Kashmir:  Recap 2013

 ARTICLE BY BILAL BASHIR BHAT

The year 2013 in Kashmir, witnessed a number of controversies, Scams, disclosures, killings, encounters and of course the big News Afzal Guroo’s execution. From Hundreds of original stories that happened in 2013, it is not easy to select just a few. But to give readers a recap of the year, I present 12 stories.

1)            Afzal Guru’s Execution: Under the banner of Operation Three Star, accused for the Parliament attack Afzal Guru was secretly hanged in Tihar Jail on 09 February. On the day of hanging Government in Kashmir imposed strict Curfew throughout the whole Valley which remained almost a month. Despite Curfew and restrictions Internet was also barred. However youth defied curfew and restrictions at many places in the region including the home town of Guru and staged anti-India demonstrations. On Feb 25 various pro-freedom groups formed a united forum Mutahida Majlis-e-Mashawarat (MMM) for a joint resistance programme to seek Afzal Guru’s body. Later the forum disappeared with unknown reasons. 

2)            Zubin Mehta’s Concert: Despite lot of opposition by different shades of people of Kashmir, the concert itself came off smoothly, beginning as Mehta raised his baton on 7th September in the Shalimar Gardens of Srinagar. Hundreds of policemen were deployed inside the venue, with hundreds more in armored vans that monitored the streets outside. A mile of roads leading from the venue was blocked, and the city of Srinagar was peppered with police checkpoints. A mere inconvenience to the chauffeured dignitaries was an affront to the citizens of Srinagar.

3)            Gulzar Peer’s Scandal: Once a darling self-styled the so called Sufi dervish Gulzar Ahmed Bhat was arrested on May 23 by Jammu and Kashmir police for raping and sexually abusing several young girls at his religious centre, Khansahib in Budgam district. The scandal came to light when one of Gulzar's disciples, Imtiyaz Ahmad Sofi saw him indulging in a sexual act with a young girl. Police said Gulzar was arrested after four girls recorded their confessional statement before the court of the sub-judge in Budgam.

4)            Girls Rock Band: The teenage girls who came to limelight in December 2012 after their scintillating performance at the annual 'Battle of the Bands’ decided to disband the Pragaash Band, after they allegedly received threats of death and other physical harm on social networking sites, the Grand Mufti also issued a fatwa terming singing as un-Islamic and asked them to abandon it.

5)            VK Leaks: Former Indian Army Chief Gen.V.K. Singh's claim that the army paid from its secret funds to ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir government which triggered a political storm in the state. Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council summoned former Army Chief General V K Singh for his alleged comments about pay-offs to state politicians. Later VK Singh did a unexpected U-turn over his statement in a reply Letter to Legislative Assembly.

6)            Prime Minister’s Visit and Militant attack: on Jun 24 eight CRPF personnel were killed and 13 were injured, when two militants opened fire on an Army convoy on the outskirts of Srinagar, just a day before a visit by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. 

7)            BOPEE Scam: The aggrieved aspirants and their parents complained that the merit list issued by Board of Professional Entrance Examination BOPEE in 2012 carried names of aspirants whose performance in class 10 and class 12 was dismal. The revelations that entrance exam papers for obtaining admissions in medicine and engineering colleges in the state have shocked everyone in Kashmir with aspirants and parents questioning the credibility of the entire test. Later the former BOPEE chairman Mushtaq Ahmed Peer was arrested by crime branch of Kashmir police which is investigating the case.

8)            Encounters & Militant Attacks:  A large number of Encounters and Militant attacks were witnessed throughout the year, as per the statistics 61 personnel and 97 Militants were killed during the year 2013.

9)            Civilian Killings: Among other gory incidents, Gagran Shopian Killings, Markundal Killings, causalities aftermath the Afzal Guru’s execution  and also the alleged killings of students outside the state, resulted strikes and curfews throughout the year.

10)          Jammu Impact: Gool Ramban firing incident and Kishtwar Riots in which nine men were killed and almost 100 people were injured triggered the protest in Kashmir in solidarity with the Muslims of Jammu, Curfew was immediately imposed in Kashmir and several changes were made in administrative positions.

11)          Geelani’s Release: After being put under house arrest for nearly Eight Months, the chairman of his Hurriyat faction Syed Ali Shah Geelani was released as the as Police withdrew its personnel from his Hyderpora residence on 29 Oct. Geelani addressed various mammoth gatherings in different parts of Kashmir excluding Srinagar, however he was again place under house arrest after he threats to hold a ‘historical’ rally in Srinagar.  

12)          Parvaiz Rasool: On 14 Feb Parvaiz became the first cricketer of Jammu-Kasmir, who played in I.P.L. Getting his maiden call-up for the national team for India's Zimbabwe tour of 2013, Rasool became the second cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir, after Vivek Razdan,to get selected for the national side.

  

 APHC MEETING CHAIRED BY MIRWAIZ OMER FAROOQ AND ATTENTED BY PROF AB GANI BHAT AND MUKHTAR AHMAD WAZA AND OTHERS

Srinagar, Dec 30: APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Monday convened an important meeting of Hurriyat Executive council members at party headquarters, Rajbagh. The meeting was attended by Executive Members of hurriyat including Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat,  Mukhtar Ahmad Waza  and others
Terming the improving of relations between India and Pakistan as welcome beginning, the participants hoped that both the countries would now consider Kashmir dispute as a core issue and would take steps to solve it keeping in view the historical and present ground realities. The participants said the lasting peace in the sub-continent was only possible, if Kashmir issue is solved according to the wishes and aspirations of people.
The participants resolved the stability and prosperity in the sub continent would come only when Kashmir issue is solved, adding, increasing trade and routes of transport would be of no help in longer terms.
The participants said the Hurriyat has always maintained a policy of unity within the pro-freedom ranks to assertively for the rights of people. They said Hurriyat would always be ready and extending all helps which would involve unity of pro freedom camp.
The meeting also took stock of the different cells of Hurriyat and pointed out many areas where it needed to speed up activities to penetrate deeper on ground level.

