From Greater Kashmir (Also read Behind the Scenes)
So far the state of J&K was immune from communal onslaughts after the massacre of 1947. The people of these two regions were sharing good and bad days with each other like brothers. Many more ugly events took place in other states of the country since partition but it did not affect the harmony. But unfortunately the Amarnath Land Row created abrupt wedge between these two partners and created so much distance between them which seems very difficult now to bridge. Kashmiris fully know that the people of Jammu are tolerant race and have seen many ups and downs during last sixty years but have never reacted in such a harsh way against other sects of the state. This time they have entirely forgotten the past sixty years close association with their state mates of Kashmir and have used drastic and unlawful measures against them which were beyond expectation. Thus the Kashmiri Muslims and the Muslims of surrounding areas of Jammu had to sustain irreparable loss of precious lives and huge property and have become unwanted within a short burst of time. They have crossed all the limits and have not even hesitated to block the National Highway leading to Kashmir from Lakhanpur and stopped flow of essential supplies to Kashmir for days together. Wherever they spotted any loaded truck with goods bound for Kashmir, they got hold of the drivers and beat them to the pulp and hurled petrol bombs on them which made them half dead during the course of travelling. After words two drivers of Kashmir breathed their last in Srinagar. These harsh steps are taken at the last stage in the battlefield when all logic fails to work and when the two sides are to part company from each other for good. Therefore it appears that the Sangrash Committee may have some other aims in their heart of hearts, as such the land row seems a mere beginning. These agitating rioters gave communal color to the crusade launched against the Muslims at the behest of Sang Parivar, thereby crossed all the limits of humanity. In spite of such a big upheaval against a particular sect, the authorities at the corridors of power took it very lightly, thereby giving more time to goons of the fascist forces to continue their deplorable acts against the Muslims. The saddest part of the agitation was that the Kashmiri Pandits affiliated with so called “Panun Kashmir” and “Kashmir Samiti’, spewing venom against Kashmiri Muslims and the Muslims of surrounding areas of Jammu. They are the persons who used iron rods, chains, tridents and petrol bombs against Muslims and hurt their religious sentiments in a very crude manner. This they are doing contrary to the sincere efforts of Kashmiri Muslims for their homecoming. The wounds inflicted upon the said community during the upheaval may heal up in due course but the scars of the wounds will remain visible for all times to come and may revive the scuffle if the demands of the Sangrash Committee are beyond Amarnath. Thus the communal divide has turned the two communities poles apart. Now the land row agitation has come to halt in the wake of a recent accord reached between the Government and the Sangrash Committee on 31st August 2008. But it is one sided. Therefore it would be ever lasting and credible agreement only when Kashmiri Pandiths will take up the management of the Yatra.
S M Qadiri
"what is sad is that the focus in kashmir, especially of the Pundit community is not on the human shade of the dispute but on the geographical side. they want thier land back, the land which they were forced leave, but they refuse to see that this land also belongs to the common kashmiri who has spent a lifetime in a troubled land, who has seen his family die at the hands of the militants as well as of the army"- Anonymous, on Planforindia
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
'They said we split India, then called us communal'
From The Indian Express
Malegaon, October 2: Two days after a bomb blast killed five Muslims in Maharashtra’s communally sensitive town of Malegaon and briefly sparked mob violence, the state police had said on Wednesday that it was nervous about namaaz on Eid as tens of thousands of devout were expected to gather and emotions could once again flare. What they got instead on Thursday were tears.
“First you pointed fingers at us, saying that we divided the country. Then you told us that we are communal, and now you tell us we are terrorists,” one of Malegaon’s most prominent clerics, Mufti Mohammed Ismail, said as he led 1.5 lakh people at namaaz at the Idgah Maidan in the textile town. And then he broke down in full public view, after condemning Monday night’s blast which hit the town after Muslims had broken their fasts.
His words struck a chord with many in the crowd and brought tears in their eyes too. While urging Muslim youth to have “better sense and a conscience”, the imam asked the Government and the police to ensure that innocent people were not rounded up as suspects.
Speaking of “secular politics”, he said, “Kaan khol ke sun lo, jo qaum tumhe takhto taj pe bitha sakti hai, wohi qaum tumhara janaaza bhi nikaal sakti hai.” (A community which can place you on a pedestal can also take out your funeral procession).
Hundreds of policemen guarded the venue as the imam touched on “callous investigations”, “innocent Muslims identified as terrorists” and of the lack of justice for the 2006 serial blasts which killed 37 people.
The idea of “an educated Muslim”, the imam said, was lost today as educated young men were picked up without evidence and then shown as involved in Terror activities. The prayer session ended with the imam asking the community to remain alert and help a “just investigation” if they get leads.
Meanwhile, the Collector visited the families of the five killed in the blasts and handed them compensation cheques of Rs 5 lakh each.
