increased attacks on Muslims in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. At least 13 Muslims including son of former National Conference MLA were injured in the fresh attacks.
The Hindu rioters, according to reports, have increased their activities in Jammu-Poonch highway. The rioters have carried out at least seven attacks on the Muslim on the Highway during past three days.
The Hindu rioters attacked a tempo traveller carrying three Thana Mandi residents on the highway. The trio identified as Mohammad Sadiq, Mohammad Sultan and Saleem Farooq were stopped by rioters at Hasyote Morh and attacked with sharp edged weapons.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Mohammad Sadiq said that the rioters beat them up mercilessly. “All of us suffered injuries. The Hindu rioters asked us to stop travelling on the Poonch-Jammu Highway. They threatened us of dire consequences if we continue to use the highway,” he said.
In a related incident, the rioters intercepted the son of former National Conference MLA, Aijaz Jan at Bagnoti, Nowshera. Aijaz, who is NC’s youth wing’s provincial secretary was travelling from Jammu to Poonch when the rioters attacked his vehicle. Aijaz, his wife and driver were manhandled by the rioters amidst “Bam Bam Bole” slogans.
When contacted, Aijaz told Rising Kashmir that dozen of rioters intercepted his vehicle at Bagnoti and thrashed him and his driver. “They did not spare my wife also and beat her too. The vehicle was also damaged”, he said.
In another incident, the rioters attacked Haji Mohammad Aslam, who had returned from Saudi Arabia and was on way to his home town in Thanamandi. He was asked to alight from a vehicle at Siot Morh and beaten mercilessly in front of the Hindu travellers. The rioters snatched cash and costly garments from him and let him go only after a Hindu lecturer intervened and them to spare him.
The rioters, according to the local residents, damaged a Tata Sumo, a Tempo traveller and two buses in the same area.
The rightwing Hindu activists attacked a school bus of Himalayan Education Mission in Dhangri area of Rajouri and damaged it completely. A Tempo traveller, carrying supplies to Jammu from Poonch was intercepted in Muradpur area by the rioters. They unloaded the supplies and then took the vehicle into their custody.
When contacted, Station House Officer Police Station Nowshera Mohammad Aslam said that an FIR no 139 under section 392, 134, 427 and 336 has been registered in Police Station Nowshera. “Two rioters Ranjeet Singh son of Surinder Singh and Surinder Kumar son of Dev Raj were arrested by police. Another six rioters involved in harassing Muslims in the area are absconding and police have launched manhunt to track them down,” he said.
The police officer further said that police personnel have been deployed on Poonch-Jammu highway from Siot Morh to Nowshera bridge to ensure safety of people.
Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement (JKPM) chairman Ghulam Ahmed Mir has taken strong note of the growing attacks on Muslims in Rajouri and Poonch.
To protest against the attacks, the organisation gave a call for "Jammu Chaloo" after Friday prayers. “We will march towards Jammu against assault on Muslim, their property and vehicles by the Hindu rioters,” he said, adding, “The rioters are forcing them to retaliate”.
Monday, August 18, 2008
then and now -
a Kashmiri friend reports:
I read in a press release i think from JKCSS that there have been more than 20 incidents wherein the paramilitary forces have attacked amubulances carrying injured victims of the firings. Perhaps we could also think about the role of VDCs in connivance with local Hindu extremist groups and police and army in engineering attacks on Muslim populations. Reports taht arms have been freely distributed by RSS and BJP in Jammu area in order to prepare for Gujrat style massacres.
Indian newsreporters with links to the security agencies have started filing reports about Muslims threatening Hindu to leave Kashmir - [a little report in Tribune], also deliberate attempts by certain groups and media to link the mass uprising as Islamist terror, etc to delegitimise the public demonstrations. According to my information, the police and the paramilitary forces have now started activating Ikhwan in the guise of protestors to fire upon military forces to provide alibi for future mass murder. Yesterday, in Pampore civilians caught hold of two alleged 'agents' of intelligence who were to fire upon protestors or perhaps the army to provoke blood bath. Having been an eyewitness to such a large scale massacre on 22 October 1992 in Bijbehara where the BSF killed more than 40 innocent protestors i am seriously very worried. A quarter of my very close friends or neighbours perished in that atrocity while i remained miraclously safe. But I have very painful and fresh memories fo that brutal incident. Later, the BSF tried its best to claim that they were fired at first amongst the mob which they could not prove as i reported about the whole incident in the newspapers that time.
