Pictures of Kashmiri Hindu protest(photographs-3rd may 2013)@ jantar Mantar & Press Club of India..

Perverted Patriotism-A dangerous trend.

There are many people in India who idolize Mahatma Gandhi. He is regarded as the Father of India; and his photo is printed on the Indian currency. Some of the leaders around the Globe have openly attributed their non-violent struggle to the teachings of Mahtma Gandhi like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King.

It is a well known fact that many people like to keep the photo of their loved ones, in their Wallets. The loved ones can vary from a girlfriend, a wife, parents, children, an actor or an actress, spiritual guru, God and Goddesses or revolutionary leaders like Bhagat singh or Mahtma Gandhi Etc. One thing is sure; the person whose photo has been kept in the Wallet, has to a large extent, influenced the psyche of that person, who is carrying the picture.

In the Kashmir valley, the Barber’s shop used to be a place where one could hear the wildest ,weirdest yet most interesting tales. And almost all the Barbers were gifted Raconteurs. They could spin the tales whether real or imaginary with eloquence. The customers after getting their hair trimmed by the Barber would open their wallet and give the money in lieu of his service. During such times, I had seen, many a times, these customers carrying the photos of their icons in their wallets ;while folding or unfolding their purses. The glimpses of the photo of Imran Khan , Wasim Akram or Javed Miandad are still fresh in my mind. It did not look odd to me, that many people in the valley were carrying the photos of Pakistani Criket players or Pakistani Politicians in their Wallets.

In 1988, when I was still in my School, our history Teacher-who also happened to be the son of the principal and owner of School-would try to Galvanize the students for a “Jihaad”. Our English teacher, a Sardarni from Punjab would narrate the horrendous tales of atrocities happening in Punjab. I did not say a thing to my History teacher, nor did I protested to my English teacher for fanning anti-India sentiments. No Kashmiri Hindu used to say anything. Hindus had made a tacit compromise. After all they had to live in that land. But destiny had different plans…..

In Pakistan, General Parvez Musharraf is trying hard to make a dent in the Pakistan’s Political Arena. The once lucky and Mighty General and former President is no more lucky or Mighty. He had constantly negated in the past , India’s allegations that, Pakistani soldiers were actively involved in Kargil war. But now ,in the changing times, he is openly claiming that the Pakistani Army was involved in the Kargil War, he is even taking credit for that. He was the one who killed the system of Democracy in Pakistan. But at the same time, He is alive unlike his previous military contemporaries who became the Presidents of Pakistan. It is a sort of an achievement. Having said that, he is still , definitely not the most popular leader of Pakistan.

Back in India, a section of Muslims are being exploited by their religious teachers and Religious Schools who are being funded by Oil-Rich nations like Saudi Arabia. Though these Oil-Rich nations propound their Faith all over the Globe, But in their own country, they invidiously discriminate the people of India, Pakistan as well as Bangladesh irrespective of common Religion. But that does not deter the Religious leaders as well as the Demagogues in India; using Indian Muslims for their own good .

Since 1947, the Muslims of India are feeling alienated, the feeling of alienation has increased manifolds with each decade passing by. The quality of education is easily the worst among the Indian Muslims. Though they have produced scientists like Homi jehangir Baba and A.P.J Abdul Kalam, but by and large they are still ,one of the largest segments of illiterates/semi-literates. Their Religious Leaders and many politicians want them this way-deprived, neglected and helpless. Many of these men often take refuge in their religion and are sometimes manipulated by their leaders as well as their Religious Teachers, in such a way, that they grow up hating India. For example; if there happens to be a Inda-Pakistan cricket Match; Majority of Muslim localities cheer for Pakistan-Though legally they are Indian Citizens. Majority of Muslims have a keen interest in Pakistan’s Politics. In Muslim-majority localities, they conspicuously display their emotions for Pakistan and Islamic Countries. In Places like Muradabad and Rampur in U.P, where there is a considerable population of Muslims, they clash with the Karvariyas(pilgrims who get the waters of Ganga from Haridwar in the month of Sawan[july-Aug]) each year.It has sort of become fashionable. And these trends are increasing alarmingly.

Already, there is a considerable presence of Maoists and Naxalites in places like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Orrisa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. They are also in war with India. It is a well-known fact that these groups are being supported by China. And terrorism is supported by Pakistan. And Pakistan-China forge a strong bond with each-other, That is why Aksai-Chin was gifted by Pakistan to China.

Some years back, I was in Nainital. I along with my two friends decided to go for a hike to Tiffin top. While we were walking slowly towards the tiffin-top, we were accosted by a group of horsemen. They offered us a ride to the top at a very reasonable price. To make sure, they are not con-men, they also showed us their photo I.d’s. We decided to complete the trek on the Horses. I asked them ,”What are the names of the Horses?”one of them said, ”He is Michael Jackson”, pointing to my friends Horse.”He is Hero”, pointing to my other friend’s horse and “he is Tyson”, pointing to the horse, I was riding. I asked them ”what are your names ?”. One of them said, ”My name is Akhtar , He is Imran and that is Khurshid”. He further said, ”we are from Rampur”.