Comments
Crap by pari on 2008-10-03 12:15:09.617605+05:30 So many bombs have exploded in the past couple months where were these Imams. Not one of them condum this. Now they are feeling the head.Wht do you mean by innoncent muslim? Unless they are questiond how will you wether they involved or notLet us give craps to such staged managed dram
Imam's speach by Ajith Kumar on 2008-10-03 12:00:21.733116+05:30 I respect the emotion and real anger/anguish shown by the Imam.He is right in saying that Police have a habit of taking many-including innocents- to jail for interrogation etc wheneveran attack happens.With great respect may I point out to the noblecleric that it is his and the community's duty toguide the young onesand the little ones away from negative thinking about India and that it is only through real education they can achieve progress in the country.Dr.Kalam rose against all prejudices and weak financial back ground androse to become an International Authority on rocketry and nuclear energy and became the President of the Nation.He lived in a Brahmin dominated place-a fact which did not deter him inhis pursuit for glorytheir goals of
Justifying violence by observer on 2008-10-03 11:53:18.78409+05:30 What is the press talking about.......instead of trouble,the police got to see tears? Read the article carefully,Mufti Mohammed Ismail said,'the community that can put you on a pedestal can also take out your funeral!' These are threatening words by any stretch of imagination.And what does he have to say about innocent citizens being killed by terrorists who profess his faith?He is worried only about terror suspects from his community being picked up by the police.What does he expect,an equal number of the majority community should also be picked up?Fact is the authorities are cowed down by such blatant one sided statements and end up releasing even those against whom there is strong evidence.This leads to even more terror attacks since the perpetrators are emboldened to do anything and the more gory and heinous the better.Looks like the minority is going to take revenge for the Guj riots in perpetuity till there is no India left or an Emirate of India is established!
The communalists by Samar on 2008-10-03 11:34:13.838219+05:30 Their threatening tone reflects their medievalists mindset. Why don't these folks leave for their land, which they created for themselves in 1947?Pakistan really deserves these people of "peace."
Misunderstood minority? by indian on 2008-10-03 11:32:32.585391+05:30 Let us clarify one point at at time...is it not true that the vast majority of Muslims had voted for Pakistan in the interim govt prior to 1947?After Pak was a reality,most chose to stay on,citing Nehru and Gandhi's reassurances as an excuse.However,I say the present generation of Indian Muslims have been born after 1947 and it would be unfair to target them on this point,but facts cannot be altered.As far as the allegation of being communal is concerned,it is a fact the minority community always thinks in terms of 'us' and 'them' further contributing to the alienation from the mainstream.The us and them ideas are drilled into the head of every child at home which is a fact.Lastly, is it not a fact that 99% of those involved in terror acts belong to the minority community.Tell me large numbers of Christians,Hindus,Buddhists,Sikhs too have serious grievances against the govt,but the overwhelming majority of them choose to use legal and civil means to rectify the problems.Think again!
Useless Police and CBI by Anon on 2008-10-03 11:24:49.768448+05:30 Muslims are the culprits for most terrorism - its in their religion - simple.But on the other hand, our police is useless. Whenever there is a bomb, they just seem to round up the closest few people they can find. They dont show any evidence, and just try to drum up some people they can pin the crime on and look efficient.And whats more, the interrogation they use would make Guantanamo look like a holiday. And of course even if you were arrested, you would say anything for them to stop. So they can claim lots of confessions and success, while the real terrorists are escaping and bombing repeatedly. The police should be required to produce evidence before and arrest, and there should be 24 hour cc tv on all terrorism cells so we know any evidence is ligit.
Say no to terrorism by Umsh on 2008-10-03 11:02:06.805968+05:30 Muslims should come forward and say no to terrorism. It is easier to kill Muslims.
Selective amnesia by Hindu on 2008-10-03 10:58:52.060723+05:30 The bias of the anti-Hindu electronic English media is evident in the hyper excited reporting of the church attack. The likes of Girish Karnad, U R Ananthamurthy and Mahesh Bhatt Teesta Shabana Azmi Barka Dutt Sardesai know which side of their bread is buttered. Their selective amnesia is amusing. Did these raise any voice in support of amaranth pilgrims protest or against durga pooja protestThey never react on lakhs of Hindus being displaced from Kashmir or innumreous atrocities on hindus. These opportunists are no better than traitors of the past who are ready to sell the dignity of the country for their selfish gains.Do you know AP CM Rajashekar Reddy is a Christian
Indian
by Rajesh on 2008-10-03 13:44:58.703816+05:30 Hahaha, I thought Rajashekhar Reddy was a human being who has an Indian Citizenship. Thanks for the correction- but you should go to a correction centre.
seletive amnesia
by Mohan Daddikar on 2008-10-03 11:50:17.426719+05:30 The names of theworthies mentioned are nothing but pseudoseularists and are more dangerous than snakes in the grass. They know by being on the side of party in power, they can aspire to hold lucrative and sinecure posts with the blessing of Sonia gandhi.
News we can use by Aditya Kurve on 2008-10-03 10:24:48.530271+05:30 Kudos to our national newspapers both IE and TOI for posting such events in their headlines. A similar story of Muslims performaing Ram Leela has been posted by TOI on their websites. This is classic case of constructive jornalism. Such stories help in dousing the flames of vengeance and highlight the secular and peace loving attitude that majority Indians harbour. I heartily congratulate you for taking up this mission of spreading peace. Jai Hind
Terror and its impact by chanakya on 2008-10-03 10:17:56.97043+05:30 What is happening in many islamic countries is an answer to the questions. we in India are only trying to save innocent citizens irrespective of their religion.
One sided view by kishor on 2008-10-03 09:35:24.004782+05:30 Why these Imams do not bother to condemn islamist terrorist?
Cry 2 change Gov't but not Terrorism by Tillu on 2008-10-03 09:33:48.025447+05:30 We should cry to stop innocent blood rain, caused by Islamic Terrorism, not on investigation that dig out culpprest involved in blast
My comments (Supressed at http://www.indianexpress.com/news/they-said-we-split-india-then-called-us-com.../368934/)
How many hindus in North-East use non-violent methods? How Many Naxals in South India are Muslims? How many Gujjars in Central India are Muslims? How many South Indian Hindus are associated with LTTE? How many Sikhs used non-violent methods in Punjab in 1980s?This hatered is bred by the government and more so by commentators like you who have absoloutely no knowledge and understanding of what is going on.Please watch these videos on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTNBB94hDBw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gbWI8QHitA
More than a hundred thousand Muslims in Kashmir have been killed whether by millitants or by security forces. This is just a single instance of what was allowed to be taped. You cannot even imagine under what threat each kashmiri lives today since you dont even bother to see the actual picture and in all probabilty have not even seen an iota of reality.
