26th Year of Publication

Monthly
 Pakistan to continue standing
shoulder-to-shoulder with Kashmiris

"For more than a year now, Kashmiris have been prisoners in their own homes, aliens in
their own land, and unable to walk freely on their own streets. Over 900,000 Indian
“India extra-judicially
occupation murdered
forces, holding 8 million hundreds
Kashmiris,of Kashmiris
have turned the in occupied
fake encounters, and
territory into
refused
the to even
world’s hand
largest over
open their India’s
prison. bodies.inhuman
India’s actions
militaryare an attempt
siege, to obliterate
continued blockade,
continuing
the distincttorture andidentity
Kashmiri brutal repression and attempts
and it is against to change
the Geneva the demographic
Charter, UN Security
structure of the occupied
Council resolutions, andterritory, have shown
international law. the
Thereal face ofof
people theKashmir
‘Hindutva’—driven
will never
RSS-BJP regime and its extremist designs. The international media
submit to Indian occupation. The Pakistan government is steadfast in helping and human rights
organisations continue to document the tragedy of Kashmir as it goes on unfolding.”
Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate struggle for self-determination.”
(President Dr Arif Alvi in his message on Kashmir Black Day ,October 27 2020)
(Prime Minister Imran Khan in his virtual address to the 75th session of the United Nations
General Assembly on August 25, 2020)

“The Kashmir Black Day represents a dark chapter in the human history when, 73 years
ago, Indian forces landed in Srinagar to forcibly occupy the territory and subjugate
people of Jammu and Kashmir. The illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir by
India represents an international dispute, the solution of which is firmly anchored in the
relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions in accordance with the UN
charter. For its part, Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the
Kashmiri people and extend all possible support to them until they realise their
legitimate right to self-determination.

(Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message on Kashmir Black Day ,October 27 2020)
 Kashmir Insight
Vol: 26, No.10, October 2020
Editor: Muhammad Raza Malik
Art Editor: Muhammad Haroon
Sub Editor: Benazir Khan
CONTENTS
Editorial
Jammu and Kashmir centre staged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02
Cover Story
Kashmir Black Day observed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
Insight
Plight of half widows in IIOJK highlighted . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07
Reports
Narendra Modi’s ridiculous demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09
West emboldened India’s anti-Muslim agenda: HRW . . . . 11
Article
October 27 – Why Black Day is observed!
Muhammad Raza Malik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Pictorial
Images speak louder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Narendra Modi-led fascist Indian government is
making futile efforts to mislead the world community
about the Kashmir dispute and to divert the world’s
attention from the grave human rights situation in
Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir caused
by the unrelenting military siege imposed by it since
August 05, 2019. India is desperately trying to persuade
the global community particularly the United Nations
to recognise that the issue of IIOJK is its ‘internal matter’
but has miserably failed in its nefarious designs.
Ahead of the annual session of the United Nations
General Assembly in September 2020, India’s
permanent representative to the UN requested the
World Body to remove the issue of Kashmir from its
agenda to prevent Pakistan from raising it at the august
forum. However, the UN rejected the request. Indian
representatives were either deluding themselves or
their public by claiming that they would get Kashmir
removed from the Security Council’s agenda.
According to the UNSC procedures and rules, an item
once put on the UNSC’s agenda cannot be removed
until the issue is settled or there is a consensus among
the members of the Security Council to do so. Pakistan
annually requests retention of the agenda item called
‘the India-Pakistan Question’ under which the Kashmir
Printed & Published by All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK
Ph: +92-51-4861457, Fax: +92-51-4861458
Printers: Web Brothers,Al-Rehman Plaza, 44-H,
Haider Road, Rawalpindi
Ph:051-5566348, Fax: 051-5516142
Human rights situation
HR violations in IIOJK during September 2020
Raies Ahmed Mir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Perspective
Lawfare: Pakistan’s options for Kashmir
Humayun Aziz Sandeela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Report
India grilled at UN Human Rights Council in Geneva . . . 23
Chronology
A chronological account of developments on Kashmir
(170) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Beauty thy name is
Beautiful spots of Jammu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Literature
A lazy landlord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Feedback
Letters to Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
dispute has been discussed since 1948.
Ironically, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi,
in his pre-recorded address to the UN General
Assembly session on September 26 calling for India’s
inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC asked
how long will his country be “kept out of the decision-
making structures” of the global body. Modi’s request
was ridiculous as New Delhi had been ignoring the
resolutions of the same body for the past over seven
decades that called for holding of plebiscite in Jammu
and Kashmir to allow the Kashmiris determine their
future by themselves.
Despite denial of access to the occupied territory, the
international media has regularly been reporting
about the humanitarian crisis and the killing spree
unleashed by Indian forces in IIOJK. The UNSC has
three times discussed the Kashmir dispute and the
prevailing grim human rights situation in IIOJK after it
was brought to it by Pakistan with the support of
China in the backdrop of illegal actions taken by Modi
regime on and after 5th August 2019 in the occupied
territory.
Keeping in view this scenario, Narendra Modi-led
Indian government instead of continuing with its
unrealistic approach must take steps to resolve the
Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Kashmiris’
aspirations.

P
akistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan, in his
virtual address to the UN General Assembly on
September 25, 2020 effectively highlighted the
sufferings of the besieged people of Indian illegally
occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the importance of
the resolution of the Kashmir dispute for ensuring
durable peace in the region. He urged the UN Security
Council to protect the Kashmiris from an impending
genocide by India.
The Prime Minister demanded that India must lift
curfew in IIOJK, release all Kashmiri prisoners and give
the Kashmiris their right to self-determination for
ensuring durable peace and stability in South Asia. He
called upon the global community to investigate the
grave human rights violations being perpetrated with
complete impunity in IIOJK by the Indian occupational
forces. Imran Khan pointed out that being a long-time
member of the extremist Hindu organisation Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Indian Prime Minister,
Narendra Modi, was furthering its Hindutva ideology
in IIOJK and his recent actions on Kashmir are part of
this dogma.
The Kashmir dispute has become a centre of global
attention since Narendra Modi-led Indian communal
government’s unilateral
illegal actions of repealing
the special status of Indian
illegally occupied Jammu
and Kashmir and placing it
under military siege on 5th
August, 2019. It is now
echoing in all international
forums and the same was
witnessed during the 75th
session of the UN General
Assembly held in New York
in September 2020.
Turkish President, Recep
Tayyip Erdogan, in a speech
he made via video-link to
the UNGA on September 23 said the Kashmir conflict,
which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia,
is still a burning issue. He said steps taken by Modi
regime on and after 5th August 2019 further complicated
the problem.
It is a historical fact that the Kashmir dispute is on the
agenda of the UN Security Council for the past over
seven decades. However, the World Body has failed to
implement its own resolutions on the matter, giving a
sense of complete impunity to New Delhi for its brutal
actions in IIOJK. Indian troops enjoying unbridled
powers under draconian laws have intensified their
atrocities on the unarmed people of the territory to force
them into submission.
It is high time for the international community to take
cognizance of on the grave human rights situation in
IIOJK and the sufferings of the Kashmiri people. It must
come forward in a big way and impress upon India to
stop its brutalities on the Kashmiris and fulfill its
promises of giving them their inalienable right to self-
determination to mitigate their sufferings.
Fascist Narendra Modi also needs to realise the fact that
the illegal unilateral steps taken by his government on
the behest of RSS, which is the follower of Nazi ideology,
have put the peace of the entire world at stake. He must
accept the reality that the worst kind of Indian state
terrorism for the past over seven decades has failed to
subdue the freedom sentiment of the Kashmiri people
and they are determined to take their liberation struggle
to its logical conclusion at all costs.
October 2020 02
KASHMIR BLACK DAY OBSERVED