We spent some time on the top and came back down pretty soon. After alighting from the horses, It was time to give them Money. I gave two five hundred notes to Akhtar, as he looked like an Alpha amongst them. He had to give me four hundred rupees back. He took the money from me. He took his Wallet from his Pocket. I could easily make it that his wallet was made of Mixed Leather. He unfolded his Wallet. And there it was! “Parvez Musharraf’s” Photo. He was carrying the photo of Pakistan’s President in his wallet. He gave me back four Hundred Rupees. And we parted our ways after exchanging our final pleasantries. We never met again.

Out of all the men on Earth, The Horseman was carrying the Photo of Musharaf. Had he carried the Ayaat’s of Holy Quaran, I would not have been surprised, Or for that matter a picture of Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan.I would not have been surprised. Had he been carrying a photo of Bollywood actress, or for that matter a photo of Khomeini, I would not have been surprised. But he choose to carry the photo of the Head of a country, that happens to be the enemy number one of India.

This trend may prove to be detrimental to the security of India in the long run. After all, wasn’t it the Pakistan who fanned the religious card in Kashmir and is waging successfully a low-cost war with India. Wasn’t it the Islam-card that helped the Pakistan to annex what is now known as Pakistan occupied Kashmir. And let us not forget Indian Mujahideen-who are responsible for many recent terrorist attacks in India. Aren’t they fighting with India on the name of Islam ?It is a known fact that they are being supported by the ISI and groups operating from Middle-east.

Arresting the culprits is not enough. The source that is giving them support, whether financially ,logistically or ideally, should also be attacked and wiped out completely.

Gandhiji may be an Ideal for those who are peaceful and non-violent by nature. He may be an ideal for those who believe in a peaceful struggle. But, In India there is a large section of people who are feeling neglected and are endorsing the views of Mao and extremism, Thanks to the rampant corruption ,nepotism and plutocracy prevailing in India. The hegemonic political parties whether at National or Regional scale are both culprits for pushing India into a state of disarray.

And then, there are some people like that horse-man whom I encountered in Nainital, who are holding the leaders of Pakistan very close to their skin, maybe imagining to prove their loyalty whenever the need arises; It is not difficult to comprehend whom they will support in case there is a war between India and Pakistan.

May be the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi has been superimposed by the teachings of jingoistic leaders. whatever may be the reason, the root-cause must be analyzed rationally in order to find a cure of the disease that is eating out the roots; on which India stands.

We have already seen the division of United-India in 1947.The partition was based on Religion.Another partition is not accepted.For that, the trend of perverted anti-India patriotism should be checked, reversed and stopped immediately…..

P.S-Gandhiji is loved of course by perverts also…..but only on Crisp new Currency Notes..

A conversation on Kashmir with an ex-army man…

I and my friends Manish and Sunil were going to Garh-Mukhteshwar for a dip into the holy Ganges. As soon as we reached Garh-Mukhteshwar, we took a boat to go to other side of the river for a swim. The rays of the sun were shimmering in the waters of Ganga , intermittently blinding our eyes. The garland of flowers floating nearby shielded our eyes briefly, thus giving us some respite. That Garland may had embellished an idol of god or it may had been a final gesture of reverence to the dead by a family member. Who knows! Anyway, We reached the other side within minutes. A Panditji was offering prayers for his clients, who were repeating the hymns chanted by the Pandit.

I have always believed that the cool waters of the Ganges rejuvenates my body and mind and Manish could not disagree with me .After the Bath/Swim, we sat on the wooden planks nearby. And Manish started about his favorite topic-Kashmir and Kashmiri Pandits. An elderly Gentleman, who was sitting opposite,just a couple of meters away, on the other wooden plank approached us and asked, ”Are you Kashmiri Pandits?” I said, ”yes we are”. He said,” My name is Singh, I have served armed forces and I was Stationed at Kashmir in the nineties”.

Our conversation started…..

Manish-what is your present assessment of Kashmir?

Singh-It is better than nineties ,but it is still not Normal. When I was there, it was like a guerilla war, we never knew when, where , how and who will attack us. We had to be prepared at all times. Had we been given powers, we would have normalized the situation within a day. It is the politicians, who are doing the macabre dance on the cost of the lives of their soldiers, just to enhance their political career.

Manish- You must have heard the cacophony of pro-jihadi , anti-India, and anti-Hindu slogans, that was voiced from the loudspeakers of the Mosques across the valley?

Singh-Yes, I did and so did my colleagues.

Manish-Did you met Kashmiri Pandits there?

Singh-Only in the early 1990.You fled to jammu and other parts of India as the terrorists were killing you.

Manish-It was all pre-planned. The majority of the Muslims, in the valley, were privy of the plans and intentions of the Terrorists. But they maintained a sinister silence.