I dont justify the blasts that are killing innocent people across the country today. But this is how our security forces are breeding rebels. They must be nominated for Paramveer Chakra.
PS: I am blogging the entire page at http://www.badamwaer.blogspot.com/ In case my comments are not published, I shall forward the entire pages to all print media. In past also, many of my comments have been "moderated"
Malegaon, October 2: Two days after a bomb blast killed five Muslims in Maharashtra’s communally sensitive town of Malegaon and briefly sparked mob violence, the state police had said on Wednesday that it was nervous about namaaz on Eid as tens of thousands of devout were expected to gather and emotions could once again flare. What they got instead on Thursday were tears.
“First you pointed fingers at us, saying that we divided the country. Then you told us that we are communal, and now you tell us we are terrorists,” one of Malegaon’s most prominent clerics, Mufti Mohammed Ismail, said as he led 1.5 lakh people at namaaz at the Idgah Maidan in the textile town. And then he broke down in full public view, after condemning Monday night’s blast which hit the town after Muslims had broken their fasts.
His words struck a chord with many in the crowd and brought tears in their eyes too. While urging Muslim youth to have “better sense and a conscience”, the imam asked the Government and the police to ensure that innocent people were not rounded up as suspects.
Speaking of “secular politics”, he said, “Kaan khol ke sun lo, jo qaum tumhe takhto taj pe bitha sakti hai, wohi qaum tumhara janaaza bhi nikaal sakti hai.” (A community which can place you on a pedestal can also take out your funeral procession).
Hundreds of policemen guarded the venue as the imam touched on “callous investigations”, “innocent Muslims identified as terrorists” and of the lack of justice for the 2006 serial blasts which killed 37 people.
The idea of “an educated Muslim”, the imam said, was lost today as educated young men were picked up without evidence and then shown as involved in Terror activities. The prayer session ended with the imam asking the community to remain alert and help a “just investigation” if they get leads.
Meanwhile, the Collector visited the families of the five killed in the blasts and handed them compensation cheques of Rs 5 lakh each.
Comments
Crap by pari on 2008-10-03 12:15:09.617605+05:30 So many bombs have exploded in the past couple months where were these Imams. Not one of them condum this. Now they are feeling the head.Wht do you mean by innoncent muslim? Unless they are questiond how will you wether they involved or notLet us give craps to such staged managed dram
Imam's speach by Ajith Kumar on 2008-10-03 12:00:21.733116+05:30 I respect the emotion and real anger/anguish shown by the Imam.He is right in saying that Police have a habit of taking many-including innocents- to jail for interrogation etc wheneveran attack happens.With great respect may I point out to the noblecleric that it is his and the community's duty toguide the young onesand the little ones away from negative thinking about India and that it is only through real education they can achieve progress in the country.Dr.Kalam rose against all prejudices and weak financial back ground androse to become an International Authority on rocketry and nuclear energy and became the President of the Nation.He lived in a Brahmin dominated place-a fact which did not deter him inhis pursuit for glorytheir goals of
Justifying violence by observer on 2008-10-03 11:53:18.78409+05:30 What is the press talking about.......instead of trouble,the police got to see tears? Read the article carefully,Mufti Mohammed Ismail said,'the community that can put you on a pedestal can also take out your funeral!' These are threatening words by any stretch of imagination.And what does he have to say about innocent citizens being killed by terrorists who profess his faith?He is worried only about terror suspects from his community being picked up by the police.What does he expect,an equal number of the majority community should also be picked up?Fact is the authorities are cowed down by such blatant one sided statements and end up releasing even those against whom there is strong evidence.This leads to even more terror attacks since the perpetrators are emboldened to do anything and the more gory and heinous the better.Looks like the minority is going to take revenge for the Guj riots in perpetuity till there is no India left or an Emirate of India is established!
The communalists by Samar on 2008-10-03 11:34:13.838219+05:30 Their threatening tone reflects their medievalists mindset. Why don't these folks leave for their land, which they created for themselves in 1947?Pakistan really deserves these people of "peace."
Misunderstood minority? by indian on 2008-10-03 11:32:32.585391+05:30 Let us clarify one point at at time...is it not true that the vast majority of Muslims had voted for Pakistan in the interim govt prior to 1947?After Pak was a reality,most chose to stay on,citing Nehru and Gandhi's reassurances as an excuse.However,I say the present generation of Indian Muslims have been born after 1947 and it would be unfair to target them on this point,but facts cannot be altered.As far as the allegation of being communal is concerned,it is a fact the minority community always thinks in terms of 'us' and 'them' further contributing to the alienation from the mainstream.The us and them ideas are drilled into the head of every child at home which is a fact.Lastly, is it not a fact that 99% of those involved in terror acts belong to the minority community.Tell me large numbers of Christians,Hindus,Buddhists,Sikhs too have serious grievances against the govt,but the overwhelming majority of them choose to use legal and civil means to rectify the problems.Think again!
