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When three Kashmirs met in London - I
by Bashir Manzar *[This full seven part article has been reproduced by SACW on June 18, 2004]
London: In the peaceful environment of London, the world capital, Kashmiris from all parts - Valley, Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawlakote, Gilgit, Baltistan had assembled in a hall at Commonwealth Institute. Also were present people from Pakistan and India including the charismatic former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. The occasion was a two-day Kashmir Conference, organized by International Kashmir Alliance (IKA) headed by Dr Syed Nazir Gilani.
Historic event indeed! Former Pakistan prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, separatist Peoples Conference chairman, Sajad Gani Lone, former chief minister of J&K and patron of largest mainstream political party, National Conference, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Justice of India (Retd.) and president Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, Justice Rajindar Sachar, Secretary General National Party of Pakistan, Mir Hasil Bezanjo (son of renowned Pakistani leader Gous Bakhash Bezanjo) and Chief Justice of Azad Kashmir (Retd.) and president J&K Liberation League, Justice Abdul Majid Malik, all sharing the same stage alongside IKA chairman Dr Gilani. Former Indian Prime Minister, I K Gujral couldn't make it to the conference due to the change of government at Delhi but had wished the conference success.
Cutting across ideological barriers, the galaxy of renowned personalities assembled thousands of miles away from their respective lands to discuss Kashmir and to make an attempt to make the invisible people visible and to empower them to make an informed choice.
It was for the first time that people from all parts of erstwhile undivided Jammu and Kashmir had assembled together to discuss Kashmir problem, the problem that is their own and that could be resolved only by the people who live within the geographical boundaries of the erstwhile princely state.
Kashmiris from all regions were excited to meet each other and to talk to and to listen to each other. Different languages, different cultures, different religions ą but all sharing a disputed legacy - Kashmir. Any keen observer could make it that how little the divided Kashmiris knew about each other. Sharing the same geographical unit just 56 years back, the Kashmiris of different regions were literally unaware about the issues and problems of each other. This reality mocked at the very claim of those who say they represent the entire Jammu and Kashmir (undivided).
Trilateral dialogue has all along been a buzz word in this part of Kashmir and most of the separatist leaders have been advocating such a dialogue for, what they say, permanent solution of Kashmir issue. As these assertions have never rose above mere rhetoric, IKA made a history by organizing a multilateral dialogue involving all the concerned parties. Although it was an unofficial meet but could, in the days to come, provide healthy and result oriented input for any official future dialogue between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri leadership.
The conference was held in the backdrop of Indo-Pak talks, which the new government at Delhi had announced to carry forward. The intention was that let the voices of the people be heard who constitute the main and principal party ą the Kashmiris.
Never ever had such a meeting took place in the 56 year disputed history of Kashmir. And never ever have Kashmiris of all the regions been in a position to share their ideas, pain and troubles. And the fact that the meeting was conducted in UK, which most of the people treat another party to the dispute as the dispute was born with the division of Indian sub continent in 1947 architected by British Raaj, made it much more than a historic event. IKA had taken a historic step, and if it continues to sustain the initiative, despite the odds that it may be face to face with given the nature of the Kashmir issue, it, at some stage, may be in a position to change the course of history.
While people present there were all set to discuss the issue in a relaxed atmosphere without fears and inhibitions, away from the deafening bangs of IEDs, killing gun shots and spine-chilling sounds of grenades, Dr Farooq Abdullah dropped the bombshell: Uncle of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been shot at back home.
Farooq's statement shocked one and all and came as a grim reminder that talking peace is not an easy task. While life outside the hall was going on normally and people were busy watching some interesting movie in Odeon theatre opposite the Commonwealth Institute, people inside that hall, particularly the ones from Kashmir Valley where wondering that when and how the deadly teeth of the ruthless monster of death could be zipped. On Farooq's suggestion two minute silence was observed and special prayers offered for the injured Moulvi Mushtaq. (Although there was some confusion about the identity but Muzaffar Shah of Awami National Conference had a mobile phone with him and called Srinagar only to confirm that it was Moulvi Mushtaq).
Most of the participants from Kashmir Valley knew Moulvi Mushtaq and some of them including this writer were very friendly with him. The news of the attack made the otherwise serene atmosphere gloomy and reminded the participants of the grim situation that the Indian part of Jammu and Kashmir is face to face with.