Sunil-In 1947, the army of the Maharaja sided with Pakistan and thus helped Pakistani army to annex POK. This all happened on the name of religion. The same happened at the time of Sukh Jiwan Mal, when his army deserted him. Yaqub shah, being a shia muslim was also deserted by his army. History repeated itself in 1989-90 and Kashmiri Pandits were rendered homeless.

Singh- The lack of political will is a deterrent for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. you are not a vote-bank and you did not even raise your armed unit to counter your hostile contemporaries in Kashmir .The political will is a must for the return of Kashmiri Hindus. Kashmiri muslims are being heard because they talk not only diplomatically masquerading peace, but when the need arises ,they restore to violent methods also. They know how to be heard.

Manish-We are a peaceful community. But that does not mean that we are naïve. At the same time, I have to agree with you. Our peaceful nature has become a hindrance. The govt. too knows this fact, that is why they have not been able to make inroads for the kashmiri pundits into Kashmir. Pakistan has a Plan for Kashmir and Kashmiri Muslims. National conference, PDP and congress has plan for Kashmiri Muslims .The plan for Kashmiri Hindus is to appease Kashmiri Muslims by marginalizing KP’s socially, financially, religiously and politically . As you said it is vote-bank politics.

Sunil-The valley-centric political parties are playing dirty politics. They have over years, successfully sown the seeds of hatred against India. The frequent outbursts of Mustafa Kamal against India is not new. The recent obnoxious statements of NC MP Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri is also not new. Attaullah suhurwardy,a senior NC Leader, the former minister and Deputy speaker had said in a speech in State legislative council that he is first a Muslim then an India and that It is the fundamental duty of a Muslim to strive for conversion ,any muslim who forgets this duty is not a worthy Muslim. The Kashmiri Hindus were proving to be an impediment for the religious zealots and bigoted politicians.
PDP is also no saint. Their patron Mufti mohammed syed instigated riots and violence at Anantnag, which led to migration of many Kashmiri pundits in the mid 1980’s.It is a known fact that when he was the chief Minister of the state, he did not used to salute the National Flag of India on special occasions like 26th jan or 15th August. It was a clear indication to his vote-bank that he does not care about India. These gestures by the valley-based mainstream political over the years have poisoned the minds of majority of Muslim minds. This propaganda has lead a Kashmir Pandit to a point of no-return.

Manish-That is why we demand a separate homeland for Kashmiri Pandits. we have seen seven migrations. Enough is enough .We can not live anymore at the will and whim of Islamist fundamental jehadi mindset politicians, who use us whenever it suits them and discards us when it suits the emotions of their vote-bank.

Singh-The politicians should consider this option. As I said a political will of the government is a must to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

Manish –If Govt. is not serious to facilitate our return on our conditions then, let them formally announce us as Refugees. There are many countries who have special laws for refugees. We will also find one such country. At least we-the kashmiri Pandits can live as a community and preserve our ancient heritage and culture.

Singh-Govt. should ponder over this point too. You see, Kashmir matters for me as well!

Sunil-How does it really matter to You or rest of Indians .Majority of Indians are still oblivious to the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. Majority of them still believe that we live in Kashmir even today.

Singh-You may be right! But I too have given my blood for Kashmir. I was hit by the bullet in my right leg. My colleague was killed in the Gun battle with the terrorists, in front of my eyes. I too faced trauma-physically , emotionally as well as mentally.

He folded up his trousers to the thigh. There was a livid Scar above the right side of his right knee. I looked at the face of Singh. It was livid as well. The sweat drops on his forehead made me realize the conspicuousness of his Curled white moustaches that still had some shades of black. Just like his personality.
Calmness descended on his face as he curled down his trousers.. He was again composed .Manish was looking at him intensely.

Manish-Singh Saab, I appreciate your patriotism. You are also one of our many unsung heroes, who gave their blood for Kashmir.

Sunil-I agree with Manish. Where will you go from here singhji?

Singh-I live in Gajraula. I will reach there within half an hour .Where are you going?

Manish-Lucky you. You have a place to be called as Home. My home is illegally occupied by some Muslim men in Kashmir. By the way, we are going to NOIDA.

We exchanged our mobile numbers, with this hope that we will remain in touch with each other and share some more information and incidents on Kashmir. Before he left he said, ”you should ask Govt. for a place of your own in Kashmir”

Singh fared good bye to us. We watched his back as he walked with a limp towards the Boat. His family was already in the Boat. A man grabbed his hand and pulled him into the Boat. The boatman paddled the Boat away from us. we waved with our hands at Singh. He waved back. He alighted from the Boat, ascended the stairs , looked back at us and again waved. we waved back.
Singh Saab was gone but there are thousands of singh saab’s who have fought for Kashmir. Kashmiri Pandit’s fight for the restoration of their rights and justice is long, arduous with little support from the Government machinery. For some, it may look impossible to restore our basic fundamental rights in Kashmir. At times, it feels that a Kashmiri pandit is fighting a lone battle. But then we meet some people like singh, for whom Kashmir still matters. And hope floats. Just like that garland that floated in the Ganges and shielded our eyes from the blinding reflections of the Sun…..