Useless Police and CBI by Anon on 2008-10-03 11:24:49.768448+05:30 Muslims are the culprits for most terrorism - its in their religion - simple.But on the other hand, our police is useless. Whenever there is a bomb, they just seem to round up the closest few people they can find. They dont show any evidence, and just try to drum up some people they can pin the crime on and look efficient.And whats more, the interrogation they use would make Guantanamo look like a holiday. And of course even if you were arrested, you would say anything for them to stop. So they can claim lots of confessions and success, while the real terrorists are escaping and bombing repeatedly. The police should be required to produce evidence before and arrest, and there should be 24 hour cc tv on all terrorism cells so we know any evidence is ligit.
Say no to terrorism by Umsh on 2008-10-03 11:02:06.805968+05:30 Muslims should come forward and say no to terrorism. It is easier to kill Muslims.
Selective amnesia by Hindu on 2008-10-03 10:58:52.060723+05:30 The bias of the anti-Hindu electronic English media is evident in the hyper excited reporting of the church attack. The likes of Girish Karnad, U R Ananthamurthy and Mahesh Bhatt Teesta Shabana Azmi Barka Dutt Sardesai know which side of their bread is buttered. Their selective amnesia is amusing. Did these raise any voice in support of amaranth pilgrims protest or against durga pooja protestThey never react on lakhs of Hindus being displaced from Kashmir or innumreous atrocities on hindus. These opportunists are no better than traitors of the past who are ready to sell the dignity of the country for their selfish gains.Do you know AP CM Rajashekar Reddy is a Christian
Indian
by Rajesh on 2008-10-03 13:44:58.703816+05:30 Hahaha, I thought Rajashekhar Reddy was a human being who has an Indian Citizenship. Thanks for the correction- but you should go to a correction centre.
seletive amnesia
by Mohan Daddikar on 2008-10-03 11:50:17.426719+05:30 The names of theworthies mentioned are nothing but pseudoseularists and are more dangerous than snakes in the grass. They know by being on the side of party in power, they can aspire to hold lucrative and sinecure posts with the blessing of Sonia gandhi.
News we can use by Aditya Kurve on 2008-10-03 10:24:48.530271+05:30 Kudos to our national newspapers both IE and TOI for posting such events in their headlines. A similar story of Muslims performaing Ram Leela has been posted by TOI on their websites. This is classic case of constructive jornalism. Such stories help in dousing the flames of vengeance and highlight the secular and peace loving attitude that majority Indians harbour. I heartily congratulate you for taking up this mission of spreading peace. Jai Hind
Terror and its impact by chanakya on 2008-10-03 10:17:56.97043+05:30 What is happening in many islamic countries is an answer to the questions. we in India are only trying to save innocent citizens irrespective of their religion.
One sided view by kishor on 2008-10-03 09:35:24.004782+05:30 Why these Imams do not bother to condemn islamist terrorist?
Cry 2 change Gov't but not Terrorism by Tillu on 2008-10-03 09:33:48.025447+05:30 We should cry to stop innocent blood rain, caused by Islamic Terrorism, not on investigation that dig out culpprest involved in blast
My comments (Supressed at http://www.indianexpress.com/news/they-said-we-split-india-then-called-us-com.../368934/)
How many hindus in North-East use non-violent methods? How Many Naxals in South India are Muslims? How many Gujjars in Central India are Muslims? How many South Indian Hindus are associated with LTTE? How many Sikhs used non-violent methods in Punjab in 1980s?This hatered is bred by the government and more so by commentators like you who have absoloutely no knowledge and understanding of what is going on.Please watch these videos on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTNBB94hDBw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gbWI8QHitA
More than a hundred thousand Muslims in Kashmir have been killed whether by millitants or by security forces. This is just a single instance of what was allowed to be taped. You cannot even imagine under what threat each kashmiri lives today since you dont even bother to see the actual picture and in all probabilty have not even seen an iota of reality.
I dont justify the blasts that are killing innocent people across the country today. But this is how our security forces are breeding rebels. They must be nominated for Paramveer Chakra.