eople’s League restructured, Waza appeals party cadre to intensify activities
Srinagar, December 28, 2013
Jammu and Kashmir people’s league today conveyed a daylong meeting of party central council members under the chairmanship of its chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza.
During the meeting party central council members discussed party matters and restructured the party executive line.
In restructure process,Spokesman Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi Farooq Ahmad Dar and Nazir Ahmad Khan were appointed as vice Chairman, State General sectary Mohmmad Ashraf Vaid, Guiam Qadir Rah, general sectary, Chief Organizer, Er Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Political adviser Jaffer Kashmiri, Chief coordinator Gulam Ahmad Mir, , Chief mass contact cell, Rashid Wani, Provincial president Kashmir Shakeel-ul-Rehman, District President Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Ganderbal Gulam Ahmad Dar, Pulwama Mohd Maqbool, Islamabad Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Baramullah, Mohd Ramzan Wandroo, Kupwara, Munir-ul-Hassan, Budgam, Adovcate Abdul Ahad Qadri, and Kulgam, Reyaz Ahmad.
Addressing, the meeting, Party Chairman Mukhatr Ahmad Waza stressed upon party leaders to work hard for strengthening party at gross roots, Waza also said that the party intensify its mass contact program viz-a-viz public awareness among the common masses regarding Kashmir issue and anti-freedom struggle policies of India.
He also welcomed the statement of Pakistan Prime Minister regarding resumption of dialogue with India and said that through dialogue vexed Kashmir issue will get resolved.

eople’s League restructured, Waza appeals party cadre to intensify activities
Srinagar, December 28, 2013
Jammu and Kashmir people’s league today conveyed a daylong meeting of party central council members under the chairmanship of its chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza.
During the meeting party central council members discussed party matters and restructured the party executive line.
In restructure process,Spokesman Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi Farooq Ahmad Dar and Nazir Ahmad Khan were appointed as vice Chairman, State General sectary Mohmmad Ashraf Vaid, Guiam Qadir Rah, general sectary, Chief Organizer, Er Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Political adviser Jaffer Kashmiri, Chief coordinator Gulam Ahmad Mir, , Chief mass contact cell, Rashid Wani, Provincial president Kashmir Shakeel-ul-Rehman, District President Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Ganderbal Gulam Ahmad Dar, Pulwama Mohd Maqbool, Islamabad Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Baramullah, Mohd Ramzan Wandroo, Kupwara, Munir-ul-Hassan, Budgam, Adovcate Abdul Ahad Qadri, and Kulgam, Reyaz Ahmad.
Addressing, the meeting, Party Chairman Mukhatr Ahmad Waza stressed upon party leaders to work hard for strengthening party at gross roots, Waza also said that the party intensify its mass contact program viz-a-viz public awareness among the common masses regarding Kashmir issue and anti-freedom struggle policies of India.
He also welcomed the statement of Pakistan Prime Minister regarding resumption of dialogue with India and said that through dialogue vexed Kashmir issue will get resolved.

People’s League restructured, Waza appeals party cadre to intensify activities

Srinagar, December 28, 2013

Jammu and Kashmir people’s league today conveyed a daylong meeting of party central council members under the chairmanship of its chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza.

During the meeting party central council members discussed party matters and restructured the party executive line.

In restructure process,Spokesman Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi Farooq Ahmad Dar and Nazir Ahmad Khan were appointed as vice Chairman, State General sectary Mohmmad Ashraf Vaid,  Guiam Qadir Rah, general sectary, Chief Organizer, Er Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Political adviser Jaffer Kashmiri, Chief coordinator Gulam Ahmad Mir,  , Chief mass contact cell, Rashid Wani, Provincial president Kashmir Shakeel-ul-Rehman, District President Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Ganderbal Gulam Ahmad Dar, Pulwama Mohd Maqbool, Islamabad Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Baramullah, Mohd Ramzan Wandroo, Kupwara, Munir-ul-Hassan, Budgam, Adovcate Abdul Ahad Qadri, and Kulgam, Reyaz Ahmad.

Addressing, the meeting, Party Chairman Mukhatr Ahmad Waza  stressed upon party leaders to work hard for strengthening party at gross roots, Waza also said that the party intensify its mass contact program viz-a-viz public awareness among the common masses regarding Kashmir issue and anti-freedom struggle policies of India.

He also welcomed the statement of Pakistan Prime Minister regarding resumption of dialogue with India and said that through dialogue vexed Kashmir issue will get resolved.

 Waza Condemns Indian Army’s oppression in Chadura, Tral

Says, No peace in Asia till Kashmir gets resolved spokesperson jkpl imtiyaz reshi

Srinagar, December 27: Senior APHC Leader and Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL), Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, today while condemning Indian Army’s oppression in Chadura and Tral areas of Kashmir valley and said that the permanent peace in South Asia is not possible without resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Kashmiris’ aspirations.

Addressing a gathering in Awora Mishpora Kulgam district, Waza accompanied by Senior Leaders Nazir Ahmad Khan, Zulfi Masood, Shabir Ahmad, Reyaz Ahmad, condemned Indian army’s oppression in Chadura and Tral areas of Valley. He expressed solidarity with the families whose houses have been destroyed by the army and paid tributes to martyred youth.

Waza said that under the grab of black laws and powers Indian army is trying to muzzle the voice of Kashmiri and hence keep continue to kill and damage the properties of people in the state, however this oppression will not force Kashmiris to shun freedom struggle but will boost the will and interest for freedom among the people.

“From past 67 years Kashmiri people are giving sacrifices- some their blood, lives, some their prosperity and women folk their modesty. India’s oppression continues and their claims of zero tolerance stands exposed before international community.” Waza said, adding pro-freedom leadership is determinant and will not allow going sacrifices of Martyrs in particular and people of Jammu and Kashmir in general in vain.

Waza said that permanent peace in South Asia could not be guaranteed without resolving the decades old Kashmir conflict and stressed upon United Nations to play a constructive role in facilitating meaningful engagement and dialogue between Pakistan, India and the Kashmiris for final resolution of the dispute.

“People of Jammu Kashmir are principle stake holders in the dispute and any settlement of the dispute on Jammu Kashmir should satisfy the aspirations of the people,’ Waza maintained.

“Peaceful resolution of the dispute of Jammu Kashmir is in the interests of enduring regional peace and stability in south Asia besides in the interests of economic development in the region,’ he said.

Meanwhile, a high level party delegation headed by party senior leader Gulam Ahmad Mir, visited Chadura and expressed solidarity with the family whose two house were destroyed by Indian Army.

W

aza welcomes initiatives aimed to strength indo-Pak relations

Srinagar, December 25, 2013

APHC executive member and Jammu Kashmir people’s league chairman,
Mukhtar Ahmad Waza today welcomed the initiatives taken by Government
of Pakistan and India aimed to strength the bilateral relations
between the countries and hoped both the countries will use positive
atmosphere and good bilateral relationship in resolving decade’s old
Kashmir dispute according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people.