Taking thread from the latest act of violence, Farooq Abdullah lamented the sufferings of Kashmiris. He didn't hide his pessimism regarding the Indo-Pak talks. "India will not leave an inch of the territory that is under its control and Pakistan will not rest till it happens. So where is this much publicized process heading to," he said hinting at his oft repeated suggestion of converting LoC into a soft international border and allowing Kashmiris to travel to other parts freely. Farooq stressed the need that Kashmiris living under three separate administrations should raise their voice against violence as it was eating up the very vitals of Kashmiri society.
Farooq was appreciative of IKA efforts and expressed his belief that if such efforts are made seriously and sincerely, these may help suffering Kashmiris to come out from the prevailing mess. Amid the clapping of more than 100 participants, Farooq commented that his party (NC) would always back and support any initiative aimed at restoration of peace in the region and ending the sufferings of Kashmiris. To be continued
When the three Kashmirs met in London - II
Benazir rings musical bells
by Bashir ManzarLondon: Prior to the beginning of the first session, all the participants were having tea and coffee outside the conference hall and waiting for the chief guest. Suddenly somebody announced: Muhtrama Benazir Bhutto has come.
Cups were put on tables swiftly and excited participants readied to welcome former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief, Benazir Bhutto. I was thrilled to see the great lady face to face.
I have been an ardent fan of Benazir since my childhood for varied reasons. This gorgeous lady proved to be of iron will when Pakistan dictator General Ziaul Haq hanged her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Instead of succumbing to the oppressive methods of the dictator, young Benazir decided to fight back. In a conservative and closed society of Pakistan where people didn't even spare Begum Fatima Jinah, a young girl deciding to fight against the most dreaded and powerful dictator was something that has always enthused me about Benazir. And today I was going to see her face to face.
Holding my breath, I waited and here she was. Accompanied by Wajid Shamsul Hassan, Benazir entered the room and said Assalamu-Alikum. My God! The voice was so sweat as if thousands of bells were ringing at Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar and the musical waves were making waters of Dal to dance. More graceful than grace and more beautiful than beauty, Benazir was among us all. I know Wajid Sahib. He was Pakistan ambassador in UK and is now Benazir's advisor. I had met him few months back in London. We exchanged smiles.
IKA chairman, Dr Syed Nazir Gilani introduced participants, particularly from Indian part of Kashmir to Benazir. And all exchanged pleasantries. As usual, M Y Tarigami made his presence felt in a very interesting manner. Dr Gilani introduced him as CPI(M) leader from Kashmir Valley. Pat came the reaction from Tarigami: I am a Communist. For a while Benazir was silent as if hunting for the words to react and then said in her typical style: ėGood', attracting a lively laughter from the participants.
All the participants accompanied Benazir to the conference hall and thus began the first session with Mumtaz Khan of IKA conducting the proceedings. Prior to Dr Farooq Abdullah's speech Dr Gilani presented the keynote address. Introducing IKA and the concept of the Kashmir Conference, Dr Gilani stressed that while the sub-continent is echoing with the talks of Indo-Pak dialogue, the Kashmiris living under three administrations have to make themselves visible so that they are heard and their point of view too is considered. Gilani regretted that Kashmiri leadership has failed to position itself as the principal party and that is why while India and Pakistan are announcing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) for each other, no CBM has till date been announced for the people who are the real sufferers.
Giving the background of the conference, Gilani said that it was the most appropriate time to hold such a conference to involve the people from all the three administrations and also democratic and saner voices from India and Pakistan.
"IKA puts people first, opposes a privatized and a commercialized political culture and supports a culture of politics that is transparent, accountable and democratic," said Gilani adding that the conference is to focus on the jurisprudence of the distribution of people under three administrations and on the question of positioning themselves in the interests of the people.
Gilani stressed that today when the two governments of India and Pakistan were expressing their desire to resolve all disputes including Kashmir, Kashmiris living under the three administrations have to rise to the occasion and make their presence felt.
"Whenever and wherever the talks between India and Pakistan are held, the input should come from Kashmiris," Gilani emphasized.