PS: I am blogging the entire page at http://www.badamwaer.blogspot.com/ In case my comments are not published, I shall forward the entire pages to all print media. In past also, many of my comments have been "moderated"
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Gandhi and Kashmir
From The Statesman
Little is known about the role which Gandhi played with regard to the Kashmir issue during the last few months of his life. The stand which he took shows that his idealism did not prevent him from being practical. His blend of the two led Kingsley Martin of the New Statesman and Nations, who interviewed him a few days before his death, to observe: “My affection for Gandhi and my knowledge that he was a great man were not impaired by the discovery that he was still a Hindu nationalist and an imperfect disciple of the Mahatma.” Gandhi was anxious to lend a helping hand to resolve the Kashmir issue. From 31 July-2 August 1947, he made a two-day visit to Srinagar and a one-day visit to Jammu. In the course of these visits, he met, besides the Maharaja and Maharani, Prime Minister Ram Chandra Kak, Begum Abdullah, National Conference workers and members of the public. On 6 August, Gandhi briefly informed Nehru and Patel about what he said or noted during the meetings: “I told the Prime Minister about his unpopularity among the people... Both the Maharaja and Maharani admitted that with the lapse of British paramountcy, the true paramountcy of the people of Kashmir would commence. However much they might wish to join the Union, they would have to make the choice in accordance with the wishes of the people. How they could be determined was not discussed. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was most sanguine that the result of the free vote of the people, whether on the adult franchise or on the existing register, would be in favour of Kashmir joining the Union provided of course that Sheikh Abdullah and his co-prisoners were released, all bans were removed and the present Prime Minister was not in power. Probably he echoed the general sentiment.” Gandhi’s visit to Srinagar caused a decisive impact. Ram Chandra Kak was removed from the office of Prime Minister on 10 August and Sheikh Abdullah was released on 29 September. All this and strengthening of the road link between Pathankot and Jammu would seem to suggest that ground was being prepared for accession of the State to India. But there is no hard evidence to support the Pakistani charge that a “sinister design” had been worked out by India to secure the accession of the State. This charge, in fact, stands refuted not only by the assertion of Lord Mountbatten but also by the unambiguous statement of three services Chiefs of India who were all British, namely General RM Lockhart, Chief of the Indian Army; Air Marshal TW Elmhirst, Commander of the Royal Indian Air Force; and Rear Admiral JS Hall, Chief of the Royal Indian Navy. In a joint statement, they said: “On 24 October, the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army, received information that tribesmen had seized Muzaffarabad. This was the first indication of the raid. Prior to this date, no plans of any sort for sending Indian forces into Kashmir had been formulated or even considered.” On the other hand, Pakistan’s leaders, having attained their goal of a separate state by way of “direct action” and other questionable means, were in an aggressive frame of mind. They crafted an unusual plan to seize the state of Jammu and Kashmir by force. Under this plan, in order to cause dispersal of the State forces, skirmishes were manipulated all along the border, from Gilgit to Mirpur. Thereafter, on 22 October, a full scale tribal invasion, backed by Pakistan’s regulars, was launched. The tribesmen, comprising Afridis and Mahsuds and other “volunteers” and “freedom fighters”, were all operating under the overall command of Akbar Khan, a Major General in the Pakistani army who was given the code name of “General Tariq”. The state administration was so unprepared that it could not destroy the vital Krishan-Ganga bridge at Muzaffarbad for want of dynamite. Baramulla fell into the hands of the raiders on 24-26 October. Overtaken by their wild habits, they indulged in large-scale looting, burning, raping and killing. As noted by Father Shanks: “The tribesmen ~ great, wild, black beasts they were ~ came shooting their way down from the hills on both sides of the town. A 20-year old Indian nurse, Philomena, tried to protect a Muslim patient whose baby had just been born. She was shot dead first. The patient was next.” Even the St Joseph Convent was destroyed, and the Assistant Mother Superior and three nuns were brutally murdered. After visiting Baramulla, the correspondent of the New York Times wrote: “Surviving residents estimate that 3,000 of their fellow townsmen, including four Europeans and a retired British officer and his pregnant wife, were slain.” Though Gandhi criticised the raiders, his criticism of their beastly acts was rather mild and couched in general terms: “What they are doing will bring about the downfall of Islam and yet they say that they are doing all this for a free Kashmir.” However, he warmly approved of the dispatch of Indian armed forces for the defence of the state. He went to the extent of saying: “I would not shed a tear if the little Union force was wiped out bravely defending Kashmir like the Spartans at Thermopylae nor would I mind Sheikh Abdullah and his Muslim, Hindu and Sikh comrades dying at their post in defence of Kashmir.” Gandhi was criticised for his stand. His critics pointed out that during the Second World War Gandhi had advised Churchill, Hitler and Mussolini to follow his technique of non-violence. Why did he not give similar advice to his fellow-Indians, they asked. He countered: “I would be untrue to my faith if I refuse to assist in a just cause any person or measure that does not coincide with the principles of non-violence. The Indian armed force was sent in response to the appeals of Sheikh Abdullah, the Premier of Kashmir and the Maharaja. It is true that Kashmir should go to whom it belongs. In that case, all those who have gone from outside, be they Afridis and any other, should get out.” Gandhi preferred bilateral talks between India and Pakistan to a reference of the Kashmir issue being made to the United Nations. He thought that the reference would bring them only “monkey justice”. On two occasions at the end of December 1947, first on 25th and then on 29th, in the course of his post-prayers observations, he raised the question: “Could not the representatives of India and Pakistan sit down and thrash out the Kashmir affairs as they have already done in case of many other things? Could they not close their ranks and come to an amicable settlement with the assistance of impartial Indians? Or has impartiality fled from India?” Even after complaint had been made by India to the United Nations on 1 January 1948, Gandhi pleaded for its honourable withdrawal. At his prayer meeting on 4 January, he appealed to Pakistan to remain true to its name ~ clean ~ and wanted both the parties to have a change of heart. The understanding, he said, must be genuine; harbouring hatred would be worse than war. Gandhi’s aim was to ensure continuity of Hindu-Muslim unity, which he witnessed in Kashmir, and to extend it both to India and Pakistan. He wanted genuine understanding between the two countries. He was even thinking of going to Pakistan. He knew that the issue of Kashmir was like “a glowing match-stick in a rick of hay”, ever exposed to the risk of going up in flame. “At any rate, I won’t be there alive to witness it,” he remarked to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, referring to the possibility of a war between India and Pakistan. “Is our independence going to end in such a fratricide?”