The Old lady and her pain….

The old widow
though alone
Faced the tough life
with her brazen outlook
she lived in a 5 storey house
that stood tall
holding its head high
just like the old lady…..

Her fifteen room House
Was witness
How she raised all alone
her only child
A daughter
With love and care….

But then came jan 1990
She fled her home
In the middle of night
Amongst the rampage
Amongst the inferno
In the chilling night
When the jihadis were
On a killing spree..

The dignified old lady
Did’t wanted any help
From her Loving brother
Or from her beloved daughter
So she stayed in an ashram
And sang the hymns
In the praise of the lord
But the pain in her heart
Would force her thoughts
To roam around
her 15 roomed house
And she would then
pull herself back
Into the stark reality of today
Where she didn’t had
even one room
Not even a tent…..

The pain sucked out her vigour
her health
So thin she became
She became a living Skelton
Her health had failed now
But not her grit….

Then one day at the behest
Of her daughter
She moved with her
and her grandchildren

she would often mumble
She would talk to herself
And her tear drops would fall
From the corner of her eyes

And then one day she died
No one came on her funeral
Just her daughter’s family
And a handful of relatives
May be four or five
they paid their tributes
and then they said
“though brave she lived a life of pain”

And then after two days of her death
Her ashes were collected
from the shamshan
And then a relative said,
“see her atmaram
is distorted”….”
And then he said that,
“the atmaram of my parents was in a perfect shape”
“They will go to heaven”
“And see this poor lady”
“she lived a life full of strife and pain”
But it hardly mattered
she was no more…..

I had heard her many times
When she spoke
In sighs
And in whispers
that
“She had a house back in Kashmir
And that
In her house
she had 5 Pashmina shawls
And a samovar
And a lone poplar tree
And that she gets
Three thousand rupees in pension…”

She was my Grandmother….

An Open Letter to Mr.Omar Abdullah

To
The Honorable Chief Minister of J&k
Mr.Omar Abdullah
Respected Sir,
My name is Sandeep Kaul.I used to live in the valley before terrorism and armed militancy wrapped its Blanket on whole of the valley. The sufferings of my community in exile is well known to you. During the last 23 years, the valley of Kashmir witnessed many ups and downs. Violence, terrorism, bloodshed and what not!

Though the peace of the yore is still far, but it is gradually limping back into the hearts of people of Kashmir. I pray to almighty to restore the lost glory back to Kashmir and I pray for the prosperity of my motherland.

I and many of my likes welcome your announcement wherein you have wished to designate the summer capital to Jammu and winter Capital to Kashmir. I think this should had been done years back. Better late than never. The people of Jammu will feel some relief from the horrid summers as will the people of Kashmir who have to face the bone freezing cold.

I admire the way you handled the summer unrest of 2010 ,It must had been very tough to tackle the situation, But I must confess you thwarted the attempts of anti-nationals adroitly. The Job packages for Kashmiri Pandits was equally applaudable ,though it may not reverse the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. I also appreciate your efforts in recommending the center to raise the dole of Kashmiri Pandits from 5k Rupees to 10k rupees.

Sir, however there are a couple of points which need your immediate attention.

1.The process for getting a state-subject of J&k has become more cumbersome. I was told to submit at least 12 different documents for getting my state subject, including revenue record of my land in Kashmir as well as the voter list of 1988.I believe these steps to be deterrent in getting a State subject. I have been deprived by these draconian steps to call myself a legal subject of state. Empirically, believing the govt. machinery against me and my likes won’t be a misnomer.

May I request you to simplify this process.

2.Recently , it has been notified that Aadhar card is a must for any financial transaction including getting the monthly relief of Kashmiri Migrants. Though it might be a good decision but I beg to differ here being as a Kashmiri Pandit Refugee.

I and my likes still in the heart of our hearts feel the only Home for us is in Kashmir. Unfortunately, either our homes have been occupied illegally in Kashmir or we had been forced to sell our homes at throwaway prices under duress. Though there are some depilated vacant houses also. In either case, we are bereft to call our homes as our own.

I have a serious doubt that in the grab of Aadhar card, I may be permanently labeled as a non-state subject, I may be called as a Delihite, U.P Wallah,Haryanvi but a Kashmiri. I doubt in the grab of Aadhar card the journey to my motherland will not see its day.

May I request you to let all the displaced Kashmiri Pandits use their respective Kashmir addresses(prior to 1990) and thereby help them preserve their last identity in Kashmir or else exempt all the Kashmiri Pandits from using/recognizing Aadhar card as their residence of proof.

Your’s sincerely
Sandeep Kaul

Hang Afzal Guru!!!!