K
ashmiris on both sides of the Line of Humayun Aziz Sandeela
Control and the world over observed
Indian subcontinent.
October 27, 2020 as Black Day to The day was marked by
convey the message to the world that complete shutdown across
they reject India’s illegal occupation of IIOJK. Call for the
their homeland and are determined to continue their observance of the Black Day
struggle till they achieve their inalienable right to was given by the All Parties
self-determination. Hurriyat Conference and
Hurriyat forum led by
Pakistanis at home and abroad expressed their Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and
solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian was supported by other pro-
illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) freedom leaders and
and reaffirmed their resolve to continue their organisations.
moral, political and diplomatic support to the All government and private
Kashmiris' just struggle for securing freedom offices, shops and business
from Indian illegal occupation. establishments remained
It was on October 27 in 1947 when India landed closed while traffic was thin
its troops in Srinagar and illegally occupied in the illegally occupied
Jammu and Kashmir against the aspirations of territory.
the Kashmiri people and the Partition Plan of
October 2020 03
Posters with Pakistani map
showing Jammu and
Kashmir as its part,
Pakistani flag, pro-freedom
slogans and pictures of
Pakistani leaders including
father of the nation Quaid-
e-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah, President Dr Arif
Alvi, and Prime Minister
Imran Khan were hoisted in
Srinagar and other areas.
The occupation authorities
had deployed Indian forces'
personnel in strength to
prevent protest
demonstrations, marches
and rallies against the 27th
October 1947 Indian
invasion as well as
revocation of the special
status of IIOJK by Modi-led
fascist regime on August
05, last year.
The All Parties Hurriyat
Conference and other
Hurriyat leaders and
organisations termed etched in the history as a Zamruda Habib, Abdul
October 27, 1947 as the Black Day as it marked the Samad Inqalabi, Ghulam
darkest day in the history of arrival of Indian troops in Nabi Waseem, Devinder
Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir. Singh Behl, Ghulam Nabi
The APHC spokesman in a Other Hurriyat leaders and War, Jahangeer Ghani Butt,
statement issued in organisations including Maulana Sibte Shabbir
Srinagar said that the Ghulam Muhammad Khan Qummi, Jammu and Kashmir
people of Jammu and Sopori, Engineer Hilal Democratic Freedom Party,
Kashmir would never Ahmed War, Shabbir Ahmed Muslim League and
surrender their legitimate Dar, Bilal Siddiqui, Tehreek-e-Wahdat-e-
struggle for freedom from Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Islami in their separate
Indian illegal occupation. Khawaja Firdous, Farida statements termed the 27th
He said that October 27 Bahenji, Yasmeen Raja, October 1947 as the most
would always remain unfortunate day of human
history. They said since
that day through its military
might, New Delhi has
murdered tens of thousands
of innocent people,
disgraced women and
tortured, injured, maimed
and disappeared thousands
of youth in the illegally
occupied territory.
Meanwhile, Pakistanis at
home and abroad observed
October 27 as Black Day to
condemn India뭩 illegal and
prolonged occupation of
Jammu and Kashmir and to
express solidarity with the

October 2020 04

people of IIOJK who have
been facing the worst Indian
brutalities for the past over
seven decades.
The day dawned with
special prayers at Fajr in
mosques for the success of
Kashmiris struggling to
get their legitimate right to
self-determination in
accordance with the United
Nations Security Council
(UNSC) resolutions.
President, Dr Arif Alvi, in
his message, while
reaffirming Pakistan뭩
unflinching support to the
people of IIOJK in their just
struggle, said that this
support and solidarity
would continue till the
Kashmiris achieved their
legitimate right to self-
determination.
Prime Minister, Imran Khan,
in his special video
message, reiterated his
commitment to the
Kashmiris that he will
continue to fight for them
until they are given the right
to self-determination in
accordance with the UN
resolutions.
Foreign Minister, Shah
Mahmood Qureshi, Kashmir
Committee Chairman,
Shaharyar Afridi, Minister
for Kashmir Affairs and
Gilgit-Baltistan, Ali Amin
Gandapur, and Minister for
Information and
Broadcasting, Senator
Shibli Faraz, said that
Pakistan would continue to
extend moral, political and
diplomatic support to the
Kashmiris till they got their
right to self-determination.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir
President, Sardar Masood
Khan, and Prime Minister,
Raja Farooq Haider Khan,
urged the international
community to intervene and
stop India from committing
genocide of Kashmiris and
evicting them from their
land and homes in IIOJK.
The Senate of Pakistan
passed a resolution terming
October 27 as a Black Day
in the history of Jammu and
Kashmir and expressing
complete solidarity with the
popular indigenous uprising
of the people of IIOJK.
Meanwhile, the Indian
Charge' d' Affaires was
summoned to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs on the
occasion of Kashmir Black
Day to condemn India's
illegal occupation of IIOJK
and the continued atrocities
being perpetrated by Indian
troops on the innocent
Kashmiris.
A five-minute symbolic
blackout was observed in
the evening on the
Constitution Avenue on
Kashmir Black Day to draw
the world's attention to the
continued sufferings of the
Kashmiris.
The National Institute of
Folk and Traditional
Heritage (Lok Virsa) and
Pakistan National Council
of the Arts organised day-
long cultural activities in
connection with the
Kashmir Black Day. Video
documentaries were
screened and photographs
were displayed by eminent
artists, reflecting the Indian
state terrorism in IIOJK.
Tableaus and speeches
were performed by the
students of various
educational institutions to
pay tributes to the Kashmiri
freedom fighters and
martyrs.
Besides, many events were
held online due to the rising
number of COVID-19 cases
in the country.
Banners, hoardings and
streamers depicting Indian
brutalities in IIOJK were
displayed at prominent
roads and places in major
cities.
The APHC-AJK chapter
staged a protest
demonstration outside the
UN office in Islamabad on
the completion of 73 years
of India's illegal occupation
over Jammu and Kashmir.
The Hurriyat-AJK leaders
on the occasion said that
India had been carrying on
the worst kind of state
terrorism in IIOJK for the
past several decades but
the UN failed to discharge
its obligations regarding
resolution of the Kashmir
dispute.
Anti-India protest
demonstrations were held
by Tehreek-e-Istiqlal,
Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu
and Kashmir and Jammu and
Kashmir Young Mens
League in Muzaffarabad and
other areas of Azad Jammu
and Kashmir.
October 2020 05