Thus Gilani set the tune for the two day long discussions. The anchor then invited A R Shaheen, MP to make his presentation who declined saying his leader (Dr Farooq) was very much present and sharing the stage with Benazir Bhutto and Sajad Lone and thus it would be proper that he speaks on the occasion. And it was here that Dr Farooq revealed the tragic news of the attack on Moulvi Mushtaq and then spoke at length about the Kashmir issue, Indo-Pak relations, opening of Muzaffarabad-Srinagar road and other related issues. To be continued
When the three Kashmirs met in London - III
Sajad Lone: Try for solution, resolution can wait
by Bashir ManzarLondon: In Kashmir politics there are people with an ability to articulate their views in unambiguous manner and who have the vision and wisdom to be on the fore front. This reality was proved by young separatist leader, Sajad Gani Lone, chairman of the Peoples Conference when he spoke during the first session of the conference. It was really an experience to listen to a separatist voice from a stage wherefrom a renowned mainstream politician (Dr Farooq) had just finished his speech. IKA and its chairman deserve three claps and more for making impossible possible. Getting Kashmiris of all the regions on one platform is something that would have far reaching positive impact on the over all polity of the subcontinent.
As Sajad's was the most credible separatist voice (as for as Valley participants were concerned), the audience including the chief guest, Benazir Bhutto listened to every word of his speech with apt attention.
Not letting down the listeners, Sajad was at the best of his oratory skills. Speaking in flawless English, he was, as usual, open, honest and blunt. Taking a dig at the anchor Mumtaz Khan who had asked him to finish in minimum time as Madam had to leave for some other function, Sajad, in the very beginning addressed to Benazir: "Let me tell Madam Bhutto that people of my Kashmir have all along held her in great esteem. It is for the first time that we are sharing our views with you and would love to stretch the time as far as possible. So please don't limit your association with us."
Sajad was so blunt and abrupt that Benazir was left with no option but to approve with the nod of her head and a mesmerizing smile.
Drawing a comparison between the killing of his father, A G Lone and Benazir's father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Sajad said: "Madam you had the luxury of mourning and speaking against the killers of your father. But I hadn't even that much luxury because doing so would have brought another coffin to my home."
Sajad said that Kashmir has become a tragedy where thousands have lost their lives, people are languishing in jails and the citizens are humiliated and harassed everyday.
"This has to stop now and for that all the parties have to de-emotionalize the Kashmir issue. Let us rise above emotionalism and look at the issue in a pragmatic manner in accordance with the present global situation," Sajad said.
Sajad regretted that a certain level of violence suits both India and Pakistan and therefore the pot is being kept boiling.
"The gun is being used to crowd out politics and interestingly the gun lies with India or Pakistan. The manageable level of violence, that suits both the governments limits the role of Kashmiris," Sajjad added.
Taking a dig on Indian government, Sajjad said: "India is celebrating its success to get Hurriyat involved in talks. The government is happy that the Hurriyat that was being used by Pakistan is now in its control and could be used to score points over the neighbours. This mind set has to change."
Commenting on the process of dialogue, Sajjad asked India and Pakistan not to erode the credibility of the institution of dialogue. "I am of the view that dialogue is the only instrument that helps conflict resolution but it should not be misused to score points without any substance," added he.
Not sparing Pakistan, Sajad said: "Isn't it an irony that I as a Kashmiri with the sacrifices of 80,000 people at my back need a certificate from Pakistan. Madam the way your government created misunderstandings and doubts about this Kashmir Conference, had you not been here it would have been very difficult for me to attend this very very important conference."
Talking about the resolution of Kashmir issue, Sajad said that the parties should concentrate on short term solution. "Resolution is not possible so let there be efforts to find out a short term solution. And some years down the line this short term solution could mature into resolution," he said.
Stressing the psychological and economic reunion of the Kashmiris living under three administrations, Sajad said that instead of using the mechanical terms like bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, the same thing could be made emotionally and psychologically soothing by just changing the phraseology. "I would like to put is as the birth right of Kashmiris to visit their own people in all regions."
As Sajad finished his speech and moved towards his chair, Benazir slipped a piece of paper into his hand making the reporter in me very curious. But it was only after the first session ended that I could find out what it was. Benazir wanted to meet Sajad to condole the death of his father.
Sources said that Benazir went to Sajad's hotel next day and was there for more than an hour.