Today it marks yet another anniversary of Parliament attack.11 years back on this day, the temple of Indian constitution was attacked by the Lashkar-e-Toiba/Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists.12 people died including 5 terrorists in that Gun Battle. Investigations revealed the hand of Afzal Mohammed AKA Afzal Guru behind the attack and after a long trial, he was sentenced to death by the High court as well as Supreme court. His mercy petition is pending with the President of India.

Should he be hanged to death is a topic that has been discussed over and over again, with one section demanding vociferously his death, and other section opting for lifelong incarceration. There is a third section which alleged that the trial for Afzal guru has not been just. The politicians of Kashmir belong to the second section as Afzal Guru is a Kashmiri and kashmiri muslims empathize with Afzal. A large section of people in Kashmir believe that he has been framed.

Earlier it was Kasab, that needed to be hanged to death, now that Ajmal Kasab is dead, many politicians in the lok sabha, want the head of Guru.

Is there any guarantee that after the death of Kasab, there will be no terrorist attack on India?And suppose if Afzal Guru is Hanged to death, will it guarantee that the terrorist activities will cease to exist. The Politicians opine that the death of Guru will be a victory of justice especially the justice mentioned in the law of the land!

May I toss a question to all these intellectuals, law makers and politicians?

Why are the killers of Kashmiri Hindus roaming free and enjoying the security cover given to them by Government of India? why are the conspirators of killing and mass-exodus of Kashmiri Hindus sharing the dais of Indian politicians, law makers, Human Right activists as well as intelligentsia. Shouldn’t they be sentenced to death on the same lines as Afzal Guru?

I am sorry to say, this rhetoric is nothing short of melodramatic acts performed by maudlin stage actors. Remember Balwant singh Rajaona! His death sentence was not carried out by the Govt. of Punjab even though he openly confessed of conspiring to kill Beant singh-former Chief minister of Punjab.On the other hand the mass killer of Kashmiri Pandit-Bitta Karate is roaming free like a bird although he had also openly confessed of his crime, or for that matter Yasin malik.

The List is long , the message clear, the perpetrators of genocide of Kashmiri pundits will remain free and rule the land.

Is there some personal vendetta between the politicians and Afzal Guru!

Is the life of Indian politician more valuable than an ordinary man of India! definitely yes, that is why they want Afzal Guru to be dead. They want to send a clear message to terrorists-Don’t mess with politicians, because there are two tacit laws operating in our country-one for them and one for us….

Killing of Afzal will have livid repercussion in the Kashmir valley. Militancy will get the much needed impetus and there will be more damage to the lives of common kashmiri. The hurriyat, the mercenaries and the Pakistan will be praying for the death of Guru ,the macabre dance will give another bloodline to the precarious predators such as the Hurriyat and its coterie.

Personally, I don’t think hanging Afzal guru will serve any purpose, Afzal jailed for life will also give the message to the world, I hope that President Pranab Mukherjee will save the life of Guru although he may stay in jail for life for the crime.

Let the justice follow a chronological path …

visit to my Homeland…Kashmir

After so many years,23 years to be precise, I touched the land of my Birth- Kashmir with a bit of excitement and some trepidation .My Brother’s Facebook Friend Shahid was waiting for me at the Airport to receive me. He had made it unequivocally clear that I have to stay with him at his house in Nagin area .He and his family greeted me with open arms, though It was the first time they had ever met me. They made me feel so comfortable, I felt I was at home.

Next Day, My Father’s Friend Mr Sheikh greeted me with open arms at his residence at Khanyar. Mr. Khan’s son was killed in a Gun-battle with the Indian forces and is revered by all in his locality for his Son’s “Sacrifice”. I was in touch with him through phone for many months now and he had promised to accompany me to my former residence at Rainawari as well as Ganderbal.

Yesterday, As I visited Rainawari,I could not believe it is the same place that I and my family left 23 years ago .Though the lanes and sub-lanes are the same, yet something is amiss. The lanes and sub-lanes have been encroached by some people living there. My Father’s friend told me that many low-income people had purchased houses of Kashmiri Pandits in the Nineties and many affluent Muslim families migrated to the plush localities of Srinagar
.
As I was approaching my house in Kralyar, Rainawari,I got lost in the thoughts of my childhood and the memories flashed in front of my eyes. It was as if yesterday, I left this place amidst violence, But the depilated erstwhile Kashmiri Pandits houses quickly pulled me into the present reality. I recalled my neighbors who lived there. How could I forget Jallas, Bhandaris, Duranis, vakils and jallalis!!!

I stood for a while , looking at those houses and the members of those houses, for a while, seemed to come alive. My childhood came to life again ,After all ,it was in these lanes and by-lanes ,I had played games like chupan-chupayee(i-spy) and cricket .

I was shocked when I saw my ancestral home, It was in shambles but so was I.