Anti-India rallies were
taken out in all cities and
towns of Pakistan and Azad
Jammu and Kashmir
including Islamabad,
Rawalpindi, Lahore,
Faisalabad, Sialkot,
Sheikhupora, Multan,
Peshawar, Landi Kotal,
Mardan, DI Khan, Miran
Shah, Quetta, Sibi, Loralai,
Gwadar, Karachi,
Hyderabad, Larkana,
Muzaffarabad, Mirpur,
Kotli, Bagh, Bhimber,
Palandri, Rawalakot, Gilgit
and Skardu to draw
attention of the world
community towards India's
illegal occupation of Jammu
and Kashmir and the
sufferings of the people of
IIOJK. The participants of
these events holding black
flags and wearing black
armbands raised anti-India
slogans.
An event was organised by
Pakistani Mission to the
United Nations to mark 27th
October as Kashmir Black
Day. Pakistan's Permanent
Representative to the UN,
Munir Akram, delivering his
keynote address via video
link urged the World Body
to implement its resolutions
on Kashmir to give the
Kashmiris their right to
self-determination.
Pakistan High Commission
in London organised a day-
long photo exhibition to
mark the Kashmir Black
Day. The photos of the
Kashmiri victims of Indian
atrocities were displayed in
the premises of the Mission.
On this occasion, High
Commissioner, Moazzam
Ahmed Khan, paid homage
to the people of IIOJK and
lauded their unbreakable
resolve for self-
determination.
Pakistani missions in
Tehran, Dushanbe, Ankara,
Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo,
Sydney, Brussels, Paris,
Berlin, Washington, Brasilia
(Brazil), Khartoum (Sudan),
Romania, and other world
capitals organised events
and engaged Pakistani
d i a s p o r a , l o c a l
parliamentarians, think-
tanks and other relevant
people to highlight the
significance of the Kashmir
Black Day and remind the
international community of
its obligation to use its
influence over India to
resolve the decades-old
Kashmir dispute.
Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK
held anti-India protests in
various cities of Britain on
the occasion of Kashmir
Black Day. It also launched
'Kashmir Digital Campaign'
outside the Indian
Consulate in Birmingham
and Indian High
Commission in London to
highlight the plight of the
people of IIOJK due to
continued Indian illegal
occupation.
The protesters carrying
placards raised slogans
against the Narendra Modi-
led government and
condemned the atrocities
being committed by Indian
troops in the illegally
occupied territory.
An anti-India protest
demonstration was
organised by Kashmir
Council Europe in front of
the Indian Embassy in
Brussels, the capital of
Belgium, to mark October
27 as Kashmir Black Day.
The people of Jammu and
Kashmir have been
resisting the Indian illegal
occupation for the last 73
years. Despite facing the
worst kind of Indian state
terrorism, they are engaged
in a heroic freedom
struggle. Every year, the
K a s h m i r i s h o l d
demonstrations and rallies
on 27th October to draw
attention of the world
community and the UN
towards their plight and
remind them of their
obligations regarding the
resolution of the Kashmir
dispute.
It is the responsibility of the
UN and global community to
come forward and ensure
the settlement of the
lingering dispute as per the
aspirations of the Kashmiri
people to save them from
the Indian brutalities.
October 2020 06
S
peakers at a webinar strongly condemned the (KI Report) In his opening remarks the KIIR
Modi-led fascist Indian regime for the Chairman, Altaf Hussain Wani,
unabated and systematic human rights gave a detailed account of the
violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu problems faced by the families of
and Kashmir (IIOJK). victims of enforced disappear-
The webinar “Half Widows; a unique phenomenon in ances in IIOJK, especially the half
Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir” was widows, whose number has
organised by Kashmir Institute of International Relations swelled to over 5,000.
(KIIR) in Islamabad on September 18, 2020. Moderated by Referring to the causes of human
the KIIR Chairman, Altaf Hussain Wani, the webinar was rights violations particularly the
participated by British and European parliamentarians, forced disappearances in the
human rights defenders, former diplomats and experts. territory, he said that denial of
right to self-determination to the
Distinguished panelists including Barrister Margaret
people of Jammu and Kashmir by
Owen, Julie Ward, Raja Afzal Khan, Dr Shahid Amin
India was the main reason behind
Malik, Ambassador Nadeem Malik, Ms Sehar Shah
the heinous crimes being perpe-
(daughter of senior APHC leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah),
trated by the Indian forces in
Duke Salman Ilyas Khan, Prof Shagufta Ashraf and Ms
IIOJK.
Shani Hamid on the occasion highlighted the plight and
Citing different reports released
unending miseries of the half widows who despite the
by the international and local
passage of several years were still wandering from pillar
human rights watchdogs, he said,
to post to trace the whereabouts of their missing
“These reports vindicate our
husbands.
stance besides reflecting the fast-
The speakers called upon the international community growing realisation at global level
particularly the United Nations to hold India accountable about the dire human rights
for the heinous crimes being committed by its armed situation in IIOJK.”
forces in IIOJK.
The panelists, while expressing