I read in a press release i think from JKCSS that there have been more than 20 incidents wherein the paramilitary forces have attacked amubulances carrying injured victims of the firings. Perhaps we could also think about the role of VDCs in connivance with local Hindu extremist groups and police and army in engineering attacks on Muslim populations. Reports taht arms have been freely distributed by RSS and BJP in Jammu area in order to prepare for Gujrat style massacres.
Indian newsreporters with links to the security agencies have started filing reports about Muslims threatening Hindu to leave Kashmir - [a little report in Tribune], also deliberate attempts by certain groups and media to link the mass uprising as Islamist terror, etc to delegitimise the public demonstrations. According to my information, the police and the paramilitary forces have now started activating Ikhwan in the guise of protestors to fire upon military forces to provide alibi for future mass murder. Yesterday, in Pampore civilians caught hold of two alleged 'agents' of intelligence who were to fire upon protestors or perhaps the army to provoke blood bath. Having been an eyewitness to such a large scale massacre on 22 October 1992 in Bijbehara where the BSF killed more than 40 innocent protestors i am seriously very worried. A quarter of my very close friends or neighbours perished in that atrocity while i remained miraclously safe. But I have very painful and fresh memories fo that brutal incident. Later, the BSF tried its best to claim that they were fired at first amongst the mob which they could not prove as i reported about the whole incident in the newspapers that time.
a Kashmiri response to the appeal to the UN
I want to share the following with my brothers
I am a Kashmiri living in Kashmir and I think I can be considered to be an expert on the issue in comoarison to the politicians living in other parts of the country. The basic problem with Kasmir is that the people of that part of the world do not cosider themselves to be part of India and they think that they have forcibly been kept under occupation. I do not want to share my own stand on this but the fact of the matter is that the actions taken by the central Indian govt have from time to time conveyed the aprehension to the locals there. Take, for example, the manner in which the people were treated during 1990-2006. Worst kinds of human rights violations took place and none from the indian govt ever bothered to care. Thousands of young people disappeared under police custody.Many such things have happened which have made the Kashmiris believe that India does not treat them with dignity, rather it treats them as its colonial inhabitants and as such they do not trust it. So much so, that the elected representatives are considered to be the traitors of that society. In fact, when the recent march to Muzafarabad was undertaken, the representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party were manhandled and were not allowed to make public sppeches in Sopore.
The elected govt again is taken to be sttoge of the centre and it is widely believed that no matter whome the people elect, it is ultimately the centre that decides as to who actually should form the govt and it is thus believed that the elections are simply an exercise to hoodwink the international community.This certainly is not without basis. The elections held here were a farce, always but those held in 2002. It is the elections of 1987 that were responsible for the armed uprising that started in 1990 and ruined the state as the elections were nothing but a shame.
Anyway, all the developements have created a permanent suspision in the mind of the people here towards Indian establishment and the recent allocation of land to Amarnath Shrine Board was seen as an attempt to alter the demographic charcter of the valley by settling no local hindus here, even though the perception is debatable but the primery question can not be brushed aside. It never was a struggle dia but a menifestation of the anger that the locals have against the establishment. It may be noted that not a single hindu or the pilgrim was attacked during this entire turmoil.
But the people associated with the rightwing parties of India projected it as a fight against the Hinduism and as such pushed for an economic blockade of the valley. Trucks of Kashmiri muslims were attacked, looted, their drivers thrashed, in some cases even were tried to be burnt alive- one truck driver is still in the ICU of AIIMS.
It was but natural for the kashmiris to raise their voice, but that again was dealt with with a colonial approach. 30 people were killed in two days by the security forces, all demonstrating against the blockade, while only 3 people were killed in Jammu in 40 days, even though, the agitators burnt the houses of local muslims there, attacked the public property, and lynched two policemen to death.This again has reinforced the belief of the Kashmiris that they are treated like slaves and they can not co exist with this country.
I hope that the above lines will add to the knowledge about the local issues here.