Anyway, after Sajad's speech, the anchor made the announcement for which the audience was waiting eagerly. The one to address the conference was none other than the sole credible democratic voice of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. To be continued
When three Kashmirs met in London - IV
Benazir speaks: Rang Batien Kare Aur Batoun Se Khushboo Aaye
by Bashir Manzar
London: At times poetry may sound a laughing stuff to some who are not much comfortable with this stream of creative literature. Such people may question the creator of Rang Batien Kare Aur Batoun Se Khushboo Aaye saying how could colours speak and how could the words be fragrant. I would have liked such critics to visit conference hall of Commonwealth Institute London on June 29 where the verse was taking a practical shape as former Pakistan prime minister, Benazir Bhutto walked to the dice and spoke to the audience in the first session of the International Kashmir Conference organized by International Kashmir Alliance (IKA). Yes, colours were speaking and every word was as fragrant as fragrance.
"I am here to convey to you that I and my party are friends of Kashmir and would do anything that would help resolve the issue and ensure a peaceful and prosperous life for Kashmiri people," Benazir said appreciating the efforts of Dr Syed Nazir Geelani for organizing such a conference. Acknowledging Dr Gilani's contribution in rights movement, Benazir, pointing towards him, said, "We had all along been on the side of Kashmiris and in Geneva we fought for the human rights of the Kashmiris."
Describing the intra Kashmir dialogue as a step in right direction, Benazir said that today's world has become more dangerous and it is not the peace but threat of war that hovers over the sky.
Commenting on what is happening in Iraq, Benazir said that Taliban are reemerging and in Kashmir too despite the ceasefire on borders, the violence continues unabated.
Referring to the speech of Sajad Gani Lone, Benazir said that when her father was killed, she was left with two options. Either to be silent and live a hassle free life or to respect her principles and continue the struggle for democracy. "I chose to side with principles and my struggle continues," she said. She paid tributes to Abdul Gani Lone and expressed her ėdeep felt' sympathies with Sajad.
Benazir said that Kashmir means a lot to her and so did it to her father.
Commenting on the point made by Sajad that while Benazir had the luxury of mourning her father's assassination and of talking against the killers, he had not even that luxury, Benazir said: "I am reminded of a meeting with a Hurriyat leader who once told me that India is offering talks to the conglomerate but they are scared. I knew they were scared of ISI."
Speaking in detail about her Kashmir connection, Benazir said: "I have heard my father talking of Dal Lake and have a dream to stroll along its banks." But lamented while former Indian Prime Minister, I K Gujral can visit his village in Pakistan, "I can't visit my Ladkana."
She said that it was because of her efforts that Hurriyat Conference was granted observers status by OIC.
In a lighter vein she said that during function at New Delhi she said that Hurriyat was the representative voice of Kashmir and "Dr Farooq Sahib your son told me that he was elected by Kashmiris and if only Hurriyat leaders were the representatives, who was he? I told him that we don't dispute anyone's representative character."
Stressing the need of Indo-Pak friendship, Benazir said that only a democratic government in Pakistan could make this happen. "India and Pakistan fought three wars and all these war were fought when Pakistan was ruled by military generals. The democratic governments always ensured peace," added she.
She said that her party has never tried to take political mileage out of the sufferings of Kashmiri people. "That is why we didn't oppose General Musharraf when he declared ceasefire and our sole aim in not doing so was the perception that the step may lessen the miseries of Kashmiri people," Benazir said.
Supporting Sajad that the cycle of violence is to be broken, Benazir said that what Pakistan wants, India will not agree to that and what India is interested in Pakistan will not be comfortable witrh that. "I borrow from Mr. Lone's words that any initiative should be process centric. It is process that is important," she said.
The PPP chief said that at the moment geographical reunion of Kashmir seems impossible but "we should not get stuck by this hard reality.
"let there be a process of social and economic reunion on the pattern of European Union. Soft borders will help in this regard and while the ceasefire holds good along border and LoC, let government of India declare ceasefire with militants too." Benazir also suggested that India should reduce the numbers of its troops in Jammu and Kashmir.
Benazir said that the experiment of soft and safe borders between Israel and Jordan is a success story and India and Pakistan too can take a cue from that experiment.
Appreciating IKA for conducting intra Kashmir conference, Benazir stressed that such activities should go on.
Addressing directly the participants from Indian part of Jammu and Kashmir, Benazir, amid loud applause promised that she and her part would back and support any and every initiative that would be aimed at resolving Kashmir problem and reducing the sufferings of Kashmir people.
With the conclusion of her speech, the first session of the conference ended and organizers announced a tea break. All the participants came out with Benazir to see her off. She left, but her words continued echoing in the conference hall for all the remaining sessions.