Somehow, I reposed myself and entered my home. There was another surprise waiting for me. As I opened the door, a voice interrupted me ”who are you”? I looked around and saw an elderly man, I said, ”This is my home and I had come for a visit, who are you?” I could see his face had turned pale, but he feigned a bold reply, ”No! This is my Home. I can even show the papers of this house.”I maintained my calm , gave him a smile and said ”I have come to sell this property”. Before he could say anything, my fathers friend intervened and said to him,” He has not come to disturb you, he will have a look at this house and leave”. The occupant of my home agreed half-heartedly.
I knew this is a very common problem, which Kashmiri Pandits are facing in Kashmir. I recalled when I had met a senior politician of Kashmir, I was told that the people who oppose most, the return of Kashmiri Pandits into the valley ,are those who have illegally occupied their properties. Even my friend Sunil is also fighting a case in Kashmir as his property has also been occupied illegally.

I have made my mind to sell the house in Kashmir. I have changed in the last 23 years ,but so has my house in Kashmir. It is not the same place which I had left 23 years back. If my neighbors had been living there, like in the past, I would not have thought even for a second to come back and live there. The neighborhood temple Whom we called Bod-Mandir has also changed, no longer the temple bells remind the people in Rainawari, of the existence of Bhairava .Had I heard even one ringing of the temple bell, I would have stayed without a second thought, but that is not the case.

Will I be interested in coming back to Kashmir? My answers is “yes” I will, when my neighbors will be filled with that much love, which they showered me pre 1990.I will come that day when I will have freedom of choosing and practicing my religion without getting hounded again. Until then, I will choose to live separated from by beloved Homeland.

Yesterday, I had also visited Hari-Parbat and Vizarnaag. Though Hari-Parbhat is maintained to some extent, Vizaarnag is in a very bad state. It has turned into a archeological monument surrounded by marshy land. A virtual quagmire both physically and literally.

Overall, I am enjoying my stay in Kashmir, I will stay in Kashmir for some more days and hopefully untangle many knots both physically and emotionally…..

by-M.Zijoo

Of Frankenstein’s and Kashmir

I too watched today’s debate between U.S President Obama and Mitt Romney as both of the contenders put forth their views on foreign policy. There was nothing new and both of the contenders reiterated that they will support Israel who has been labeled as Enemy no.1 of Muslims. Both of them debated on how they will tackle the growing influence of China.

On Al-Qiada ‘s former supremo, President Bush said,” Bin Laden would have escaped If pakistan’s permission sought”. This shows the level of Trust, U.S.A had on its ally Pakistan. Mitt Romney reminded whole world about the presence of Taliban, Haqqani in unstable Pakistan and their 100 odd nuclear war heads fearing Pakistan may end up to be a failed state. He also reminded about their powerful Spy agency I.S.I and its role.

What if the fear of Mitt Romney turns out to be true? Who will be responsible if Taliban or Haqqani network or any other Islamic terrorist organization turns Pakistan into a failed state? What will happen to those 100 odd nuclear war heads?

We need not remind anyone about the mentality of so called jihadis. 14 year old Malala was shot at head because she was perceived as a threat to Islam by these fundamentalists. Is Islam so shallow that it needs gun, bombs and terrorists to keep itself alive as a Religion! Have sufis become a passé!, has spirituality been held hostage by the devils !

These terrorist organizations who operate from Pakistan’s soil is being fed by the I.S.I, In fact they are the creations of the ISI. Today these monsters have become the greatest factor that can make Pakistan a Failed State. But as of Today, they are like the tentacles of an octopus which has more than 8 tentacles in many of its neighboring countries and that includes India also.

The tentacles of ISI in India goes by may names ,
In Jammu & Kashmir only they had/have 1.J.K.L.F(Jammu Kashmir liberation front) 2.Hiz-ul-Mujahideen 3.Lashkar-e-toiba 4.Hurriyat conference 5.Allah Tigers 6.Jaish-eMohammed 7.Dukhteran-e-Milat 8.AL Badr 9.Harkat-ul-Ansar and many more…..The funding and logistics is being provided by the ISI to all these organizations. Some of these organizations change their faces and names from time to time, but their producer and Director remains the same.

Pakistan has used these organizations effectively from time to time depending upon the situation , they use the policy of carrot and stick in handling and motivating these groups to spread their ideologue. Among the groups mentioned above everyone including the Hurriyat have had their history stained with the blood of innocents. Hurriyat conference’s role has been to propagate Pakistan as a role savior of Islam. The communal leaders of Hurriyat conference have taken forward the ideology of Pakistan to oppose Hindus in every way.

Time and again they have targeted Amarnath Yatra as it is virtually the last remnant of erstwhile glorious past of hindus who once lived there. Let us not forget Kashmiri Pandits, who were driven out of their motherland. Today out of 4lakh Kashmiri Pandits that lived in Kashmir in 1989, only 4000 are left in the Kashmir Valley.

Hurriyat leaders are fanning the sentiments of common man on the name of of Religion. They had met with a tremendous success in 2008 and 2010 and now they are preparing their ground for 2013.Why are they opposing the construction of road to Amarnath cave? How many more people they want to die during the Amarnath yatra?