Waza in an issued statement today termed political, diplomatic,
military and social interactions between the two countries involved in
Kashmir conflict as good omen for the bilateral relations between
nuclear power countries viz-a-viz resolution of Kashmir issue.

“The initiatives taken by both countries from past over month are
worth to praise as these initiatives will really help in prevailing a
positive atmosphere across the borders and will bring both the
countries close to each other, that itself, what we hope will help in
resolving the ‘Kashmir dispute’.” Waza said, adding on a similar
pattern government of India must implement the confidence building
measures in Jammu and Kashmir like revocation of back laws, release of
political detainees and withdrawal of armed forces, which will also
help in making the atmosphere positive for the tripitate talks.

However Waza maintained, that both the countries couldn’t strength or
maintain for longer their bilateral relations till Kashmir gets
resolved, so appealed both the countries to start a credible dialogue
process, include Kashmiri genuine leadership and resolve the issue for
guaranteeing peace in both the countries as well as in while South
Asia.

He said that people of Jammu and Kashmir have given unparalleled
sacrifices for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue and hence
prolonging its resolution now will prove disastrous for the whole
south Asia and the countries involved in the conflict are nuclear
armed countries. He said that Kashmir issue is internationally
endorsed issue, so Indian policy of sabotaging voice of Kashmiri
nation by killing, rape, and enforced disappearances will not help
them at all. He appealed international community to help Kashmiris in
granting our birth right and play its moral role which is entrusted
upon them.
spokesperson jkpl imtiyaz reshi

For the first time, an artificial heart that may give patients up to five years of extra life has been successfully implanted in a 75-year-old French man.
The artificial heart, designed by French biomedical firm Carmat, is powered by Lithium-ion batteries that can be worn externally.
The heart that was put into the patient at Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris uses a range of "bio-materials", including bovine tissue, to reduce the likelihood of the body rejecting it, 'The Telegraph' reported.
This device is intended to replace a real heart for as many as five years, unlike previous artificial hearts that were created mainly for temporary use.
Doctors said the patient who received the device developed by Dutch-based European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) was awake and responding well after the operation.
"We are delighted with this first implant, although it is premature to draw conclusions given that a single implant has been performed and that we are in the early post-operative phase," Marcello Conviti, the chief executive of Carmat, said.
The heart weighs as little as less than a kilogramme almost three times as much as an average healthy human heart.
The device mimics heart muscle contractions and contains sensors that adapt the blood flow to the patient's moves, the report said.
The heart surfaces that come into contact with human blood are made partly from bovine tissue instead of synthetic materials such as plastic, which can cause blood clots.

I

ndia Army responsible for physiological problems in Kashmir peoples league Waza

Srinagar, December 20

Senior APHC leaders and Jammu Kashmir People’s league Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza today said that huge presence of Indian Armed Forces in Kashmir besides killing, have left people especially youth in physiological problems.

Addressing Friday congregations in Islamabad town, Waza said that besides killing people from last 67 years, huge presence Indian armed forces in Kashmir have left people in Depression and other problems. He said that death, injury, bloodshed, rape, destruction of property by forces is the notable features of life here due to conflict and this situation has left people in grave depression and other physiological diseases.

Waza appealed International community to play its role in resolving the Kashmir conflict according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people. He said it moral responsibility of International community to help in its resolution as the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered a lot since India occupied the state illegally.

He also appealed India and Pakistan to include Kashmiris into the talks for making them result oriented ad for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.

Spokesperson jkpl

imtiyaz reshi

W

aza condoles sad demise of journalist’s father

Srinagar, December 19:

Senior Hurriyat leader and Jammu and Kashmir people’s league chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza today condole sad demise of journalist Abid Bashir’s father and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.

A delegation of party comprising Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi,Farooq Ahmad Dar, Jaffer Kashmiri and Gulam Ahmad Mir also visited the bereaved family of young journalist Abid Bashir Wani at Saffron Colony Pampore and expressed its sympathies with Abid Bashir and senior journalist Tariq Ahmad Bhat who is also the Brother-in-law of the deceased.

spokesperson jkpl imtiyaz reshi

  jkPL PRESS STATEMNET

Srinagar, December 18, 2013

Jammu and Kashmir People’s League today conveyed meeting of party leaders and activists of district Islamabad. Daylong meeting was chaired by party Chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza and was attended by senior partly leaders including Mohmmad Ashraf Sofi, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat and Zahid Zahoor besides several other workers and activists. While as party patron Jenab Sheikh Mohmmad Yaqoob also addressed the meeting through telephone from Islamabad Pakistan.

In meeting, party leaders discussed present political situation of Jammu and Kashmir viz-a-viz party affairs. In meeting party leaders felt a dire need of to intensify party mass public contact program to get party strengthen at gross root levels. Leaders also came to conclusion that a policy is being hatched to week people’s league-mother of all pro-freedom groups in jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing meeting telephonically from Islamabad Pakistan, Party Patron Sheikh Yaqboob people’s leaugue being mother of all pro-freedom groups in Kashmir has given sacrifices right from the beginning due to which party gained a separate position in ongoing freedom movement. He stressed upon workers to remain united at each level and work for the movement with zeal and enthusiasm. He appealed few people who hell bent upon to defame the party in general public, not to interfere in party affairs as people’s league has its own mechanism to deal with party affairs and problems and clarified that party leadership across brooders is united and is playing its role in Kashmir freedom movement.

Party Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza while addressing the meeting stressed upon workers and activists not to became victims of confusion created by anti party elements and remained united in the interests of party. He said that party leadership in APHC forum is playing it’s political for resolution of Kashmir issue or highlighting human rights violations and is fighting politically against the oppression of india. Waza said that since 1974, people’s league hold its agenda that Kashmir issue must be resolved according to United Nation resolutions or through tripartite dialogue process and party will continue till Kashmir gets resolved peacefully, as the countries involved to conflict are nuclear power countries and the issue have enough potential to force both countries for a ‘disastrous war’.