I am a Kashmiri living in Kashmir and I think I can be considered to be an expert on the issue in comoarison to the politicians living in other parts of the country. The basic problem with Kasmir is that the people of that part of the world do not cosider themselves to be part of India and they think that they have forcibly been kept under occupation. I do not want to share my own stand on this but the fact of the matter is that the actions taken by the central Indian govt have from time to time conveyed the aprehension to the locals there. Take, for example, the manner in which the people were treated during 1990-2006. Worst kinds of human rights violations took place and none from the indian govt ever bothered to care. Thousands of young people disappeared under police custody.Many such things have happened which have made the Kashmiris believe that India does not treat them with dignity, rather it treats them as its colonial inhabitants and as such they do not trust it. So much so, that the elected representatives are considered to be the traitors of that society. In fact, when the recent march to Muzafarabad was undertaken, the representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party were manhandled and were not allowed to make public sppeches in Sopore.
The elected govt again is taken to be sttoge of the centre and it is widely believed that no matter whome the people elect, it is ultimately the centre that decides as to who actually should form the govt and it is thus believed that the elections are simply an exercise to hoodwink the international community.This certainly is not without basis. The elections held here were a farce, always but those held in 2002. It is the elections of 1987 that were responsible for the armed uprising that started in 1990 and ruined the state as the elections were nothing but a shame.
Anyway, all the developements have created a permanent suspision in the mind of the people here towards Indian establishment and the recent allocation of land to Amarnath Shrine Board was seen as an attempt to alter the demographic charcter of the valley by settling no local hindus here, even though the perception is debatable but the primery question can not be brushed aside. It never was a struggle dia but a menifestation of the anger that the locals have against the establishment. It may be noted that not a single hindu or the pilgrim was attacked during this entire turmoil.
But the people associated with the rightwing parties of India projected it as a fight against the Hinduism and as such pushed for an economic blockade of the valley. Trucks of Kashmiri muslims were attacked, looted, their drivers thrashed, in some cases even were tried to be burnt alive- one truck driver is still in the ICU of AIIMS.
It was but natural for the kashmiris to raise their voice, but that again was dealt with with a colonial approach. 30 people were killed in two days by the security forces, all demonstrating against the blockade, while only 3 people were killed in Jammu in 40 days, even though, the agitators burnt the houses of local muslims there, attacked the public property, and lynched two policemen to death.This again has reinforced the belief of the Kashmiris that they are treated like slaves and they can not co exist with this country.
I hope that the above lines will add to the knowledge about the local issues here.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Urgent appeal to the UN re. Kashmir crisis
URGENT/To UN Re. Kashmir Humanitarian Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/August 12, 2008
Justice Navanethem Pillay, High Commissioner
Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner
Ms. Gay McDougall, Independent Expert on minority issues
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Subject: Humanitarian Crisis in Jammu and Kashmir
August 12, 2008
Dear Justice Pillay, Dr. Kang, Ms. McDougall:
We write to bring to your attention the profound humanitarian crisis continuing in the Kashmir Valley due to the ongoing blockade of the Srinagar-Jammu highway by religious nationalist groups from India. This has resulted in severe shortages in the Kashmir Valley of food and other vital provisions. We are reliably informed that petrol and essential medical rations, including blood, are in critically short supply, as well as newsprint, and that communication services and infrastructure are severely disrupted.
The situation in Jammu, where the Muslim minority is facing violence on a scale that can be described as ethnic cleansing, is alarming. The Government of India and the military and paramilitary forces have shown themselves unable and/or unwilling to take any effective action, either to end the blockade or to stop the violence against Muslims in Jammu. Meanwhile, military and paramilitary forces have opened fire on counter-demonstrators in Kashmir, using live bullets and mortar. A communiqué from the Kashmir Valley states that:
"The situation here on ground is that essential commodities have started getting dried up, diesel is already out of stock and petrol at its verge of end. The people here are very much concerned as if the same continues for next few days there will be nothing left to eat with the people of Kashmir. And on the other side the Army is supporting the mobs who have allegedly beaten up the drivers stranded on the national highway. The drivers who were beaten up reported that they asked Army to help them but all went in despair and the Army people in return handed them over to the mobs. The target is only the Kashmiri Muslims and some sources from Jammu say that it is the outsiders who have come to Jammu and are doing such attacks on the Muslims and it is quite evident that the Hindu fundamentalist groups viz. BJP, RSS VHP, etc., are all sponsoring the planned attacks onto the Kashmiris like it was done in Gujarat. Here in Kashmir we feel the history seems to be being repeated by the Hindu fundamentalists who had earlier in 1947 killed about 250,000 Muslims in Jammu."