Their theory of environmental degradation is hard to swallow for me. Why don’t they shift their focus on the dying lakes of Kashmir? Why aren’t they worried about the receding forest line of Kashmir? Was it the love for environment that made these jihadi mindset people to oust Kashmiri Pandits from their Motherland!!!

Like hundreds of terrorist organizations that have been made in the factory of ISI, The kashmiri terrorist organizations too get their paycheck from Pakistan. It was written in the newspapers today that Pakistan has cut their Budget on the terror funding of Kashmir groups. This war on India has already costed Pakistan billions of Dollars and these Dollars have been paid to them by the USA.

In the Nineties there was not much difference between the Indian and Pakistani Rupee, But as of Today, one U.S Dollar=53 INR and One U.S. Dolar=95 PNR, This disparity is also adding to the woes of ISI. The indirect war of Pakistan on India is eating the economic base of Pakistan.

Coming back to today’s debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney, If these two presidential candidates fear so much about the present situation of Afganistan and Pakistan, why don’t they stop funding billions of Dollars as an aid to Pakistan as Pakistan has been misusing this aid to fund terrorists that includes Taliban also.

If they fear China, as China has become a hub for manufacturing for whole world ,and it is eating the job of Americans ,USA should also fear Pakistan as it has become the hub for producing terrorists and those terrorists have become the greatest threat to whole world including the USA.

The jihadis are no longer in control of Pakistan. Pakistan is no longer in U.S.A’s control as was evident from president Obama’s Statement. If Taliban, Haqqani and other Jihadis are Pakistan’s Frankenstein ,Isn’t Pakistan itself a Frankenstein in the making for the U.S.A……A failed state in process…

Kashmir’s sarpanchs and amarnath

My Sikh friend, who happens to be a panch in his village at Kashmir had told me last year that he was sidelined to become a Sarpanch, when elections were held in Kashmir for panch’s and Sarpanch’s.The media had particularly highlighted those elections as a sigh of victory for minorities of Kashmir as two Kashmiri Pandits had also won their respective elections.

In 2008-09, a huge turnover of voters had put the militants and separatists of Kashmir on Backfoot. When confronted by the media , they had stated that people had come to vote, simply to redress their local grievances and had reiterated that the elections had nothing to do with their so called movement of right of self-determination.

It is a common known fact that the separatists are hand in glove with the jihadi-mindset-armed terrorists backed by Pakistan. Separatists are the mouth-piece of Pakistan, whereas the armed militants ,who have been killing people, are their action Robots, and their hands and bodies are drenched in the blood of minorities and those who oppose them.
After the elections of 2008-09, the mouth-piece of Pakistan(separatists) had stated that people had come in hoards to vote for development-their fundamental right. But why is this right being murdered and chocked by terrorists who have threatened and killed the sarpanchs?

The recent killing of Sarpanch Ghulam Mohammed yatoo of palhalan village has forced 40 more panchs and sarpanchs to resign from their respective jobs.Lashkar-e-toiba(LET) – a terrorist organization funded by pakistan’s I.S.I -are alleged to be the masterminds of these murders.

Panchayti system is the base for the development of villages in India, Development is the last thing that Pakistan and its stooges wish for Kashmir. They want bruised people, void of emotional and financial strengths, frustrated, neglected, in dark and without any ray of Hope, only then, they can manipulate their mind and Heart. A strong panchyati raj is anathema to their vicious plans.

It is not the first time the separatists have sealed their mouths on this grave issue, In the past also they have turned a blind eye on the murders by the terrorists. This dichotomous approach, on the killings of common Kashmiris, has made it evident the chameleonic heart of the separatists leaders.

The lives of Human beings are weighed on the basis of their religions and on the basis of their support .That is why the separatists have opposed the move to the proposed construction of Road to the Holy shrine of Amarnath.At least 1000 people have died during the annual yatra of Shri Amarnathji during last 2 decades ,out of these 90% of lives could have been saved as most of the victims died of high-altitude ,lack of infrastructure and lack of immediate help. All these problems could have been solved, had there been an all-weather road.

This Yatra brings prosperity to the locals of Kashmir, particularly those locals who reside in pahalgam, baltal and Sonamarg. During the yatra, Many kashmiri locals and Gurjars from other places work here as porters. Most of the Yatris also visit other places in Kashmir such as Srinagar ,Gulmarg, Sonmarg and many more places, thereby adding revenue to the tourism industry of Kashmir-the biggest economy of Kashmir.

The separatists have given an excuse of environmental degradation if a road is constructed up to the shrine. True, there will be some impact on the environment, but it will be far less than the impact it had on the construction of Moughal route. The route from Chandanwari to The holy shrine is virtually tree-less, with no permanent human settlement or population. The route from Baltal to the Holy cave is also without trees and permanent human population. Environment is not the only issue raised by the separatists, Their figment of imagination and xenophobiaism had forced them to allege in 2008 that India wants to settle down 10 lakh ex-army men in Baltal area and thereby manipulate the population ratio of Kashmir. On the Genocide of Kashmiri Pandits, they chose to ignore this fact and remain mum.