October 2020 07
serious concern over the
simmering situation in the
occupied territory, condemned
the Indian government for the
gross and systematic human
rights violations committed by
its forces in the occupied terri-
tory and urged the international
community, particularly the
United Nations, to take cogni-
sance of the matter.
Referring to the plight of victims
of enforced disappearances and
half widows, the speakers said,
to bring the matter to interna-
tional limelight, there is a dire
need to build an international
alliance and use all available
mechanisms to highlight the
issue vociferously both at
regional and international levels.
The speakers felt the need for
sharing knowledge about the
issue with international organi-
sations, parliamentarians and
other stakeholders to sensitise
the global community. They also
condemned the ongoing spree of
custodial killing in IIOJK and
termed the Modi-led govern-
ment in India as an authoritarian
and fascist regime, which has
broken all records of brutalities
in the occupied territory.
The panelists demanded early
release of all Kashmiri political
prisoners, activists, academics
and journalists and also
denounced India’s 5th August
2019 actions, continued military
siege and internet blackout that
have affected each and every
sphere of life in the territory.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms
Seher Shah apprised the partici-
pants of the pathetic plight of the
Kashmiri detainees languishing
in jails of India and the occupied
territory. She said, “My father
has spent 33 years in Indian
prisons just for championing the
legitimate cause of Kashmir and
Kashmiris’ inalienable right to
self-determination. Despite
various serious ailments, he is
still kept in New Delhi’s Tihar
Jail for last three years.” She said
that as the Kashmiri prisoners
were held away from their
homes their families continued
to face many hardships in
meeting them.
Referring to the cheap tactics
being used by the Indian govern-
ment, she said, “To harass and
intimidate our family, the Indian
government has been trying hard
to implicate my mother in
fabricated cases”. She said, “My
mother is being served notices in
false cases, I fear she might be
arrested.”
The speakers observed that the
Kashmiri Diaspora around the
world could create a meaningful
impact through International
mass mobilisation. In the era of
digital warfare, they said,
“Effective use of social media can
be instrumental in sensitising the
world, which has turned a blind
eye towards the systematic
genocide of Kashmiris for the last
over seven decades.”
Regarding the half widows of
Kashmir, Barrister Margaret
Owen highlighted her work
done in this area and expressed
solidarity with the women who
have suffered all forms of
brutalities at the hands of Indian
forces.
About the empowerment of
women, the panelists said that
the role and visibility of women
in key decision-making positions
could also play a major role in
different international organisa-
tions to save the interest of
women who were the victims
and disproportionately affected
by the armed conflicts.
The speakers stressed the need to
establish an international
network, comprising politicians
and civil society to ask their
governments to mount pressure
on India to immediately stop the
human rights violations in IIOJK
and resolve the Kashmir dispute
in line with the UN resolutions.
October 2020 08
 (KI Report)
people have been facing illegal
occupation, state terrorism and
political injustice at the hands of
India for the past seven decades.
Molvi Bashir Ahmed Irfani said that
India had been holding the peace of
the region hostage for the last several
decades by ignoring the facts and
adopting a stubborn approach on the
fundamental rights of the Kashmiri
people. He urged the UN to play its

I
n Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the All Parties Hurriyat role in the settlement of the Kashmir
Conference and other pro-freedom leaders and organisations ridiculed dispute as it is a matter of life and
the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s demand for inclusion of death for the people of Jammu and
India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Kashmir.
Narendra Modi in his pre-recorded address to the 75th session of the UN APHC leader and Chairman of
General Assembly on September 26, 2020 calling for India’s inclusion as a Jammu and Kashmir Social Peace
permanent member of the UNSC asked how long will his country be “kept Forum, Devinder Singh Behl, in a
out of the decision-making structures” of the global body. statement issued in Jammu said, on
The APHC Secretary General, Molvi Bashir Ahmed Irfani, in a statement one hand, India has unleashed
issued in Srinagar said that the demand made by Narendra Modi at the UN atrocities in IIOJK while on the other,
General Assembly was ridiculous as India under his regime had become a it demands a permanent seat in the
fascist state. He asked that how New Delhi could raise such demand at the United Nations. He said India does
global forum like the UN General Assembly when it in blatant violation of not deserve to be the permanent
the resolutions of the same World Body has unleashed state terrorism on the member of the UN Security Council
people of disputed Jammu and Kashmir. as it has always victimised the
The APHC leader said that Kashmir was not a border dispute between minorities and the people of IIOJK.
Pakistan and India but a global issue and the UN's role regarding implemen- He slammed Narendra Modi's
tation of its resolutions on Kashmir had been criminal. He said the Kashmiri silence on the situation in IIOJK

October 2020 09
during his address to the UN
General Assembly terming it as his
frustration. He said that the Indian
Prime Minister unsuccessfully tried
to keep the international community
uninformed about the Kashmir
dispute as the Prime Minister of
Pakistan, Imran Khan, and Pakistani
delegates had very effectively
informed the world about the real
situation in IIOJK.
Jammu and Kashmir Muslim
Conference Chairman, Shabbir
Ahmed Dar, and International
Forum for Justice and Human Rights
chief, Muhammad Ahsan Untoo, in a
joint statement issued in Srinagar
called upon the World Body to reject
India’s demand for a permanent seat
of the Security Council in view of its
track record over human rights
violations in IIOJK.
APHC-AJK leader and Vice
Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir
Peoples Moment, Abdul Majeed
Malik, and other speakers during a
meeting in Mirpur said that the
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra
Modi, in his speech at the UNGA
tried to mislead the international
community to justify his demand for
the UN permanent seat while the
situation in IIOJK reflected quite
opposite scenario where the RSS-BJP
nexus had started implementing its
Hindutva agenda.
On the other hand, a protest
demonstration was held under the
auspices of APHC-AJK chapter
outside the Indian High
Commission in Islamabad hours
before the Indian Prime Minister,
Narendra Modi’s address to the
UNGA.
Hurriyat leaders in their speeches on
the occasion said that Narendra
Modi was pursuing a policy of
genocide of Kashmiris and the
Indian forces were involved in the
extrajudicial killing of innocent
Kashmiris in IIOJK.
Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and
Kashmir held a demonstration in
front of Central Press Club in
Muzaffarabad against the Indian
KI
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi,
ahead of his address to the UNGA.
The protesters, waving black flags
and wearing black armbands,
marched on the city’s main highway
and chanted slogans like “Killer
Killer - Modi Killer.”
Tehreek-e-Istiqlal also organised a
protest rally in Muzaffarabad
against the Indian Prime Minister.
The participants of the rally chanted
slogans in favour of Kashmir’s
freedom from India and against the
Indian brutalities in IIOJK. They said
that New Delhi had usurped all basic
democratic rights of the people of the
territory and he had no right to
address the world’s biggest forum.
Meanwhile, Pakistan rejected India’s
demand for a permanent seat of the
UN Security Council, saying that
there’s no place for a fascist state in a
sensitive decision-making body.
Pakistan’s permanent representative
to the UN, Ambassador Munir
Akram, while responding to the
demand said, “It’s a pipe dream. The
world does not want a fascist state as
a permanent member of the Security
Council.”
He said that Pakistan opposed the
Indian proposal because this will
also create new centers of privilege
compounding the difficulties of
securing expeditious and equitable
decisions in the Security Council.
“Reform is needed at the United
Nations and India is waiting for that
reform to happen.” He reminded the
UN that it needed to adapt and
change to stay relevant in current
times.
The Security Council is the UN’s
highest-decision making forum and
the only one that can make legally-
binding decisions, such as the one
demanding a plebiscite in Jammu
and Kashmir. India, however,
refuses to implement this legally-
binding decision.
India, which has previously served
seven terms as a non-permanent
member, was re-elected for a two-
year term in June along with Ireland,
Mexico and Norway.
In February, the US President,
Donald Trump, said he was
committed to work with India to
strengthen and reform the UN but
made no specific reference to New
Delhi’s demand for a permanent
seat.
On September 25, 2020, Pakistan
Prime Minister, Imran Khan, used
his address to the UNGA to highlight
the atrocities being perpetrated by
India in IIOJK. He urged the world
leaders to force New Delhi to reverse
its August 05, 2019 decision to
illegally annex the occupied
territory. He also drew world’s
attention to the plight of Muslims
and other minorities in India.
October 2020 10
 from both the UK and the US for his