On August 11, 2008, approximately 100,000 Kashmiris, including fruit growers and others gravely affected by the blockade, marched toward the Line of Control toward Pakistan markets in protest. They were met with gunfire and tear gas from the military and paramilitary forces, and Sheik Abdul Aziz, an All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader, was shot dead, intensifying the situation. Police reports stated that three others were killed and over 200 injured, enervating health systems already low on supplies. Other sources we contacted stated that as many as 18 others may have been killed in Kashmir on August 11. By early evening of August 12, as we write you, reports stated that as many as twelve persons were killed in Kashmir on that day as armed forces fired on demonstrators. Other reports stated that civil society groups, students, and labor unions participating in non-violent civil disobedience and peaceful protests are being targeted by the forces, as curfew conditions prevail.
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is the only land route linking the Kashmir Valley to India and the sole conduit for essential supplies as well as for exporting horticultural goods, which are among the Valley's chief products. News updates on the state of the blockade and situation can be found from leading Kashmiri newspapers, which are online at www.greaterkashmir.com; www.kashmirtimes.com; www.risingkashmir.com; www.etalaat.com/english/.
About 95-97 percent of the population of the Valley is Muslim, while Muslims are a minority in India. This has made Kashmir the target of increasingly aggressive campaigns by Hindu nationalist groups since 1947, despite guarantees of autonomy written into the Indian Constitution. The Government of India has failed to take measures to prevent these campaigns, consisting of marches and demonstrations, and culminating in the current blockade. Since 1989 there has been an armed pro-independence struggle in Kashmir, together with other and non-violent movements for self-determination. Indian counterinsurgency operations have resulted in grave abuses of human rights with social, economic, psychological, political, and environmental consequences, which meet the definition under international law of crimes against humanity. To a population suffering the effects of nineteen years of armed conflict, the economic crisis caused by the blockade comes as the last straw.
We urge that you respond expeditiously to this situation in accordance with the mandate to uphold human rights as enshrined in the charter of the United Nations.
Recommendations:
1. The Government of India should immediately end the economic blockade and ensure that goods and services, including emergency medical and food supplies, can move in both directions along the Srinagar-Jammu border.
2. The Government of India should open the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, a promise repeatedly reiterated by successive governments of India and Pakistan, though never implemented. This would ensure that the current crisis situation is not repeated as well as mark a concrete step forward in addressing injustices and the peace process.
3. Take immediate action to stop the violence against the Muslim minority in Jammu and bring those responsible to justice.
4. Put an end to ongoing human rights abuses by Indian forces and pro-India militias as repeatedly promised by the Indian Prime Minister and expected of democratic governments.
5. Take steps for a long-term resolution of the conflict by beginning talks with all sections of the Kashmiri leadership and civil society.
6. Take steps to hold the Indian state accountable under the provisions established by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, Constitution of India, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and International Laws and Conventions.
We, the undersigned, are academics, social activists, writers, filmmakers, artists, lawyers, and concerned citizens. Our work and conscience connects us to Kashmir and its people. We hold no political affiliations. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of further use.
Contact persons:
Dr. Angana Chatterji, Associate Professor, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, Office: 001-415.575.6119, Mobile: 001-415.640.4013, E-mail: achatterji@ciis.edu.
Dr. Haley Duschinski, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ohio University, Office: 001-740.593.0823, E-mail: duschins@ohio.edu.
Dr. Shubh Mathur, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of History, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Office: 001-347.404.2238, E-mail: Shubh.Mathur@stockton.edu.