India has till date kept its promise of UN resolution, Outsiders can not become residents of J&k due to the article 370.On the other hand, Pakistan has mauled the UN resolution 1948,they have totally changed the demography of P.O.K by settling non-locals in POK,By doing such acts they have nullified the UN resolution 1948.

My sikh friend who is a Panch ,last evening told me over phone that he is mulling to give his resignation as he too is petrified by the threatening calls and Murders of Panchs and Surpanchs.The conflict on the subject of freedom continues-This time on the freedom and right of development of Villages……

Assam and Kashmir ethnic cleansing…

Assam
Assam –has notoriously and conspicuously grabbed the News Headlines for the ethnic( read religious) conflict between the Bodos and Bangla muslims(read Bangladeshis) which has taken more than 75 lives so far in the last month or so. The area of conflict was the Bodoland where Bodos constitute more than 90% Hindus .Bodos and majority of Hindus in Assam attribute this violence to the influx of Bangla Muslims(read illegal).The indigenous Assamese muslims have so far refrained from any provocative statement on this conflict.
The name coined for this Violence is ethnic violence(It is religious)

 
Kashmir
In Kashmir the indigenous Kashmiri Hindus(Kashmiri Pandits) were forced by the Muslim Jihadis to leave by selectively killing them .the cold blooded murders led to the mass exodus of kashmiri Hindus.

 
Assam
In the case of Assam violence, there has been reported a mass exodus of around 5lakh people. The displaced people constitute both Bodos as well as Bangla Muslims.

 
Kashmir
In the case of Kashmir,at least 4 lakh people got displaced from their homes .All the displaced people were Kashmiri Hindus.

 
Assam
The repercussions of Assam violence resonated in whole of India and the people of North-East particularly Assamese were targeted in Pune, Mumbai ,Bangalore, Hyderabad .People from Assam thronged to their nearest Railway stations and fled to Assam fearing more attacks from the Muslims.

 
Kashmir
No such repercussions as Hindus are peace loving .It has been thousand years since India attacked any country. In fact majority of Indians are still oblivious to the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus.

 
Assam
The Bangla Muslims constitute more than 30% of the total population and their votes are extremely important for political parties, they can bring into power at least two Lok sabha M.P’s(Member of parliament).There are rumors that certain political have given their tacit approval to the influx of illegal Bangladeshi Muslims.

 
Kashmir
It is believed that in early 20th century the numbers of Kashmiri Hindus were one million, which declined to 4-7lakh, as they have been migrating to other parts mainly because of the lack of religious freedom in Kashmir .However 1990 proved beyond doubt that those who had migrated in 40’s had taken the right decision, At least they didn’t suffer the ways their successors suffered in 90’s.
Kashmiri Hindus have no voice in the political arena of J&k. Even the central government have so far behaved invidiously with them.

 
Assam
The governments at the state and center have refrained to use the word communal in the case of Assam Violence and have blamed the repercussions and retaliatory action of Muslims on Pakistan and ISI.

 
Kashmir
In the case of Kashmir ethnic cleansing, It was said by the Government that Pakistan ,ISI ,Muslim terrorists brainwashed by Pakistan were responsible for the killings and mass exodus of Hindus. As a Kashmiri Hindu I know who are responsible for my exodus and I remain witness to the blatant lies and blatant injustice of my own successive governments.

 
Assam
There has been ethnic violence between the Bodos and the Bangla Muslims in the past also and once the violence subsided, the bodos and Muslims have moved back to their homes. This time also they will repeat the same.

 
Kashmir
Last year many Kashmiri Hindus came back to Kashmir, this year thousands of Kashmiri Pandits came back to Kashmir. But Alas, they came back as tourists to see their motherland, where they and their ancestors had lived from last 5000 years.
23 years have passed since Kashmiri Hindus left their homes….
Returning to their native land is still a dream……………………..a distant dream..

The pain has been expressed in the following lines..

In my Dreams
I saw my childhood
happily screaming
and running
up and down the stairs
of my erstwhile home
when I opened my eyes
I saw my Childhood
mauled and Chocked…

 
In my Dreams
I saw my Happiness
blooming in the flower
that embelleshed
the kitchen garden
of my erstwhile home
when I opened my eyes
I saw my happiness
withered and crumpled…

 
In my Dreams
I saw my Grandparents
playing with me
in my erstwhile home
When I opened my eyes
I looked sadly
at the photo of my
Late Grandparents…

 
In my dreams
I saw my freedom
roaming around the
chinars and in the brooks
i saw my freedom
riding the kite above
my erstwhile home
when I opened my eyes
I saw my freedom
incarcerated and in shackles…

 
In my Dreams
I saw my soul
in the erstwhile home
of my loved ones
drinking the nectar of love
at the feet of lord shiva
when I opened my eyes
I did not see my soul
for, I have not seen my soul
since that day
when I was forced to
leave the home where
I was born………..