Little is known about the role which Gandhi played with regard to the Kashmir issue during the last few months of his life. The stand which he took shows that his idealism did not prevent him from being practical. His blend of the two led Kingsley Martin of the New Statesman and Nations, who interviewed him a few days before his death, to observe: “My affection for Gandhi and my knowledge that he was a great man were not impaired by the discovery that he was still a Hindu nationalist and an imperfect disciple of the Mahatma.” Gandhi was anxious to lend a helping hand to resolve the Kashmir issue. From 31 July-2 August 1947, he made a two-day visit to Srinagar and a one-day visit to Jammu. In the course of these visits, he met, besides the Maharaja and Maharani, Prime Minister Ram Chandra Kak, Begum Abdullah, National Conference workers and members of the public. On 6 August, Gandhi briefly informed Nehru and Patel about what he said or noted during the meetings: “I told the Prime Minister about his unpopularity among the people... Both the Maharaja and Maharani admitted that with the lapse of British paramountcy, the true paramountcy of the people of Kashmir would commence. However much they might wish to join the Union, they would have to make the choice in accordance with the wishes of the people. How they could be determined was not discussed. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was most sanguine that the result of the free vote of the people, whether on the adult franchise or on the existing register, would be in favour of Kashmir joining the Union provided of course that Sheikh Abdullah and his co-prisoners were released, all bans were removed and the present Prime Minister was not in power. Probably he echoed the general sentiment.” Gandhi’s visit to Srinagar caused a decisive impact. Ram Chandra Kak was removed from the office of Prime Minister on 10 August and Sheikh Abdullah was released on 29 September. All this and strengthening of the road link between Pathankot and Jammu would seem to suggest that ground was being prepared for accession of the State to India. But there is no hard evidence to support the Pakistani charge that a “sinister design” had been worked out by India to secure the accession of the State. This charge, in fact, stands refuted not only by the assertion of Lord Mountbatten but also by the unambiguous statement of three services Chiefs of India who were all British, namely General RM Lockhart, Chief of the Indian Army; Air Marshal TW Elmhirst, Commander of the Royal Indian Air Force; and Rear Admiral JS Hall, Chief of the Royal Indian Navy. In a joint statement, they said: “On 24 October, the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army, received information that tribesmen had seized Muzaffarabad. This was the first indication of the raid. Prior to this date, no plans of any sort for sending Indian forces into Kashmir had been formulated or even considered.” On the other hand, Pakistan’s leaders, having attained their goal of a separate state by way of “direct action” and other questionable means, were in an aggressive frame of mind. They crafted an unusual plan to seize the state of Jammu and Kashmir by force. Under this plan, in order to cause dispersal of the State forces, skirmishes were manipulated all along the border, from Gilgit to Mirpur. Thereafter, on 22 October, a full scale tribal invasion, backed by Pakistan’s regulars, was launched. The tribesmen, comprising Afridis and Mahsuds and other “volunteers” and “freedom fighters”, were all operating under the overall command of Akbar Khan, a Major General in the Pakistani army who was given the code name of “General Tariq”. The state administration was so unprepared that it could not destroy the vital Krishan-Ganga bridge at Muzaffarbad for want of dynamite. Baramulla fell into the hands of the raiders on 24-26 October. Overtaken by their wild habits, they indulged in large-scale looting, burning, raping and killing. As noted by Father Shanks: “The tribesmen ~ great, wild, black beasts they were ~ came shooting their way down from the hills on both sides of the town. A 20-year old Indian nurse, Philomena, tried to protect a Muslim patient whose baby had just been born. She was shot dead first. The patient was next.” Even the St Joseph Convent was destroyed, and the Assistant Mother Superior and three nuns were brutally murdered. After visiting Baramulla, the correspondent of the New York Times wrote: “Surviving residents estimate that 3,000 of their fellow townsmen, including four Europeans and a retired British officer and his pregnant wife, were slain.” Though Gandhi criticised the raiders, his criticism of their beastly acts was rather mild and couched in general terms: “What they are doing will bring about the downfall of Islam and yet they say that they are doing all this for a free Kashmir.” However, he warmly approved of the dispatch of Indian armed forces for the defence of the state. He went to the extent of saying: “I would not shed a tear if the little Union force was wiped out bravely defending Kashmir like the Spartans at Thermopylae nor would I mind Sheikh Abdullah and his Muslim, Hindu and Sikh comrades dying at their post in defence of Kashmir.” Gandhi was criticised for his stand. His critics pointed out that during the Second World War Gandhi had advised Churchill, Hitler and Mussolini to follow his technique of non-violence. Why did he not give similar advice to his fellow-Indians, they asked. He countered: “I would be untrue to my faith if I refuse to assist in a just cause any person or measure that does not coincide with the principles of non-violence. The Indian armed force was sent in response to the appeals of Sheikh Abdullah, the Premier of Kashmir and the Maharaja. It is true that Kashmir should go to whom it belongs. In that case, all those who have gone from outside, be they Afridis and any other, should get out.” Gandhi preferred bilateral talks between India and Pakistan to a reference of the Kashmir issue being made to the United Nations. He thought that the reference would bring them only “monkey justice”. On two occasions at the end of December 1947, first on 25th and then on 29th, in the course of his post-prayers observations, he raised the question: “Could not the representatives of India and Pakistan sit down and thrash out the Kashmir affairs as they have already done in case of many other things? Could they not close their ranks and come to an amicable settlement with the assistance of impartial Indians? Or has impartiality fled from India?” Even after complaint had been made by India to the United Nations on 1 January 1948, Gandhi pleaded for its honourable withdrawal. At his prayer meeting on 4 January, he appealed to Pakistan to remain true to its name ~ clean ~ and wanted both the parties to have a change of heart. The understanding, he said, must be genuine; harbouring hatred would be worse than war. Gandhi’s aim was to ensure continuity of Hindu-Muslim unity, which he witnessed in Kashmir, and to extend it both to India and Pakistan. He wanted genuine understanding between the two countries. He was even thinking of going to Pakistan. He knew that the issue of Kashmir was like “a glowing match-stick in a rick of hay”, ever exposed to the risk of going up in flame. “At any rate, I won’t be there alive to witness it,” he remarked to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, referring to the possibility of a war between India and Pakistan. “Is our independence going to end in such a fratricide?”