Yours Sincerely,
Signed [Institutional information noted for affiliation purposes only]:
Dr. Angana Chatterji, Associate Professor, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Dr. Haley Duschinski, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ohio University
Dr. Shubh Mathur, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of History, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Dr. Paola Bacchetta, Associate Professor, Department of Gender and Women's Studies, and Director, Beatrice Bain Research Group, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Srimati Basu, Associate Professor, Department of Gender and Women's Studies (and Anthropology), University of Kentucky
Medea Benjamin, Cofounder, Global Exchange, San Francisco, and CODEPINK
Dr. Purnima Bose, Associate Professor, Department of English, Indiana University
Dr. Jeff Brody, Professor, College of Communications, California State University Fullerton
Adem Carroll, Chair, Muslim Consultative Network, New York Disaster Interfaith Services
Dr. Lubna Nazir Chaudhry, Assistant Professor, School of Education and Human Development, State University of New York, Binghamton
Huma Dar, Doctoral student, Department of South and South East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Geraldine Forbes, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of History, State University of New York Oswego
Dr. Sidney L. Greenblatt, President, Central New York Fulbright Association
Dr. Sondra Hale, Professor, Department of Anthropology and Women's Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
Dr. Lamia Karim, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon-Eugene
Professor Ali Kazimi, Department of Film, Faculty of Fine Arts, York University
Dr. Omar Khalidi, Aga Khan Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Rafique A. Khan, Community Development Planner, CRA, City of Los Angeles
Tasneem F. Khan, Kashmir Relief, Los Angeles
Dr. Amitava Kumar, Writer and Professor, Department of English, Vassar College
Rabbi Michael Lerner, Chair, The Network of Spiritual Progressives, Berkeley
Barbara Lubin, Executive Director, Middle East Children's Alliance, Berkeley
Dr. Sunaina Maira, Associate Professor, Department of Asian American Studies, University of California, Davis
Dr. Lise McKean, Senior Research Specialist, Learning Sciences Research Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dr. Abdul R. JanMohamed, Professor, Department of English, University California, Berkeley
Dr. Swapna Mukhopadhyay, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education, Portland State University
Dr. Richa Nagar, Professor, Department of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, University of Minnesota
Dr. Vijaya Nagarajan, Associate Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Francisco
Annie Paradise, Doctoral student, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Dr. David Naguib Pellow, Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Minnesota
Faisal Qadri, Human Rights Law Network
Dr. Mridu Rai, Associate Professor, Department of History and Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, Yale University
Dr. Cabeiri Robinson, Assistant Professor, International Studies & South Asian Studies, Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, Seattle
Dr. Sabina Sawhney, Associate Professor, Department of English, Hofstra University
Dr. Simona Sawhney, Associate Professor, Department of Asian Languages and Literatures, University of Minnesota
Dr. Kalpana Rahita Seshadri, Associate Professor, Department of English, Boston College
Professor Richard Shapiro, Chair, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Murtaza Shibli, Editor, Kashmir Affairs, London
Dr. Magid Shihade, Visiting Scholar, Middle East/South Asia Studies, University of California, Davis
Snehal Shingavi, Doctoral student, Department of English, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Ajay Skaria, Associate Professor, Department of History and Institute of Global Studies, University of Minnesota
Dr. Nancy Snow, Associate Professor, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
Dr. Rachel Sturman, Assistant Professor, Department of History & Asian Studies, Bowdoin College
Dr. Fouzieyha Towghi, Visiting Professor, Department of Ethnic Studies, University of California, Berkeley
Sandeep Vaidya, India Solidarity Group (Ireland)
Saiba Varma, Doctoral student, Department of Anthropology, Cornell University
Feroz Ahmed Wani, Social activist
David Wolfe, Human security and conflict resolution specialist
Pei Wu, Doctoral student, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Cc:
Ms. Helene Flautre,
Member, European Parliament
Chair of the European Parliament's Sub-committee on Human Rights
Mr. Geoffrey Harris
Head of Human Rights Unit, European Parliament
Ambassador Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary
Timothy Fitzgibbons, India Desk
Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs United States Department of State
Mr. David J. Kramer
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
United States Department of State
Ms. Felice D. Gaer
Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/August 12, 2008
Justice Navanethem Pillay, High Commissioner
Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner
Ms. Gay McDougall, Independent Expert on minority issues
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Subject: Humanitarian Crisis in Jammu and Kashmir
August 12, 2008
Dear Justice Pillay, Dr. Kang, Ms. McDougall:
We write to bring to your attention the profound humanitarian crisis continuing in the Kashmir Valley due to the ongoing blockade of the Srinagar-Jammu highway by religious nationalist groups from India. This has resulted in severe shortages in the Kashmir Valley of food and other vital provisions. We are reliably informed that petrol and essential medical rations, including blood, are in critically short supply, as well as newsprint, and that communication services and infrastructure are severely disrupted.