When three Kashmirs met in London - V
Showkat Kashmiri advocates grabbing the opportunities
by Bashir Manzar
London: In conferences and seminars, tea breaks are something the participants are always longing for. To come out of the jam-packed conference halls, breathe some fresh air and pollute one's lungs by smoking one-two cigarettes in quick succession. But to be honest, such was the magic of Benazir Bhutto's presence in the conference hall, people would have voluntarily skipped not only the tea break but even lunch break. But conference schedules are schedules and only fools could afford to change them. Thus our union with Benazir Bhutto come to an end but I am sure her presence there and her candid speech added to her respect and regard in the eyes of all the participants.
Sipping hot coffee and swallowing delicious cookies, we just relaxed and chatted in the green lawns of the Commonwealth Institute. While, the participants were relaxing, the organizers, particularly Dr Nazir Gilani was busy making preparations for next session.
I know Dr Gilani for quite some time. Kashmir Images readers too are well acquainted with his name as he has been regularly contributing for this newspaper. Dr Gilani has been involved with rights movement since his student days. After doing his Law from University of Kashmir, he crossed over to the other part of Kashmir under Pakistan control. There too he was an active advocate of rights movement and his pro-Kashmiri stance cost him his government job (he was in information department). Dr Gilani is one among the few pre-90 rights movement activists.
And his colleague Sardar Showkat Kashmiri too is a prominent rights activist from Pakistan administered Kashmir. I first met him in Geneva where we were together in a conference. I knew about him because at one stage he was picked up by Pakistan intelligence agencies for talking for the rights of the people of that part of Kashmir. For sometime, he had gone missing in custody and had the human rights groups all over world not protested, any thing could have happened.
Showkat also spoke in the first session before Benazir Bhutto but so is the impact of Medam's fragrant words on me that I forgot to report the speech of a lovely friend like Showkat in sequence.
While delivering the inaugural speech, Showkat Kashmiri said that IKA intention to get the people from Pakistan, India and Kashmiris living under three administrations is not for the sake of bringing them together. "Our real aim is to encourage a dialogue that would throw up realistic and sustainable policy recommendations for solving the genuine problems of the people of the region and to create solidarity, understanding and a sense of partnership among representatives of civil society and the state," he said.
Sounding futuristic, Showkat said referred to the five dark decades of violence, bloodshed and missed opportunities and added, "But ahead lies the prospect of peace, reconciliation, security and prosperity. The opportunity can either be grasped or squandered. It is up to us to try and ensure that the right choice is made."
Showkat stressed that the violence and bloodshed that have marred the landscape of Kashmir in the second half of the twentieth century are an aberration rather than the norm. "They run counter to Kashmir's long and glorious tradition of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. The people of Kashmir are, at heart, peace loving and tolerant. Indeed, peace and tolerance are embedded in their genes and hatred, intolerance and violence are alien phenomenon to them. These are the products of external influences. They will not survive long in the soil of Kashmir, and let us remember that five decades are but a fleeting moment in the history of a people, a country or a region."
"Should we let our society fall further behind the rest of the world or should we make a determined effort to catch up?" Showkat questioned, adding, the answer should be clear to all right thinking people. What they need to do is to summon the courage to make their true feelings and sentiments clear to their leaders and to the decision-makers who matter. The latter, in turn, need to listen - and listen carefully - to the voice of the people.
"The needs of the people of Kashmir are not very different from the those of the people of the rest of the region or the rest of the world for that matter. They need jobs to be able to earn a decent living and feed themselves and their families. They need schools and colleges to educate their children. They need hospitals and health care. They need clean water and sanitation. They need good roads. They need electricity. They need a responsive administration to deliver public services in an honest and efficient manner. And they need security," added he.
Describing the conference as a historic opportunity, Showkat said: "This is perhaps for the first time that grass-roots leaders from both the sides of the Line of Control, who have a genuine understanding of the realities on the ground and the genuine aspirations of the people, are assembled together. By bringing them together, IKA has been successful in completing the first phase of its short term goals. I am confident that we will also succeed in our second phase which is to spell out viable strategies that will contribute to the building of a South Asia that is free from exploitation, corruption, fundamentalism, intolerance and authoritarian rule." To be continued
When three Kashmirs met in London - VI
And the debate shifts to contradictions within
by Bashir ManzarLondon: After the tea break several speakers expressed their views over the issue. Most of the speakers were of the opinion that granting people of Kashmir, living under three administrations, freedom to visit each other freely and trade with each other would undo the complicacies tugged with Kashmir dispute. Mumtaz Khan, the young and energetic IKA activist stressed the need of frequent interaction between the people of all the regions. He suggested that Kashmir question should not be confined to the parts under Indian control alone.