‘Terrorists are victims who create more victims’
From The Times of India
It’s Gandhi Jayanti, and Non-Violence Day. So, who better than Thich Nhat Hanh, tireless advocate of non-violence, to guide a Peace Edition? We hope his message will foster reconciliation and compassion
Midway through the news meeting, the grim news came in: Agartala had been rocked by serial blasts. All eyes immediately turned to Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, the Guest Editor for our special Peace Edition. As journalists, what should we do on a day like this? The Zen master, who has rebuilt bombed villages, set up schools and medical centres, resettled homeless families and for a lifetime advocated tirelessly the principles of nonviolence and compassionate action, pondered for a while. He then answered softly but with great clarity, “Report in a way that invites readers to take a look at why such things continue to happen and that they have their roots in anger, fear, hate and wrong perceptions. Prevent anger from becoming a collective energy. The only antidote for anger and violence is compassion. Terrorists are also victims, who create other victims of misunderstanding.’’ This, remember, is the monk—now 82 years old—credited with a big role in turning American public opinion against the war in Vietnam—for which Martin Luther King Jr had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. And so, his words are not to be dismissed lightly. “Every reader has seeds of fear, anger, violence and despair, and also seeds of hope, compassion, love and forgiveness,’’ said Thich Nhat Hanh, affectionately called Thay. “As journalists, you must not water the wrong seeds. You have the job of selectively watering the right seeds. You must attempt to tell the truth and yet not water the seeds of hate. It’s not what’s in the story, but how you tell it that’s important.’’ But how should the State deal with terror? Thay’s answer: “We should invite those who believe they are victims of discrimination and injustice to speak about it. We should initiate sessions of deep listening and invite deeply spiritual people, who don’t have to be famous, to attend these. We must televise these sessions nationally. I am sure you will see a dramatic drop in the level of violence. A war on terror cannot succeed, because you cannot bomb perceptions. The only solution is dialogue.’’ He cited the example of an experiment by his group of monks at Plum village in France, in 2006. “We asked people to write letters to terrorists and more than 40 letters came in. Some claimed, ‘I am the terrorist because I am also violent and there is suffering in me as well’. If we reduce the violence in us, and change, then we change others around us because then we are connected to them.’’ Talking about world peace, the monk said, “Political leaders, before they get down to talking at peace summits, should practise sitting, walking, talking informally with each other and practise techniques to calm themselves. Only then can talks lead to positive results.’’ The history of Vietnam in the last century was fraught with violence. Thay has himself seen war from close quarters. Naturally, the question came up—does he believe nonviolence can help find solutions in today’s complex world? Thay’s reply was surprisingly pragmatic. “Non-violence can never be absolute. However, you can make aggressive action less violent. The first step towards non-violence is to be calm and compassionate yourself.’’ ‘Happiness & safety can’t be individual thing’ Questions on wars and conflicts led to the next logical query. How can humanity relate with each other when it is divided within confines of national or ethnic or racial identities? That brought the Buddhist teacher into his element, propounding on one of Buddhism’s basic tenets of ‘nonself ’. The problem, he said, arises when one’s self is set against another’s self. Once we realize that self is made of non-self, then the issue of identity gets settled. “Man is made of non-man elements. I am made of so many non-me elements—my parents, the food I eat, the education I received, knowledge gained from others. Take away all the ‘non-me’, and there is no ‘me’ left. Buddhism is made of non-Buddhist elements. A Christian is made of non-Christian elements and a Muslim is made of non-Muslim elements,’’ said Thay. In other words, once we realize that the idea of ‘I’ is a mere figment of the imagination, with nothing real to correspond with it, we will realize our larger or universal self. That’s why, Thay says, we need to learn from suffering. Because only after we have understood the nature of suffering can we understand true happiness. “Happiness and safety can’t be individual matters. If you have peace on your side, only then can you promote peace in the world. Individual happiness is impossible, as is individual suffering. Because we are not one but a collective.’’ And what about the financial crisis that is causing many to suffer? The answer, says Thay, is related to greed and fear. “As journalists, you must help people so that they don’t become victims of greed and fear. If the aim is happiness, then you must be prepared to give up riches and fame and power, all of which are transitory.’’ Can the modern economy—fuelled by conspicuous consumption—co-exist with a monk’s lifestyle? After all, if everyone stopped consumption, industries would shut down and unemployment would rise. So, should individuals, in their pursuit of ‘selfish’ happiness, create unhappiness for others? “Many of us have started believing in happiness from consumption. But happiness is largely a problem of the mind. You don’t have to run into the future, you have enough conditions to be happy right here and now. But in our search for more conditions to be happy, we sacrifice the present. The remedy for us is to go home to the present moment. Don’t get stuck with the past or get sucked into the future. So many wonders of life are with you. Development is like a wild horse that we are riding, over which we have lost control,’’ responded Thay. But then, isn’t it much simpler for a monk to talk about not consuming than for people who have to deal with the world on the world’s terms? Can regular people with regular lives follow his teachings? According to Thay, “The meditative practice is for everyone, monks and nonmonks, the young and the less young. The conditions for reaching out for Buddha-hood are there for everyone. We are just caught up in our worries and projects. The kingdom of God is available for you. But are you available for the kingdom?’’ We couldn’t resist asking: what were his feelings when the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas? His reply: “There was no anger. We have a tendency to punish whoever has dared to make us suffer. We seek relief by making the other person suffer. If we see whoever is hurt as a victim, then a neuro pathway will open in our brain and we will forgive the person and reduce his suffering, which in turn will help us to suffer less. All this is not based on speculation but on the basis what we have done, in our group sessions.