E
xecutive Director of Human Rights Watch (KI Report)
role in the 2002 anti-Muslim Gujarat
(HRW), Kenneth Roth, has said that the West’s
riots, in which more than 1,000
refusal to call out human rights abuses by Indian
people were killed in communal
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, only emboldened
violence, most of them Muslims. At
him in pushing his anti-Muslim agenda across the
that time, Modi was the chief minister
country and in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir
of Gujarat.
(IIOJK).
Since coming to power, the magazine
Kenneth Roth in an interview with Newsweek, a widely
noted that Modi had faced growing
circulated American magazine, on September 22, 2020, said,
criticism from opposition parties and
the desire of leading countries in the West to use India as a
human rights organisations over his
counterweight to China's power and influence as well as the
treatment of minorities, with the UN
unprincipled approach to human rights pursued by President
labelling a citizenship law that Modi’s
Trump had only emboldened the Indian leader's decision to
government passed as fundamentally
undermine the human rights of Muslim citizens.
discriminatory.
“Modi has largely got away with his anti-Muslim agenda and
Human rights organisations have also
his oppression of protests against it, that is the relative lack of
reported that Indian armed forces are
criticism from the West has only emboldened him on this
committing serious human rights
abusive path,” Roth said.
violations in IIOJK, saying rape,
He noted that besides Muslims in India, Modi had also been torture and forced disappearances are
undermining human rights in IIOJK. a routine in the territory, the magazine
Roth said, “His (Modi’s) withdrawal of Kashmir’s special added.
status and the subsequent crackdown on dissent, shutting down When asked why Western govern-
the Internet, all are part of this broader anti-Muslim element of ments are reluctant to call out human
BJP policy, which Modi either participates in actively or rights violations in India, Roth said,
simply tolerates, including the so-called cow-vigilantes, who “It’s [Kashmir] one piece of a larger
are basically vigilantes who attack Muslims.” anti-Muslim agenda which the West
Kenneth Roth said, “The big issue with India is Prime Minister has largely ignored. India is a major
Modi’s systematic discrimination against Muslims and his power, a major country. There is
tolerance of violence against Muslims.” increasing tension with China and
He said in the Indian state of Assam, 1.9 million Muslims were some just soften the criticism of India
made stateless, as part of Modi’s anti-Muslim agenda. because they see it as an ally in
Modi, who leads the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was banned competition with China.”

October 2020 11
 Srinagar against the will of the
Kashmiri people and in total disre-
gard to the Indian Independence Act
and Partition Plan. Under the
Partition Plan, Indian British Colony
was divided into two sovereign
Background
states, India (comprising Hindu
Kashmiris on majority areas) and Pakistan (con-
both sides of the sisting of Muslim-majority areas of
Line of Control Western provinces and east Bengal).
and across the Every year, 27th October is marked
globe observe by complete strike in Indian illegally Pakistan as both shared strong bonds in
October 27 as occupied Jammu and Kashmir respect of religion, geography and
Black Day. It is (IIOJK) and rallies, seminars and culture. But, unfortunately, the then
the darkest day demonstrations in the illegally Hindu ruler of Jammu and Kashmir,
in the history of occupied territory, Azad Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh, destroyed the
Kashmir as on and world capitals. future of Kashmiri people by
this day in 1947 announcing its accession to India under
As per the understanding behind the
India had a controversial document, Instrument
Partition Plan, the than Princely
f o r c i b l y of Accession, thus laying the founda-
States were given the choice to accede
o c c u p i e d tion of the Kashmir dispute. Many
either to Pakistan or India on the
Jammu and observers including prominent British
basis of their geography and demog-
Kashmir by historian, Alastair Lamb, and noted
raphy. Being a Muslim-majority
landing its Kashmiri researchers, Abdul Majid
state, with 87% Muslim population,
a r m y i n Zargar and Basharat Hussain
Kashmir was a natural part of
Qazilbash, deny the existence of such a
document with the argument that had it
been there, the Indian government must
have made it public either officially or at
any international forum. Even Indian
Archives Department has now declared
that the document is lost and the
announcement has put question marks
on the very existence of the document.