"People in Pakistan Administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are not being heard. They have become completely invisible while their basic rights are violated by the respective administrations shamelessly," Mumtaz Khan, who is based in Canada, said.
It was Tsering Samphel, President Ladakh Budhist Association, Leh who dared to make public the contradictions within the Kashmiris. Samphel said that while people talk of the rights of Kashmiris in Indian part of Jammu and Kashmir, no attention has even been paid to the interests of Ladakhis.
"We have suffered under Kashmiri rulers and continue to suffer. Our region has all along been ignored on developmental and economical fronts," Samphel said.
Samphel argued that in the presence of bigger Kashmir question, the problems of minority groups in Jammu and Kashmir get over shadowed and such people, particularly Ladakhis become invisible to the extent as if they didn't exist at all. He continued saying, "The talk of Kashmir dispute has hostaged the progress and development of other people with no one to listen to them."
Whether one agrees with what Samphel said or not but the fact of the matter is that Samphel touched the most sensitive issue that Kashmiri leadership has been shying away to consider. There are contradictions within. Contradiction between Kashmiris and Ladakhis, Ladakhis and Jammuites, Jammuites and Kashmiris, Kashmiris and the people of Azad Kashmir, People of Azad Kashmir and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan -- so on and so forth. For any intra Kashmiri dialogue, shying away from these contentious issues would be killing the basic idea behind such a dialogue.
Samphel's speech had triggered a fresh thinking process among the participants. During the lunch break (it was a simple working lunch intelligently organized so that the participants doesn't fall asleep during post lunch session) most of the participants were discussing the issue.
While people from Valley were of the opinion that among all Kashmiris, they were the worst sufferers and violence was eating up the very vitals of their society, people from Azad Kashmir would complain that while they always express solidarity with Valley people, none of the Valley leaders have ever talked about the rights violations in Azad Kashmir. And people from Gilgit and Baltistan had grievances against both.
I was left speechless by a participant from Gilgit when he questioned: "Your Hurriyat Conference claims to the sole voice of undivided Jammu and Kashmir. How many members it has from Gilgit, Azad Kashmir or for that matter from Jammu, Leh or Kargil?" I had no answers. He went on: "Isn't it a shame on the part of both the Hurriyat factions that they have to import people from your Kashmir to head Azad Kashmir chapters of their factions?"
I had never thought on these lines. Yes, why the factions of Hurriyat need people from Kashmir Valley to head Azad Kashmir chapters of their groups. The point is worth pondering upon. Is it that both the factions do so to appease Pakistan because if people from Azad Kashmir or Gilgit are part of Hurriyat (either of the faction) it would be vindication of the fact that the all is not well with the parts of Kashmir under Pakistan control too?
After eating lunch (Was it lunch??), the participants strolled in the green lawns of Commonwealth Institute, smoking and chatting. The entire lawn was turned into a huge ash-try with cigarette butts thrown every where (my contribution would have been the greatest). Those who are assigned the duty of maintaining the complex would remember for times to come that what kind of people had gathered there who not only smoke but had an ability to throw the butts wherever they want. Care-free people, na!
Anyway, I had all along wondered that why General Zia's government was after the blood of Dr Syed Nazir Gilani for writing an article titled ėKashmiri Zuban aur Maslay Kashmir' for Weekly Alfatah Karachi.
He was charge sheeted for acting against the interests of the Government of Pakistan and for spreading rebellion against the Government of Pakistan. Incidentally he was booked under Martial Law Regulation 13 (MLR 13) prescribing a 5 years imprisonment and 15 lashes. Government of Pakistan banned his booklet ėKashmir Ka Waris' and he was booked under MLR 53 prescribing a death sentence.
After listening to the speakers from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan, I think I should tell Dr Gilani to thank his stars that he was still in one-piece. After interacting with cross section of people from these area, one gets a feel of the lives these people live. I had always wondered why most of rights movement activists from Gilgit and Azad Kashmir were living in exile and this International Kashmir Conference provided answer to my questions. It is not easy to be in rights movement and live in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit. To be continued
When three Kashmirs met in London - VII
And the people rose above petty politicking
by Bashir ManzarLondon: In this season the days in London are very long (sometimes these seem unending). Sun is reluctant to set till 9 in the evening and therefore people eat dinner in ėbroad day light'. We were asked by the organizers to assemble in the lobby of the hotel, we were staying at, by 7.30 pm wherefrom we had to leave for dinner to some Shezan Restaurant.