Midway through the news meeting, the grim news came in: Agartala had been rocked by serial blasts. All eyes immediately turned to Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, the Guest Editor for our special Peace Edition. As journalists, what should we do on a day like this? The Zen master, who has rebuilt bombed villages, set up schools and medical centres, resettled homeless families and for a lifetime advocated tirelessly the principles of nonviolence and compassionate action, pondered for a while. He then answered softly but with great clarity, “Report in a way that invites readers to take a look at why such things continue to happen and that they have their roots in anger, fear, hate and wrong perceptions. Prevent anger from becoming a collective energy. The only antidote for anger and violence is compassion. Terrorists are also victims, who create other victims of misunderstanding.’’ This, remember, is the monk—now 82 years old—credited with a big role in turning American public opinion against the war in Vietnam—for which Martin Luther King Jr had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. And so, his words are not to be dismissed lightly. “Every reader has seeds of fear, anger, violence and despair, and also seeds of hope, compassion, love and forgiveness,’’ said Thich Nhat Hanh, affectionately called Thay. “As journalists, you must not water the wrong seeds. You have the job of selectively watering the right seeds. You must attempt to tell the truth and yet not water the seeds of hate. It’s not what’s in the story, but how you tell it that’s important.’’ But how should the State deal with terror? Thay’s answer: “We should invite those who believe they are victims of discrimination and injustice to speak about it. We should initiate sessions of deep listening and invite deeply spiritual people, who don’t have to be famous, to attend these. We must televise these sessions nationally. I am sure you will see a dramatic drop in the level of violence. A war on terror cannot succeed, because you cannot bomb perceptions. The only solution is dialogue.’’ He cited the example of an experiment by his group of monks at Plum village in France, in 2006. “We asked people to write letters to terrorists and more than 40 letters came in. Some claimed, ‘I am the terrorist because I am also violent and there is suffering in me as well’. If we reduce the violence in us, and change, then we change others around us because then we are connected to them.’’ Talking about world peace, the monk said, “Political leaders, before they get down to talking at peace summits, should practise sitting, walking, talking informally with each other and practise techniques to calm themselves. Only then can talks lead to positive results.’’ The history of Vietnam in the last century was fraught with violence. Thay has himself seen war from close quarters. Naturally, the question came up—does he believe nonviolence can help find solutions in today’s complex world? Thay’s reply was surprisingly pragmatic. “Non-violence can never be absolute. However, you can make aggressive action less violent. The first step towards non-violence is to be calm and compassionate yourself.’’ ‘Happiness & safety can’t be individual thing’ Questions on wars and conflicts led to the next logical query. How can humanity relate with each other when it is divided within confines of national or ethnic or racial identities? That brought the Buddhist teacher into his element, propounding on one of Buddhism’s basic tenets of ‘nonself ’. The problem, he said, arises when one’s self is set against another’s self. Once we realize that self is made of non-self, then the issue of identity gets settled. “Man is made of non-man elements. I am made of so many non-me elements—my parents, the food I eat, the education I received, knowledge gained from others. Take away all the ‘non-me’, and there is no ‘me’ left. Buddhism is made of non-Buddhist elements. A Christian is made of non-Christian elements and a Muslim is made of non-Muslim elements,’’ said Thay. In other words, once we realize that the idea of ‘I’ is a mere figment of the imagination, with nothing real to correspond with it, we will realize our larger or universal self. That’s why, Thay says, we need to learn from suffering. Because only after we have understood the nature of suffering can we understand true happiness. “Happiness and safety can’t be individual matters. If you have peace on your side, only then can you promote peace in the world. Individual happiness is impossible, as is individual suffering. Because we are not one but a collective.’’ And what about the financial crisis that is causing many to suffer? The answer, says Thay, is related to greed and fear. “As journalists, you must help people so that they don’t become victims of greed and fear. If the aim is happiness, then you must be prepared to give up riches and fame and power, all of which are transitory.’’ Can the modern economy—fuelled by conspicuous consumption—co-exist with a monk’s lifestyle? After all, if everyone stopped consumption, industries would shut down and unemployment would rise. So, should individuals, in their pursuit of ‘selfish’ happiness, create unhappiness for others? “Many of us have started believing in happiness from consumption. But happiness is largely a problem of the mind. You don’t have to run into the future, you have enough conditions to be happy right here and now. But in our search for more conditions to be happy, we sacrifice the present. The remedy for us is to go home to the present moment. Don’t get stuck with the past or get sucked into the future. So many wonders of life are with you. Development is like a wild horse that we are riding, over which we have lost control,’’ responded Thay. But then, isn’t it much simpler for a monk to talk about not consuming than for people who have to deal with the world on the world’s terms? Can regular people with regular lives follow his teachings? According to Thay, “The meditative practice is for everyone, monks and nonmonks, the young and the less young. The conditions for reaching out for Buddha-hood are there for everyone. We are just caught up in our worries and projects. The kingdom of God is available for you. But are you available for the kingdom?’’ We couldn’t resist asking: what were his feelings when the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas? His reply: “There was no anger. We have a tendency to punish whoever has dared to make us suffer. We seek relief by making the other person suffer. If we see whoever is hurt as a victim, then a neuro pathway will open in our brain and we will forgive the person and reduce his suffering, which in turn will help us to suffer less. All this is not based on speculation but on the basis what we have done, in our group sessions.
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