Kashmir in the United Nations

The people of Jammu and Kashmir
strongly resisted India’s illegal occupa-
tion of their soil and they launched a
movement to liberate it from the Indian
yoke. Their resilience forced India to
seek the help of the world community to

October 2020 12
settle the Kashmir dispute.
Sensing a humiliating defeat to its
armed forces, India approached
the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) on January 01,
1948. The World Body in its
successive resolutions nullified
the Indian invasion and called for
holding of an impartial plebiscite
under its supervision to allow the
Kashmiri people decide their fate
by themselves. Unfortunately,
these UN resolutions and the
pledges made by Indian leaders
remain unfulfilled even after the
passage of several decades,
resulting in the continued
suffering of the Kashmiri people.
Kashmiris’ revolt and
mass uprisings
Disappointed over the failure of
all the efforts aimed at resolving
the Kashmir dispute through
peaceful means for decades, the
people of IIOJK intensified their
freedom struggle in 1989 to secure
their right to self-determination.
This movement gave sleepless
nights to the Indian rulers. They
responded this popular move-
ment with the brute military
might.
The people of IIOJK added a new
dimension to their freedom suffered pellet injuries and over
movement in 2008. They hit the 395 of them have lost their
streets in thousands during mass eyesight in one or both eyes.
uprisings in 2008, 2009, 2010 and
2016. However, most of the time,
Indian troops and police Indian state terrorism
personnel used brute force against India is using every brutal tactic to
these peaceful demonstrators, continue its illegal hold on Jammu
killing hundreds of them. Since and Kashmir for the past over
the mass uprising triggered by the seven decades. Since 1989 till 30th
extrajudicial killing of popular September 2020 alone, Indian
youth leader, Burhan Wani, on 8th troops had martyred 95,686
July in 2016, besides killing over Kashmiris, widowed 22,920
1,300, the troops have caused women, orphaned 107,802
children and molested or gang-
injuries to
more than raped 11,219 Kashmiri women.
While the whereabouts of thou-
2 9 , 2 2 0
sands of innocent youth subjected
people by
to disappearance in custody
f i r i n g
remain untraced, the discovery of
pellets,
thousands of mass graves across
bullets and
the territory has raised concerns
teargas
about their safety. However,
shells on despite exhausting all its resources
protesters. and resorting to the worst kind of
During this state terrorism during the past
period, over seven decades, New Delhi
more than has miserably failed to intimidate
1 0 , 2 8 0 the people of IIOJK into submis-
people have sion.
October 2020 13
Modi’s 5th August
onslaught
Narendra Modi-led fascist Indian
government has put the peace of
the entire world in perils by
abrogating Article 370 of the
Indian Constitution that granted
special status to Jammu and
Kashmir and annexing it with
India on August 05, 2019. It also
divided IIOJK into two federally
administered union territories -
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
After repealing the Article 370,
New Delhi put the illegally
occupied territory under strict
military siege, confining millions
of Kashmiris to their homes and
arresting thousands. Continued
curfew, restrictions and communi-
cations blackout led to humani-
tarian crisis in IIOJK. At the same delimitation of Lok Sabha and to convert IIOJK’s Muslim
time, Indian troops intensified assembly constituencies in IIOJK majority into a minority by settling
violent cordon and search with an aim to give more seats to Indian Hindus in large numbers. It
operations across the territory. Hindu-dominated areas of Jammu is also aimed at damaging the
The Modi government imposed division. At the same time, it has essence of the UN resolutions on
several federal laws and intro- flouted a new political front of its the Kashmir dispute and affect the
duced new domicile rules in collaborators led by Altaf Bukhari results in India’s favour if New
IIOJK. In gross violation of the UN in the name of Jammu Kashmir Delhi is compelled to hold a
resolutions and the international Apni Party. plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir
law, it has granted domicile status The basic objective behind all at any point of time in the future.
to thousands of non-Kashmiri these unilateral illegal measures is
Hindus including some IAS
Pakistan’s support to
officers. The local people fear that
more than 800,000 Indian soldiers Kashmir cause
and over 600,000 migrant The Pakistani leadership has
labourers present in the territory always represented the Kashmiris’
might also be granted the domicile aspirations and never betrayed the
status in the coming days. faith reposed on it by the Kashmiri
The BJP regime, as part of its anti- people. It was his commitment to
Muslim policies, is also replacing the interests of the people of
the Muslim names of important Kashmir that drove father of the
places and departments with nation, Quaid-e-Azam
Hindu names in IIOJK. The birth Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to visit
anniversary of former Chief Jammu and Kashmir three times
Minister, Sheikh Abdullah, and before 1947. He had rightly termed
Kashmir Martyrs' Day on July 13 Kashmir as the “Jugular Vein” of
have been dropped from the list of Pakistan. Prime Minister, Imran
public holidays. The Modi govt Khan, in his address to the UN
has initiated the process of General Assembly, drew world’s

October 2020 14
 atte
ntion to the worsening humani-
tarian crisis in IIOJK after Modi
government’s 5th August illegal
move. He repeatedly warned the
world that Modi government’s
Hindutva policies and aggressive
posture posed serious threat to the
peace in the region and the entire
world. Pakistan’s Foreign
Ministry is consistently updating
the world leaders on the Indian
brutalities in IIOJK. The Pakistan
Parliament has passed several
resolutions since August 05, last
year, expressing solidarity with
the oppressed people of IIOJK and
condemning India’s illegal actions
in the territory. The Army Chief,
General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has
repeatedly expressed Pak Army’s
support to the Kashmir cause. He
has declared that Pakistan is ready
to fight till last bullet and last
soldier for Kashmir.
Positive developments
The Kashmir dispute has become
the focus of attention at the global
level after the illegal actions taken
by the Modi regime on and post
August 05, 2019 in IIOJK.
Pakistan’s arduous efforts and the
grave human rights situation
caused by the continued military
siege in the illegally occupied
terri
t o r y
convinced
the UNSC to
hold its session
on Kashmir thrice
first time after the
period of over 50 years. The UN
Secretary General Antonio
Guterres and the US President
Donald Trump have repeatedly
offered mediation to resolve the
Kashmir dispute in the wake of
heightened tension between
Pakistan and India. The UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights,
Michelle Bachelet, several
members of UK parliament and
US lawmakers as well as world
bodies including the OIC, the
Amnesty International and
Human Rights Watch have
expressed serious concern over
the grim human rights situation in
IIOJK. Even the International
watchdog, the Genocide Watch in
a statement expressed fears of
genocide against the Muslims
living in IIOJK and the Indian state
of Assam.
Conclusion
This is the context of the obser-
vance of October 27 as Black Day
by the Kashmiris all across the
globe. The observance is aimed at
sen
ding
a loud
a n d
c l e a r
mess age to
the world community to take
stock of the miseries of the
Kashmiri people and come
forward in a big way to ensure a
solution of the lingering Kashmir
dispute in accordance with their
wishes. It is also intended to send
a strong message to New Delhi
that the Kashmiris reject its illegal
occupation of their homeland and
that they would continue their
struggle till they achieved their
inalienable right to self-
determination promised to them
by India and the world through
several UN resolutions.
Following India’s action to
change the disputed status and
demographic composition of
IIOJK, the solution of the Kashmir
dispute has become more
imperative for ensuring perma-
nent peace in the region and the
world at large.
(The writer is a Senior News
Editor at Kashmir Media Service and
c a n b e r e a c h e d a t
razamalik849@yahoo.com)
October 2020 15
10.09.20 Srinagar
 Human Rights abuses
by Indian troops in IIOJK
during SEPTEMBER 2020
Raies Ahmed Mir