I had a shower and relaxed for a while in my room, which I was sharing with Zaffar Meraj and was in the lobby at scheduled time. Keeping our Kashmiri traditions alive, we dragged 7.30 to 8.30.
By 9 we were at Shezan. The restaurant, I was told, is owned by some Pakistani. It is just walking distance from world famous Harrods shopping mall. This shopping mall is exclusively for rich. Owned by that Arab Doodi of Lady Diana fame, it is the costliest shopping centre and people like me could only look at its outer walls and move ahead in that typical, ėI don't care' style. But this time around I had decided to go inside and have a look at what is there.
Anyway, it was dinner time and the organizers had booked the tables and ordered food so I decided to postpone my programme of sneaking into Harrods.
Dinner time was once again a good opportunity for a free and fearless discussion among the participants. Food was good and so was the food for thought. I really enjoyed it and also the company of those who were on my table. India, Pakistan, Kashmir, 9/11, Afghanistan, Iraq -- everything figured in the discussions and by 10.30, the last exercise of the day was over.
We boarded the cabs and after a few minutes were back in the hotel. Before dinner most of the participants were eager to finish it and go to sleep as all were feeling tired. But back in hotel, most of us, instead of marching to our rooms, preferred to sit in the lobby and chat. Actually everybody wanted to say something and everybody wanted to listen to something.
Manzoor Anjum was enjoying the company of Mirza Wajahat Hussain (chairman all party conference Gilgit) whose round cap with a colourful bird feather fascinated me. Tahir Mohiudin was looking for some ėvery important' phone numbers which he needed desperately and was angry with me as I was not helping him in finding out those numbers. Wearing that mask of artificial seriousness on his face, Anjum was enjoying my and Tahir's Nook Jhoonk from a distance.
People were discussing the speeches made by several speakers. They were discussing the suggestions made by some speakers particularly those of psychological, economic and social reunion of all the three Kashmir's suggested by Benazir Bhutto and Sajad Lone; Victoria Schefield's comment that instead of the politics of revenge, Kashmiris should give a try to politics of forgiveness; Balraj Puri's idea of reconstituting the State on the basis of language and ethnicity; Gilani's suggestion of Kashmiris positioning themselves as the principal party, so on and so forth.
CPI(M) state secretary, M Y Tarigami's comments that Kashmir has become an industry for the vested interest both in India, Pakistan and also Kashmir, were being debated and most of the people agreed to his observation. Tarigami had said that the sufferings of Kashmiris have given birth to a new kind of economy ą conflict economy - and some people in Indian and Pakistani establishments were thriving on this economy. He supported the suggestion that the concerned parties should do away with the shackles of emotionalism and talk seriously.
Bloch leader Hasil Bizanjoo had suggested during his speech that both parts of Kashmir be granted autonomy for a period of ten years and once they enjoy the political, democratic and economic rights for a decade, the attempts be made for a final settlement. Bizanjoo had forcefully advocated that Kashmir is a case of national rights, not a religious issue or a Jehad issue.
All these speeches were being discussed and it was interesting to note that people were very honest and straight forward in their comments. Those having political affiliations were no more talking within the ėframework of their respective parties' but just as Kashmiris and I think, this attitudinal change is the great success of this conference.
I remember Dr Gilani telling me time and again during our conversations spread over last few years that once Kashmiris rise above their self imposed shells and behave as Kashmiris ą Kashmiris first and Kashmiris last, finding answers to Kashmir question would be much easier. I agree with Gilani that once this happens, things would start falling in place. And in the lobby of Hotel Holiday Inn, I could smell Dr Gilani's dream coming true.
But the question that haunted me while walking upstairs to my room was - would all these political leaders continue to behave, the way they were behaving now, once they are out of London and back in their own organizational limits? In the answer of this question lies the answer to Kashmir issue. To keep this momentum on, IKA may have to do something to continue such meetings and get these people again and again face to face and even try to broaden the circle. I know how difficult it is, but who says creating history is kid's job!!
* (kashmirimages@hotmail.com | www.kashmirimages.info)
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