The situation in Jammu, where the Muslim minority is facing violence on a scale that can be described as ethnic cleansing, is alarming. The Government of India and the military and paramilitary forces have shown themselves unable and/or unwilling to take any effective action, either to end the blockade or to stop the violence against Muslims in Jammu. Meanwhile, military and paramilitary forces have opened fire on counter-demonstrators in Kashmir, using live bullets and mortar. A communiqué from the Kashmir Valley states that:
"The situation here on ground is that essential commodities have started getting dried up, diesel is already out of stock and petrol at its verge of end. The people here are very much concerned as if the same continues for next few days there will be nothing left to eat with the people of Kashmir. And on the other side the Army is supporting the mobs who have allegedly beaten up the drivers stranded on the national highway. The drivers who were beaten up reported that they asked Army to help them but all went in despair and the Army people in return handed them over to the mobs. The target is only the Kashmiri Muslims and some sources from Jammu say that it is the outsiders who have come to Jammu and are doing such attacks on the Muslims and it is quite evident that the Hindu fundamentalist groups viz. BJP, RSS VHP, etc., are all sponsoring the planned attacks onto the Kashmiris like it was done in Gujarat. Here in Kashmir we feel the history seems to be being repeated by the Hindu fundamentalists who had earlier in 1947 killed about 250,000 Muslims in Jammu."
On August 11, 2008, approximately 100,000 Kashmiris, including fruit growers and others gravely affected by the blockade, marched toward the Line of Control toward Pakistan markets in protest. They were met with gunfire and tear gas from the military and paramilitary forces, and Sheik Abdul Aziz, an All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader, was shot dead, intensifying the situation. Police reports stated that three others were killed and over 200 injured, enervating health systems already low on supplies. Other sources we contacted stated that as many as 18 others may have been killed in Kashmir on August 11. By early evening of August 12, as we write you, reports stated that as many as twelve persons were killed in Kashmir on that day as armed forces fired on demonstrators. Other reports stated that civil society groups, students, and labor unions participating in non-violent civil disobedience and peaceful protests are being targeted by the forces, as curfew conditions prevail.
The Srinagar-Jammu highway is the only land route linking the Kashmir Valley to India and the sole conduit for essential supplies as well as for exporting horticultural goods, which are among the Valley's chief products. News updates on the state of the blockade and situation can be found from leading Kashmiri newspapers, which are online at www.greaterkashmir.com; www.kashmirtimes.com; www.risingkashmir.com; www.etalaat.com/english/.
About 95-97 percent of the population of the Valley is Muslim, while Muslims are a minority in India. This has made Kashmir the target of increasingly aggressive campaigns by Hindu nationalist groups since 1947, despite guarantees of autonomy written into the Indian Constitution. The Government of India has failed to take measures to prevent these campaigns, consisting of marches and demonstrations, and culminating in the current blockade. Since 1989 there has been an armed pro-independence struggle in Kashmir, together with other and non-violent movements for self-determination. Indian counterinsurgency operations have resulted in grave abuses of human rights with social, economic, psychological, political, and environmental consequences, which meet the definition under international law of crimes against humanity. To a population suffering the effects of nineteen years of armed conflict, the economic crisis caused by the blockade comes as the last straw.
We urge that you respond expeditiously to this situation in accordance with the mandate to uphold human rights as enshrined in the charter of the United Nations.
Recommendations:
1. The Government of India should immediately end the economic blockade and ensure that goods and services, including emergency medical and food supplies, can move in both directions along the Srinagar-Jammu border.
2. The Government of India should open the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, a promise repeatedly reiterated by successive governments of India and Pakistan, though never implemented. This would ensure that the current crisis situation is not repeated as well as mark a concrete step forward in addressing injustices and the peace process.
3. Take immediate action to stop the violence against the Muslim minority in Jammu and bring those responsible to justice.
4. Put an end to ongoing human rights abuses by Indian forces and pro-India militias as repeatedly promised by the Indian Prime Minister and expected of democratic governments.
5. Take steps for a long-term resolution of the conflict by beginning talks with all sections of the Kashmiri leadership and civil society.
6. Take steps to hold the Indian state accountable under the provisions established by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, Constitution of India, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and International Laws and Conventions.
We, the undersigned, are academics, social activists, writers, filmmakers, artists, lawyers, and concerned citizens. Our work and conscience connects us to Kashmir and its people. We hold no political affiliations. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of further use.
Contact persons:
Dr. Angana Chatterji, Associate Professor, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, Office: 001-415.575.6119, Mobile: 001-415.640.4013, E-mail: achatterji@ciis.edu.
Dr. Haley Duschinski, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ohio University, Office: 001-740.593.0823, E-mail: duschins@ohio.edu.