In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the

unrelenting military siege and crippling lockdown
imposed by the fascist Modi government on August 05,
last year, has made the life of the residents a hell. Indian
troops are perpetrating crimes against humanity in the
occupied territory to suppress the Kashmiris’ struggle
for securing freedom from India’s illegal occupation of
their homeland.
At the same time, the Modi regime is indulging in a
witch-hunt of human rights organisations. It is leaving
no stone unturned to convert India into a Hindu
Rashtara and suppressing every voice that criticises its
cruel policies. Reprisals from the Modi-led fascist Indian September 01: Indian police arrested two youth,
government over findings on arbitrary detentions and Fayaz Ahmed Kumar and Aaqib Shafi Butt, in
the use of excessive force and torture by Indian troops in Baramulla.
IIOJK and questions over investigations in incidents like September 02: The police arrested four youth,
Delhi riots has forced the Amnesty International to halt
Shakil Ahmed Wani, Showkat Ahmed, Aaqib
its operations in India.
Maqbool Khan and Aijaz Ahmed Dar, from
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Pethkoot in Beerwah area of Budgam district.
Rights, Michelle Bachelet, in her inaugural statement at
September 03: The police arrested over a dozen
the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council in
youth including Javaid Hassan Ittoo, Abid
Geneva on September 14, 2020 expressed serious
Parvaiz Hajam, Jan Nisar and Khaliq Ganai, in
concern over the grave human rights violations being
Pattan area of Baramulla district.
perpetrated by Indian troops in IIOJK. She said, in
Indian authorities foiled a meeting called by pro-
IIOJK, incidents of military and police violence against
civilians continue including use of pellet guns. She said
India Peoples Democratic Party at its
that the Indian Government’s August 5 moves followed headquarters in Srinagar and put under house
by domicile laws were generating deep anxiety among detention party leaders including Abdul
the people across Jammu and Kashmir. Rehman Veeri, Naeem Akhtar, Khursheed
Following are the details of human rights violations Aalam, Muhammad Yousuf Butt, Aijaz Mir,
perpetrated by Indian troops in IIOJK during the month Zahoor Ahmed Mir, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra,
of September 2020. Farooq Andrabi, Sartaj Madni and Peer Mansoor

October 2020 18
while PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti, had been
under house detention since 5th August 2019.
Indian police booked 10 youth under the black
law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
(UAPA), for taking part in a cricket tournament
held in the memory of a martyred youth, Syed
Ruban, in Shopian district. Those booked
included Syed Tajamul Imran, the brother of
Syed Ruban.
September 04: Indian troops killed three youth,
Imtiyaz Ahmed Mir, Shafqat Ali Khan and
Hanan Bilal Sofi, and destroyed two residential Ishfaq Ahmed Pandit, Abdul Majeed Dar,
houses during a cordon and search operation at Mubashir Ahmed Dar, Yasin Butt and Wasif
Yadipora in Pattan area of Baramulla district. Ashraf Sofi, in Sopore and Pattan areas.
September 05: Bodies of two youth, Sameer September 12: Indian police arrested six youth
Ahmed Butt and Nisar Ahmed Rathar, who had including Nadeem Ahmed Dar, Irshad Ahmed
Sofi, Shakir Ahmed Dar and Aadil Ahmed
Hajam in Pulwama and Poonch areas.
September 14: Indian troops harassed and
terrorised people during a cordon and search
operation at Parigam in Pulwama.
September 15: The troops killed a youth, Kamran
Chak, during a cordon and search operation at
Duhoolanja in Uri area of Baramulla district.
Indian police arrested six youth, Shahid Hassan
Dar, Arshad Ahmed Khan, Majid Rasool Rathar,
Muhammad Aasif Najar, Rayees-ul-Hassan and
Mushtaq Ahmed Mir, from Kupwara, Ganderbal
and Pulwama areas.
been missing since August 2019, were found near Indian troops beat up three journalists, Kamran
the Line of Control in Gurez area of Bandipora Yousuf, Faisal Bashir and Irshad Reshi, in
district. Kakapora area of Pulwama district while they
September 08: Indian police arrested three youth, were performing their professional duty.
Mujeeb Shamas, Tanveer Ahmed Mir and September 16: Indian police killed a 23-year-old
Imtiyaz Ahmed Sheikh, from Mir Mohalla in shopkeeper, Irfan Ahmed Dar, in custody in
Hajin area of Bandipora district. Sopore area of Baramulla district.
September 09: Indian police arrested six youth The police arrested two youth, Aijaz Ahmed
including Bilal Ahmed Kuttey, Shahnawaz Khan and Huzaifa Firdous, during a cordon and
Ahmed Mir and Altaf Ahmed Butt in Kulgam,
Ramaban and Kupwara areas.
September 10: Indian troops killed a youth,
Aaqib Ahmed Lone, during a cordon and search
operation in Kawoosa Khalisa area of Budgam
district.
The police arrested two youth, Mearaj-ud-Din
Wani and Waseem Irshad Gabroo, in
Drugmullah area of Kupwara district.
September 11: The police arrested five youth,