In Meeting party leadership paid glowing tributes to martyrs of Kashmir particularly the leadership and activists of party who have attained martyrdom including Shaheed-e-Azeemat Sheikh Abdul Aziz,   Ilyas kashmiri , farhat , Fayaz Ahmad, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Prof. Qazi Shab, advocate Abdul Rashid, Khalil-ul-Rehman, and Dawood Ahmad and emphasized their role and said their martyrdom of martyrs can’t be underestimated or will not be allowed to go waste. Waza said that ever since people’s league leadership has proven themselves practically in filed and the highest example of this is martyrdom of Sheikh Abdul Aziz.

Meeting was also addressed by Mohmmad Ashraf Sofi, Nazir Ahmad Khan and Zahid Ashraf from Islamabad Pakistan. Meanwhile a delegation of PL comprising Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, Farooq Ahmad Dar and Jaffer Kashmiri visited Yasmeen Raja and prayed for her early recovery

spokesperson and media adviser jkpl

imtiyaz reshi

 KPL PRESS STATEMNET

Srinagar, December 18, 2013

Jammu and Kashmir People’s League today conveyed meeting of party leaders and activists of district Islamabad. Daylong meeting was chaired by party Chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza and was attended by senior partly leaders including Mohmmad Ashraf Sofi, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat and Zahid Zahoor besides several other workers and activists. While as party patron Jenab Sheikh Mohmmad Yaqoob also addressed the meeting through telephone from Islamabad Pakistan.

In meeting, party leaders discussed present political situation of Jammu and Kashmir viz-a-viz party affairs. In meeting party leaders felt a dire need of to intensify party mass public contact program to get party strengthen at gross root levels. Leaders also came to conclusion that a policy is being hatched to week people’s league-mother of all pro-freedom groups in jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing meeting telephonically from Islamabad Pakistan, Party Patron Sheikh Yaqboob people’s leaugue being mother of all pro-freedom groups in Kashmir has given sacrifices right from the beginning due to which party gained a separate position in ongoing freedom movement. He stressed upon workers to remain united at each level and work for the movement with zeal and enthusiasm. He appealed few people who hell bent upon to defame the party in general public, not to interfere in party affairs as people’s league has its own mechanism to deal with party affairs and problems and clarified that party leadership across brooders is united and is playing its role in Kashmir freedom movement.

Party Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza while addressing the meeting stressed upon workers and activists not to became victims of confusion created by anti party elements and remained united in the interests of party. He said that party leadership in APHC forum is playing it’s political for resolution of Kashmir issue or highlighting human rights violations and is fighting politically against the oppression of india. Waza said that since 1974, people’s league hold its agenda that Kashmir issue must be resolved according to United Nation resolutions or through tripartite dialogue process and party will continue till Kashmir gets resolved peacefully, as the countries involved to conflict are nuclear power countries and the issue have enough potential to force both countries for a ‘disastrous war’.

In Meeting party leadership paid glowing tributes to martyrs of Kashmir particularly the leadership and activists of party who have attained martyrdom including Shaheed-e-Azeemat Sheikh Abdul Aziz,   Ilyas kashmiri , farhat , Fayaz Ahmad, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Prof. Qazi Shab, advocate Abdul Rashid, Khalil-ul-Rehman, and Dawood Ahmad and emphasized their role and said their martyrdom of martyrs can’t be underestimated or will not be allowed to go waste. Waza said that ever since people’s league leadership has proven themselves practically in filed and the highest example of this is martyrdom of Sheikh Abdul Aziz.

Meeting was also addressed by Mohmmad Ashraf Sofi, Nazir Ahmad Khan and Zahid Ashraf from Islamabad Pakistan. Meanwhile a delegation of PL comprising Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, Farooq Ahmad Dar and Jaffer Kashmiri visited Yasmeen Raja and prayed for her early recovery

spokesperson and media adviser jkpl

imtiyaz reshi

Senior Hurriyat Conference leaders Zaffar Akber Bhat, Javaid Mir, Syed Saleem Gilani, Rashid Hakeem, Syed Bashir Andrabi, Imtiyaz Reshi and others today paid the glowing tributes Shaheed Shamsul-Haq on his 21th anniversary. In this connection a Hurriyat today paid the visit of Martyrs Graveyard Eidgah. Hurriyat Leaders also hold a rally in which hundreds of Hurriyat activists participate.

People’s League conveyed extra-ordinary daylong meeting.

Srinagar, December 16:

Jammu and Kashmir People’s League today conveyed a extra-ordinary daylong meeting of its executive members In Srinagar at party headquarters under the chairmanship of  party chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza.

Meeting was attended by Mohd Ashraf Vaid, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi , Shakeel-ul-Rehman, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Ghulam Qadir Rah, , Jaffer Kashmiri, Gulam Ahmad Mir, En. Fayaz Ahmad and discussed party affairs.

Addressing party meeting, he stressed upon its executive members to intensify activities and strength the party at root level. He said that party will fight politically till Kashmir gets resolved as per the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that party will not allow wasting the martyrs of Kashmiri people.

Waza welcomed OIC’s resolution on Kashmir and their stand for the issue, further hoped that ties between India and Pakistan will strength, so that helps in Kashmir resolution. 

Waza welcomes shahbaz-Manmohan meet, shocked over plundering of state natural resources

Srinagar, December 13, 2013

Jammu and Kashmir People’s League Chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza today welcomed the meet that took place in New Delhi between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharief.

Adressing a gathering in Islamabad, Waza hoped that both the countries would maintain friendly relationship that will itself help in the resolution of Kashmir issue. He said that resolution of pending issue including Kashmir can only guarantee peace in South Asia.

Castigating New Delhi its state puppets in the state for plundering natural resources that besides denying us right to self determination-the basic right, India and its state puppets under a planned strategy are plundering our resources and not providing us the basic necessities of life like water, electricity and food.

 “In the name of 10 and 12 percent royalty, our water resources are being plundered in broad daylight. You must have heard about that the NHPC, it is just like east india company and is using our resources and providing electricity to rest of the india but we are reeling under darkness.” Waza said.

Waza said it is an irony that while NHPC is making millions of rupees by selling power generated from JK’s water resources, the state and its people are forced into perpetual financial and economic deprivation. “Neither have we got our power projects back, nor any compensation for our water resources. NHPC is the replica of the modern day East India Company which is out to loot our state,” he said, adding India must end these anti-Kashmiri policies.

spokes person jkpl imtiyaz reshi 

Mukhtar Waza arrested in Islamabad and party leaders imtiyaz reshi and gh mohd mir arrested at lalchowk with salvation moment chairman Zaffer Akber bhat

Srinagar, December 10, 2013

Senior executive member of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (M) and Jammu Kashmir people’s league chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza was put under house arrest today when he along with his party activists was leaving to Srinagar for participating in scheduled protest rally against the human rights violations by Indian troops in the state from past 67 years, on International human rights day which is being celebrated today all over the world.