Dr. Shubh Mathur, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of History, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Office: 001-347.404.2238, E-mail: Shubh.Mathur@stockton.edu.
Yours Sincerely,
Signed [Institutional information noted for affiliation purposes only]:
Dr. Angana Chatterji, Associate Professor, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Dr. Haley Duschinski, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ohio University
Dr. Shubh Mathur, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of History, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Dr. Paola Bacchetta, Associate Professor, Department of Gender and Women's Studies, and Director, Beatrice Bain Research Group, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Srimati Basu, Associate Professor, Department of Gender and Women's Studies (and Anthropology), University of Kentucky
Medea Benjamin, Cofounder, Global Exchange, San Francisco, and CODEPINK
Dr. Purnima Bose, Associate Professor, Department of English, Indiana University
Dr. Jeff Brody, Professor, College of Communications, California State University Fullerton
Adem Carroll, Chair, Muslim Consultative Network, New York Disaster Interfaith Services
Dr. Lubna Nazir Chaudhry, Assistant Professor, School of Education and Human Development, State University of New York, Binghamton
Huma Dar, Doctoral student, Department of South and South East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Geraldine Forbes, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of History, State University of New York Oswego
Dr. Sidney L. Greenblatt, President, Central New York Fulbright Association
Dr. Sondra Hale, Professor, Department of Anthropology and Women's Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
Dr. Lamia Karim, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon-Eugene
Professor Ali Kazimi, Department of Film, Faculty of Fine Arts, York University
Dr. Omar Khalidi, Aga Khan Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Rafique A. Khan, Community Development Planner, CRA, City of Los Angeles
Tasneem F. Khan, Kashmir Relief, Los Angeles
Dr. Amitava Kumar, Writer and Professor, Department of English, Vassar College
Rabbi Michael Lerner, Chair, The Network of Spiritual Progressives, Berkeley
Barbara Lubin, Executive Director, Middle East Children's Alliance, Berkeley
Dr. Sunaina Maira, Associate Professor, Department of Asian American Studies, University of California, Davis
Dr. Lise McKean, Senior Research Specialist, Learning Sciences Research Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dr. Abdul R. JanMohamed, Professor, Department of English, University California, Berkeley
Dr. Swapna Mukhopadhyay, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education, Portland State University
Dr. Richa Nagar, Professor, Department of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, University of Minnesota
Dr. Vijaya Nagarajan, Associate Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Francisco
Annie Paradise, Doctoral student, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Dr. David Naguib Pellow, Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Minnesota
Faisal Qadri, Human Rights Law Network
Dr. Mridu Rai, Associate Professor, Department of History and Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, Yale University
Dr. Cabeiri Robinson, Assistant Professor, International Studies & South Asian Studies, Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, Seattle
Dr. Sabina Sawhney, Associate Professor, Department of English, Hofstra University
Dr. Simona Sawhney, Associate Professor, Department of Asian Languages and Literatures, University of Minnesota
Dr. Kalpana Rahita Seshadri, Associate Professor, Department of English, Boston College
Professor Richard Shapiro, Chair, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Murtaza Shibli, Editor, Kashmir Affairs, London
Dr. Magid Shihade, Visiting Scholar, Middle East/South Asia Studies, University of California, Davis
Snehal Shingavi, Doctoral student, Department of English, University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Ajay Skaria, Associate Professor, Department of History and Institute of Global Studies, University of Minnesota
Dr. Nancy Snow, Associate Professor, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
Dr. Rachel Sturman, Assistant Professor, Department of History & Asian Studies, Bowdoin College
Dr. Fouzieyha Towghi, Visiting Professor, Department of Ethnic Studies, University of California, Berkeley
Sandeep Vaidya, India Solidarity Group (Ireland)
Saiba Varma, Doctoral student, Department of Anthropology, Cornell University
Feroz Ahmed Wani, Social activist
David Wolfe, Human security and conflict resolution specialist
Pei Wu, Doctoral student, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Cc:
Ms. Helene Flautre,
Member, European Parliament
Chair of the European Parliament's Sub-committee on Human Rights
Mr. Geoffrey Harris
Head of Human Rights Unit, European Parliament
Ambassador Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary
Timothy Fitzgibbons, India Desk
Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs United States Department of State
Mr. David J. Kramer
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
United States Department of State
Ms. Felice D. Gaer
Chair, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
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