Party Spokesman has condemned the action of police by arresting Mukhtar shab and party leaders imtiyaz reshi and gh mohd mir arrested at lalchowk with salvation moment chairman Zaffer Akber bhat and said that puppet state authorities along with Indian armed forces are trying to cover up the worst human rights violations that they have perpetrated or committing continuously. He said that it is due responsibility of international community to take a strong note of the situation viz-a-viz human rights violations.

HURRIYAT (M) HOLDS SIT IN PROTESTS AT PRESS COLONY
In connection with the ongoing Human Rights Week organized by Hurriyat Conference today despite crackdown on various leaders, some leaders from the amalgam managed to hold the Sit in Protest at Press Colony Srinagar. Among others Musadiq Adil, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Hakeem Abdul Rashid, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, Syed Bashir Andrabi,shahid saleem,Gh Ahmad Mir,and Rashid Wani and Yaseen hassan and others today hold the Sit in Protest at Press Colony Srinagar. Later Police arrested the APHC leaders and lodged then in different Police Stations. Pertinently Police arrest Senior Hurriyat leaders Mukhtar Ahmad Waza and Er Hilal Ahmad War and lodged them in Police Station Shergarh and Kothi Bagh respectively.

Waza anguished over the HR Violations perpetrated by India forces

Appealed international community to shun double standards

Srinagar, December 9, 2013

Jammu Kashmir Peoples League Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza on the eve of International human rights day expressed deep shock and anguish over the continuous serious rights violations committed by the Indian forces, in particular ghastly killings of innocent people in the state.

Waza in a statement said that it is the responsibility of international community which is observing the day and protecting the rights globally must shun the double standards that they have maintained towards Kashmir and should come forward for pressurizing India to stop the rights violations which are taking place by the hands of Indian armed forces.

“After sixty-seven years of enforcing a military occupation on the people of Kashmir, one of the governments of India’s worst fears is now being realized. Nourished by memories of years of violent repression in which torture, innocent killing, molestation, and enforced disappearances have become commonplace the people of Kashmir are reacting only with non-violent protests. India must realize that despite the huge effort that they put into repressing the people of Kashmir the people are no closer to accepting their occupation than they were in 1947 when they first occupied the land.” Waza said.

He urged the international community to impress upon India for immediate stop to its ongoing systematic human rights violations, and added that people of the Kashmir will continue its struggle till the achievement of right to self determination.

He condemned unabated serious crimes, torture, extra-judicial killings, custodial deaths and disappearances, fake encounters, arbitrary detentions, destruction of houses, shops and villages, and rape as instruments of suppression by the Indian Government through its military, paramilitary forces and mercenaries.

He said that it is irony that India armed forces under the cover of draconian laws are no were accountable for the crimes they have done are doing, so world community to should also take a serious note of the silence enforced by Indian army guns which is being presented as a peace and prosperity at international level by the India.

Waza said that JKPL would support all such efforts, which would be directed towards the permanent resolution of the Kashmir dispute. “The longstanding dispute should be resolved according to the aspirations of the people through tripartite dialogue process including Pakistan, India and the real leadership of Kashmiris.” He said.

He also said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have given uncounted sacrifices for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir so they will continue to fight politically and will not hesitate in offering more sacrifices.
SPOKESPERSON JKPL IMTIYAZ RESHI

Srinagar, Dec 09: APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar farooq on  Monday stressed upon international human rights organizations including Asia Watch, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, ICRC including other bodies to take cognizance of gross human rights violations in Kashmir and use their influence to bring about an  end to them.

In connection with the ongoing human rights week, Mirwaiz inaugurated a photo exhibition at Hotel Lala Rukh  organised by the APHC Human Right Cell. It highlighted the pain and agony of kashmiri people living their life under occupation. Prominent Hurriyat leaders including Agha Syed Hassan Al moosvi,  Syed Saleem Geelani, Advocate Shahidul Islam, Engineer hilal Ahmad war, javaid Ahmad Mir, Zaffar Akbar Bhat,Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi Hakeem Ab Rashid , Gh MOhd MIR, Rashid Wani  and others also participated in the photo exhibition.

Expressing his regret over the silence of international community on human rights violations in Kashmir, he said Kashmiris are the victim of the worst kind of state sponsored terrorism under which innocent people have been killed, their houses set ablaze, families torn apart due to enforced disappearances, and thousands brutally left as orphans and widows. He said more than eight thousand unmarked graves have been discovered in Kashmir so far and around ten thousand cases of enforced disappearances have come to light yet there has been a brutal silence on part of these organisations.This has added to the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

APHC Chairman said militarization, special powers to armed forces and imposition of black laws are the main cause of bloodshed and rights violations in Kashmir. He said that till demilitarization and scrapping of black laws does not happen, these violations would continue to happen in Kashmir.

On this occasion, a feature film made by the APHC Human Right Cell depicting freedom struggle and human rights violations was shown to hundreds of participants which included kins of Martyrs and disappeared persons. Mirwaiz said this film is an eye opener depicting  the sufferings of Kashmiri people and  violations that are taking place in this region.

APHC Chairman regretted that   so many  inquiry commissions  have been setup by the authorities  to investigate human rights violations but not a single perpetrator has been punished. Thus proving these enquires to be a farce and a mere eye wash.

Commenting on the results of recently held Elections in Delhi , Chairman APHC Mirwaiz said that the results are encouraging in the sense that people of India appear to have shun the traditional mindset created by the political parties about the affairs and issues that they are facing. The traditional approach is veining and a new pragmatic approach consistent with the current global realities is taking its place. A fresh wind of change is blowing and we hope that this changed thinking and approach adopted by the people of India will reflect in the functioning of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as a symbol of the change. We hope that this pragmatism will reflect in the attitude regarding Kashmir issue as well and the new thinking and new setup will adopt a realistic policy on Kashmir based on the principles of justice and fair play and shun the unrealistic inhibitions on the issue. 

 Spokesperson jkpl imtiyaz reshi

Srinagar, Dec 09: APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar farooq on  Monday stressed upon international human rights organizations including Asia Watch, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, ICRC including other bodies to take cognizance of gross human rights violations in Kashmir and use their influence to bring about an  end to them.

In connection with the ongoing human rights week, Mirwaiz inaugurated a photo exhibition at Hotel Lala Rukh  organised by the APHC Human Right Cell. It highlighted the pain and agony of kashmiri people living their life under occupation. Prominent Hurriyat leaders including Agha Syed Hassan Al moosvi,  Syed Saleem Geelani, Advocate Shahidul Islam, Engineer hilal Ahmad war, javaid Ahmad Mir, Zaffar Akbar Bhat,Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi Hakeem Ab Rashid , Gh MOhd MIR, Rashid Wani  and others also participated in the photo exhibition.

Expressing his regret over the silence of international community on human rights violations in Kashmir, he said Kashmiris are the victim of the worst kind of state sponsored terrorism under which innocent people have been killed, their houses set ablaze, families torn apart due to enforced disappearances, and thousands brutally left as orphans and widows. He said more than eight thousand unmarked graves have been discovered in Kashmir so far and around ten thousand cases of enforced disappearances have come to light yet there has been a brutal silence on part of these organisations.This has added to the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

APHC Chairman said militarization, special powers to armed forces and imposition of black laws are the main cause of bloodshed and rights violations in Kashmir. He said that till demilitarization and scrapping of black laws does not happen, these violations would continue to happen in Kashmir.

On this occasion, a feature film made by the APHC Human Right Cell depicting freedom struggle and human rights violations was shown to hundreds of participants which included kins of Martyrs and disappeared persons. Mirwaiz said this film is an eye opener depicting  the sufferings of Kashmiri people and  violations that are taking place in this region.

APHC Chairman regretted that   so many  inquiry commissions  have been setup by the authorities  to investigate human rights violations but not a single perpetrator has been punished. Thus proving these enquires to be a farce and a mere eye wash.

Commenting on the results of recently held Elections in Delhi , Chairman APHC Mirwaiz said that the results are encouraging in the sense that people of India appear to have shun the traditional mindset created by the political parties about the affairs and issues that they are facing. The traditional approach is veining and a new pragmatic approach consistent with the current global realities is taking its place. A fresh wind of change is blowing and we hope that this changed thinking and approach adopted by the people of India will reflect in the functioning of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has emerged as a symbol of the change. We hope that this pragmatism will reflect in the attitude regarding Kashmir issue as well and the new thinking and new setup will adopt a realistic policy on Kashmir based on the principles of justice and fair play and shun the unrealistic inhibitions on the issue. 

 Spokesperson jkpl imtiyaz reshi

JKYJA presented paper on the topic ‘Human Rights Abuses and Role of Media’ at a seminar

Role of foreign Media in Kashmir unsatisfactory: Bilal Bashir Bhat

Srinagar, Dec 08: In view of Human Rights week organized by Hurriyat (M), the Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalists Association (JKYJA) today presented the paper on the topic ‘Human Rights Abuses and Role of Media’ during a seminar held at Hurriyat Hqts Rajbagh Srinagar.
In this connection, senior member and treasurer to JKYJA Mr. Bilal Bashir Bhat readout the paper on the said topic. During his speech Bilal Bashir Bhat said that Human rights abuses are day to day issue in Kashmir, ranging from Mass Killings, Forced Disappearances, Rapes, Encounter Killings, Torture, Using of deadly Pellet Gun and Pepper Gas.
“Sources estimate the troop presence in the Kashmir at close to 700,000. That is equal to a ratio of 1 soldier for every 20 civilians, perhaps the highest soldier to civilian ratio in the world.” He added.
While speaking to a mammoth gathering the Editor-in-Chief Kashmir based News portal ‘Only Kashmir’ Bilal Bashir Bhat said despite all these Violations, the irony is that Indian Media failed to figure out the true picture of Kashmir, although Human Rights Organizations, both local as well as international, the general reader does not get any such picture of the situation from the mainstream Indian press.  So it can be easily concluded that Indian press has never tried to figure out the true picture of Kashmir.
“It was August 2008, when millions of People assembled at Srinagar’s Historical Eidgah towards the “EidGah Chalo” call instead of fleshing this event as the Breaking News the Indian Media was busy to make some debates over the slipping of Indian Actress Katrina Kaif from motor bicycle.
The role of press always plays an important role for the settlement of every issue, but unfortunately as like the 90 Thousand people the Kashmir based press also disappeared from Television since after 2008 agitation. I’m sorry to direct, leaving Two to Five no Newspaper in Kashmir reserves more than 300 circulations per issue.”
The means of modern communication, Internet, SMS services also felt to the long pending Kashmir dispute. It is pertinent to mention here the SMS services have been barred in Kashmir since 2010. The freedom of speech has turned the nightmare for the people of Valley. It is Kashmir where on a post on Social Networking sites can put someone behind the bars.
It is a bitter truth that once upon a time household names in Kashmir, International Media Agencies like BBC, Reuters, Associated Press and AFP, Voice of Germany have loosed the attention in Kashmir.  The Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar who remained one of the busiest media capitals in India and World for nearly two decades, today the media organizations have shut their bureaus. International publications and outlets like TIME, Guardian, The Times, The New York Times, Al Jazeera and some Arab newspapers are also not showing much interest in picking up news from Kashmir.
However it is said where there is a will there is a way, the Electronic Media in Kashmir particularly after 2008-10 agitation has introduced a new way to reach to the people of world. As per this writer’s survey Kashmir reserves almost 10-14 News portals working thought-out the days to enlighten the masses of globe the real happenings in Kashmir, that too without any financial support.
“It is true that the Press has to guard its freedom zealously and should brook no interference from the government in a democracy. A subservient Press will sound the death-knell of democracy. But in a situation as it prevails in the Valley the question only arises here where the freedom of Press is?” Bilal questioned.
Among others the seminar was attended by all the senior members of JKYJA which includes, Ajaz ibn Yousuf, Ramez Makhdoomi, Tauseef Mir, Faizan Bhat, Shazaad Hamdani,Meer Kaiser and others.  
The seminar which was convened by APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq saw participation of human right defenders, general public, Hurriyat leaders including Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Er Hilal Ahmad War, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Musadiq Adil, Javaid Ahmad Mir, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Syed Saleem Geelani, Hakeeem Ab. Rashid, Imtiyaz Reshi, Adv Aijaz Ahmad, and others.

JKYJA presented paper on the topic ‘Human Rights Abuses and Role of Media’ at a seminar

Role of foreign Media in Kashmir unsatisfactory: Bilal Bashir Bhat

Srinagar, Dec 08: In view of Human Rights week organized by Hurriyat (M), the Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalists Association (JKYJA) today presented the paper on the topic ‘Human Rights Abuses and Role of Media’ during a seminar held at Hurriyat Hqts Rajbagh Srinagar.
In this connection, senior member and treasurer to JKYJA Mr. Bilal Bashir Bhat readout the paper on the said topic. During his speech Bilal Bashir Bhat said that Human rights abuses are day to day issue in Kashmir, ranging from Mass Killings, Forced Disappearances, Rapes, Encounter Killings, Torture, Using of deadly Pellet Gun and Pepper Gas.
“Sources estimate the troop presence in the Kashmir at close to 700,000. That is equal to a ratio of 1 soldier for every 20 civilians, perhaps the highest soldier to civilian ratio in the world.” He added.
While speaking to a mammoth gathering the Editor-in-Chief Kashmir based News portal ‘Only Kashmir’ Bilal Bashir Bhat said despite all these Violations, the irony is that Indian Media failed to figure out the true picture of Kashmir, although Human Rights Organizations, both local as well as international, the general reader does not get any such picture of the situation from the mainstream Indian press.  So it can be easily concluded that Indian press has never tried to figure out the true picture of Kashmir.
“It was August 2008, when millions of People assembled at Srinagar’s Historical Eidgah towards the “EidGah Chalo” call instead of fleshing this event as the Breaking News the Indian Media was busy to make some debates over the slipping of Indian Actress Katrina Kaif from motor bicycle.
The role of press always plays an important role for the settlement of every issue, but unfortunately as like the 90 Thousand people the Kashmir based press also disappeared from Television since after 2008 agitation. I’m sorry to direct, leaving Two to Five no Newspaper in Kashmir reserves more than 300 circulations per issue.”
The means of modern communication, Internet, SMS services also felt to the long pending Kashmir dispute. It is pertinent to mention here the SMS services have been barred in Kashmir since 2010. The freedom of speech has turned the nightmare for the people of Valley. It is Kashmir where on a post on Social Networking sites can put someone behind the bars.
It is a bitter truth that once upon a time household names in Kashmir, International Media Agencies like BBC, Reuters, Associated Press and AFP, Voice of Germany have loosed the attention in Kashmir.  The Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar who remained one of the busiest media capitals in India and World for nearly two decades, today the media organizations have shut their bureaus. International publications and outlets like TIME, Guardian, The Times, The New York Times, Al Jazeera and some Arab newspapers are also not showing much interest in picking up news from Kashmir.
However it is said where there is a will there is a way, the Electronic Media in Kashmir particularly after 2008-10 agitation has introduced a new way to reach to the people of world. As per this writer’s survey Kashmir reserves almost 10-14 News portals working thought-out the days to enlighten the masses of globe the real happenings in Kashmir, that too without any financial support.
“It is true that the Press has to guard its freedom zealously and should brook no interference from the government in a democracy. A subservient Press will sound the death-knell of democracy. But in a situation as it prevails in the Valley the question only arises here where the freedom of Press is?” Bilal questioned.
Among others the seminar was attended by all the senior members of JKYJA which includes, Ajaz ibn Yousuf, Ramez Makhdoomi, Tauseef Mir, Faizan Bhat, Shazaad Hamdani,Meer Kaiser and others.  
The seminar which was convened by APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq saw participation of human right defenders, general public, Hurriyat leaders including Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Er Hilal Ahmad War, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Musadiq Adil, Javaid Ahmad Mir, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Syed Saleem Geelani, Hakeeem Ab. Rashid, Imtiyaz Reshi, Adv Aijaz Ahmad, and others.

Srinagar, Dec 08: Continuing with the observance of human rights week, APHC today conducted a seminar titled, “Denial of Right to self determination Basic Human Rights Violation”.

The seminar was convened by APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and was attended by senior hurriyat leaders, human rights activists, respected elders and general public.
 The hurriyat leaders who participated in the seminar include, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat,  Moulana Abbas Ansari, Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi Al Safvi, Musadiq Adil, Adv Abdul Majeed Banday, Adv Shahid-ul-Islam, Javaid Ahmad Mir, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Hakeem Abdul Rashid andImtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, Abdul Manan Bukhari and Shahid Saleem. The others who spoke on the occasion including Adv Aijaz Ahmad Dar and  Journalist Bilal Bashir Bhat.
People’s Political Party President Hilal Ahmad War who along with his hundreds of supporters officially joined APHC. The seminar was organized by Hurriyat’s Human rights cell, Salim Geelani.      
Addressing a jam packed gathering, APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the main cause of continuous bloodshed, torture and interminable oppression upon Kashmiris was denial of their birth right-right to self determination to choose their political future. He said that Kashmiris are not begging, but they are demanding their right which has been pledged by India and UN to them.

In the context of international affairs, Mirwaiz said the world is accepting the fact that the rights of people can’t be suppressed by using force. He said the biggest achievement of hurriyat and Kashmiris was that they have remained steadfast for demanding their political rights since 1947, adding, this was the symbol of alive political movements worldwide. He said Kashmiris have watered the freedom struggle with their blood and India should read the writings on the wall at earnest. 
Referring to Kashmir struggle, Mirwaiz reminded UN of its basic role as a world body towards the Kashmir dispute, adding, the UN has failed in discharging its duties regarding the Kashmir issue. He said till Kashmir issue is not resolved, the usefulness of UN would be questioned.
Mirwaiz said elections were no substitute to right to self determination. He said such a process would have no bearing on disputed status of Kashmir, nor now, neither it had any since 1947.
APHC Chairman said Kashmiris have waged their war against the autocratic rulers in 1931 and are continuing do so after partition till date.
Referring to Indian union, he said the country should not deceive people regarding Kashmir issue and present the true picture of this dispute before them.
As Kashmir is going through a critical phase in their history, Mirwaiz said Kashmiris should show unanimity, cooperation, stability and solidarity on all levels so as to defeat the adversaries. On the occasion, Mirwaiz welcomed Peoples Political Party leader, Hilal Ahmad War, upon his joining the hurriyat. He said hurriyat was a forum and resistance leaders should come and join the united forum and present their point of view through this effective platform.
Addressing the seminar, senior hurriyat leader Abdul gani Bhat said that Kashmiris have never usurped the rights of any, nor they will allow their own rights to be snatched by others. He said the more Kashmiris are oppressed and their rights are violated, it will firm their will and resolve which will ultimately take strengthen the freedom struggle.
During the seminar, a film featuring the rights violation over the past decades was also shown.
Meanwhile, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War termed joining the APHC as home return. He expressed hope that under the dynamic leadership of APHC Chairman, the struggle would be taken forward to its logical end.

Srinagar, Dec 07: The APHC today conducted an impressive seminar, titled “Disappeared Persons, Graves with Unknown bodies, Custodial killings-who is responsible?” at Town Hall Islamabad in connection with the Human Rights Week. seminar, was hosted by Peoples league chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza

 The seminar which was convened by APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq saw participation of human right defenders, general public, Hurriyat leaders including Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Gani lone, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Musadiq Adil, Javaid Ahmad Mir, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Syed Saleem Geelani, Mohd. Ashraf Sofi, Hakeeem Ab. Rashid, Syed Bashir Andrabi,  Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi ,jaffer Kashmiri  and Rashid Wani and others.

 During his inaugural address, APHC Chairman paid glowing tributes to the people of Islamabad for their immense contributions to freedom struggle by offering their lives and property. He said the heart wrenching incidents of Bijbhera Massacre, Chattisinghpora, Shopian etc and hundreds of other such incidents were still being mourned in Kashmir. He, however, said the silence of International community over such incidents was not only regrettable, but it also depicted the double standards attained by it.

 On the occasion, Mirwaiz paid glorious tributes to anti-apartheid icon and global defender of human rights, Nelson Mandela over his demise at the age of 95. He said the world still remembers his immense contribution towards defending the rights of people. He said the biggest tribute to this leader would be that international community should shun its double standards on human rights issues.

He said when people in East Timor and South Sudan are subjected to oppression, international community raises its voice, but when the same thing happens in Kashmir, it terms it as a dispute between India and Pakistan. He said the world community always refers to Kashmir as a border, regional or a bilateral issue between two south Asian Neighbours.

 Mirwaiz said Kashmir was neither a border issue, nor a regional one. He said Kashmir was a human issue and it should be treated on the account.

 About holding talks, he said Hurriyat was not averse to meaningful dialogue and it had held several rounds of talks with both India and Pakistan to solve the K issue.

Mirwaiz, however, said it was due to obstinate attitude of India that talks failed, adding, even the Hurriyat suggestions to create a conducive atmosphere to solve Kashmir issue were not considered by the Indian government. He said Kashmir issue can be solved either by dialogue between the stakeholders or by implementing UN resolutions in this regard.

 APHC Chairman said when Hurriyat talks of Kashmir it talks of geographical entity which existed before 1947. He said nobody will be allowed to divide the state and that Indian political parties were hell bent to fragment the state so as to associate the demand of freedom struggle to one particular group. He said Kashmiri pundits were inalienable part of Kashmir and Kashmiris would welcome their return.

 Mirwaiz said that certain elements were hell bent to divide people on regional, linguistic and religious line. He said Hurriyat would counter these nefarious designs tooth and nail. He said people of all regions should be allowed to interact to hammer out a resolution of Kashmir issue since it pertains to them, not India or Pakistan.

 APHC Chairman said one thing which it wants to make clear to the people of India was that Kashmir was not a border or regional issue, not a developmental or electoral one. He said despite holding elections in Kashmir from 1947, the issue continues to exist.

Mirwaiz said that till India does not bring tangible change in its policies and thinking, the ground situation in Kashmir would continue to remain as it is.

 He said that eight lakh troops present in Kashmir were not meant for countering 250 fighters, but they were maintained here to suppress the Kashmiri aspirations and spirit for right of self determination.

 Mirwaiz stressed that Kashmiris were a peaceful nation and peaceful mass revolution of people in 2008 and 2010 testifies that. He said the Indian troop’s unleashed terror on peaceful protesters and hundreds of Kashmiris youth were martyred by them during the protest rallies. He said authorities were not allowing peaceful protests. He said government continues to impose restrictions on political, religious and social activities of pro-freedom leadership.

 Condemning the restrictions imposed on peaceful political activities of Syed Ali Geelani, APHC Chairman said government is doing utmost to widen the chasm between people and pro-freedom leadership.

 Rejecting the claims of pro-Indian political parties that they were representing the people, Mirwaiz said these people while sitting in Assembly and Parliament have never raised their voice against the oppression against Kashmiris and about scrapping of black laws. He said they never have made an effort to pass any resolution which would call for any confidence building measures leading to Kashmir resolution.

APHC Chairman said these people have always exploited politically and economically exploited Kashmiris for their petty interests and are continuing to do so. As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, he said the entire pro-freedom leadership has unity and unanimity regarding their aims and objectives. He said there can be difference in approaches, but aims and destinations are same.

 Asserting that conglomerate would do its every bit to strengthen public contact, APHC Chairman said that while observing the human rights week, the conglomerate would appeal international bodies like UN, European Union, OIC and international community to support Kashmiris and use their influence to solve the Kashmir issue for once and all.

 Informing the gathering that he was invited to OIC Foreign Ministers Conference, Mirwaiz said he could not participate in the international even due to unavailability of travel documents. He, however, said a Hurriyat representative would present its point of view in the conference.

 Another senior Hurriyat leader, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat  Mukhtar Ahmad Waza said the main aim of observing human rights week was to strengthen the public contact and to aware people about the changes in the world politics. He said Hurriyat calls upon India to take step to solve Kashmir issue for the interest of its own people. He said Kashmiris would never accept dominance of any nation, not they have shown it to anybody. He said it was historical truth that Kashmiris, despite their limitation in strength and power, have taken head on with the one of the largest countries of the world. He said the movement was now shifting to new generation.  Referring to human tragedy in Kashmir, Mirwaiz said hundreds of prisoners were lodged in jails across Jammu and Kashmir and in India. He said around 9,500 persons were subjected to disappearance, and 8000 unidentified graves were silent witness to the gross human rights violation committed by Indian troops in Kashmir. He said the occupation of Kashmir by Indian army and paramilitary, their pickets and bunkers, sent shivers through spine of common Kashmiris.

 Spokes person jkpl imtiyaz reshi