October 2020 19

search operation in Pattan area
of Baramulla district.
September 17: Indian troops
killed three youth, Zakir Ahmed
Paul, Ubair Mushtaq Butt and
Aadil Hussain Butt, and a 45-
year-old woman, Kousar Riyaz,
during a cordon and search
operation in Batamaloo area of
Srinagar.
Indian police arrested 13
panchayat members including
President of All Jammu and
Kashmir Panchayat Conference,
Anil Sharma, after they tried to
take out a protest march in
Jammu.
September 18: Indian forces’
personnel used brute force and
harassed people during a
cordon and search operation in
Gohiwa Pattan area of
Baramulla district.
September 19: Indian police
arrested five youth including
Rahil Bashir, Amir Jaan and
Hafiz Yunus Wani in Rajouri
and Pulwama areas.
September 20: The police
arrested a youth, Shazada
Suvaid Shah, at Devar Tral in
Pulwama district.
September 21: Indian troops
arrested two youth from Bomai
in Sopore area of Baramulla
district.
September 22: The troops killed
a youth, Aasif Ahmed Shah, and
a cleric, Muzaffar Ahmed Shah,
during a cordon and search
Mudasir Ahmed Magray, were
operation in Charar-e-Sharif
injured in a blast caused by the
area of Budgam district. The
explosive material planted by
troops also destroyed two
the troops in the house.
residential houses in the area.
September 26: Indian police
September 24: The troops killed
arrested two youth, Akeel
a youth, Irfan Ahmed Dar,
Ahmed Parray and Talib
Ahmed Butt, from Kupwara and
Kulgam districts.
September 27: Indian troops
killed two youth, Aijaz Ahmed
Reshi and Sajjad Ahmed Sofi,
and destroyed two residential
houses during a cordon and
search operation in Sanboora
area of Pulwama. Eight persons
during a cordon and search were injured when Indian police
operation in Machoma fired pellets on peaceful
Bhagandar area of Pulwama protesters in the same area.
district. September 28: A 34-year-old
The troops arrested two civilian, Yasin Ahmed Rathar,
civilians, Shakeel Ahmed and who was among four persons
Muhammad Altaf Chopan, in injured in an explosion in
Tral area of the same district. Sirhama area of Islamabad
Indian police arrested two district on September 25,
youth, Samiullah and Nisar succumbed to his injuries at a
Ahmed Lone, and snatched a hospital in Srinagar.
huge amount of cash from them September 29: Indian police
in Qazigund area of Kulgam during house raids arrested
district. three youth from Srinagar and
September 25: Indian troops Shopian areas.
killed two youth, Aadil Ahmed
Butt and Rehan, and destroyed a
house during a cordon and
search operation in Sirhama area
of Islamabad district. Four
persons, Irfan Ahmed,
Muhammad Yasin Rathar,
Shahid Yousuf Sheikh and
October 2020 20
T
he legal points raised by Prime Minister Imran
Khan during his second speech at the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in
September 2020 have opened a new opportunity
to take up war crimes committed by Indian
occupational forces at the International Criminal Court
(ICC), International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other legal
forums and get them punished.
Hassan Aslam Shad, Director Legal, CMS McKenna, one of
the top 10 global international law firms, in a recent media
interaction stated that the PM has paved way for Pakistan’s
‘lawfare’ against India.
“Lawfare is the use of law as a weapon of war. Lawfare is
achieving the same or better results as warfare but without
firing a bullet. PM Khan’s speech was as brilliant reiteration
of his UNGA address on 26 September 2019 where he
opposed warfare and made a call for global peace. “It gave a
proper road map for Pakistan and prosperity of the Muslim
Ummah. We now need to garner support of world commu-
nity to refer an appropriately framed ‘Kashmir Question’ to
International Court of Justice (ICJ) for advisory opinion.
Islamabad needs to frame the question in a way that the right
of self-determination stands out as the remedy sought by
Pakistan. It is also time Pakistan needs to accede fully or
partially to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal
Court (ICC) and make fascist Modi & co liable for their
International crimes against the Kashmiris and the crime of
aggression like Balakot attack committed in February 2019
against Pakistan. “It is time for us to move and move fast.”
Humayun Aziz Sandeela
“We have to submit dossiers of crimes
committed by India in Pakistan
f
through proxies e.g. Kulbhushan
Jadhav. FATF is India’s lawfare
against Pakistan. It is time for us to
wage our own counter lawfare against
India. India is becoming a hub of
terrorism (a major terrorist hub
nabbed in Kerala) due to Modi’s
nefarious policies. It is time to up the
ante and take India to task,” Hassan
asserted.
New Delhi’s unilateral annexation of
Kashmir is being celebrated in India as
a major constitutional and political
coup. In fact, many Indian analysts are
selling the abrogation of Article 370 as
a fait accompli, while failing to
recognise that India’s undemocratic
and illegal action will have serious
repercussions for regional stability
and directly compromise its demo-
cratic credentials. Moreover, the gross
human rights violations in Kashmir
and the BJP government’s plans to
change the Muslim majority character
of the region are being seen as ethnic
October 2020 21
 cleansing in India’s occupied
Muslim territory of Jammu and
Kashmir.
Pakistan should also approach the
UNSC under Chapter VII Article 39
that deals with “Threats to
International Peace and Security”.
The three conditions triggering
UNSC Article 39 are - the existence
of any threat to peace, breach of
peace, or act of aggression.
Pakistan can make a case in the first
two instances. In recent times,
UNSC Article 39 has been triggered
in terrorism and humanitarian
crises. Pakistan has a strong case
since Indian actions are a contra-
vention of UNSC Resolution 38
that calls on governments to inform giving it a permanent legal position better rewards than kinetic
the Council of any change and conditioned to a plebiscite. The warfare. Mediation is a trap,
consult the Council in this regard; recent illegal action by India of bilateralism is useless, and the
UNSC Resolution 47 states that the revoking the said article has not divided Muslim Ummah will
dispute of J&K be settled by a free only stolen the identity of further complicate the situation. So
and fair plebiscite, as the continua- Kashmiris but has also nullified the in order to consider these options
tion of the dispute endangers Instrument of Accession, leading Pakistan has to break the shackles
international peace and security; Kashmir to its pre-1947 status. of bilateralism imposed by the
and the Simla Agreement which With this action, India has not only Shimla Agreement of 1972. India’s
fatf states that Indo-Pak relations will lost the moral ground but also its recent actions are the instances of
be governed by the UN Charter. legal case on Kashmir. After the material breach. As per Article 60
nullification of the Instrument of of the 1969 Vienna Convention on
The annexation of Kashmir is
Accession, now every Indian action the Law of Treaties, “If a country
illegal under international law.
in Kashmir lies under forceful commits material breach of a
India has “occupied” J&K
occupation in the international law bilateral treaty, the other country is
according to Article 42 of the
terminology. The Fourth Geneva entitled to terminate the treaty.”
Hague Regulations 1907, which
Convention (GC-IV) strongly This legal route offers Pakistan a
state that “territory is considered
prohibits the occupation of a golden opportunity to say goodbye
occupied when it is placed under
territory by threat or use of force. It to bilateralism and to invite
the authority of the hostile army”.
also prohibits forced or voluntary multilateralism, which is the only
This applies to contested territory
transfer of population from its way forward on Kashmir. There is
like Kashmir. The bottom line for
territory to the occupied territory a strong realisation in the public
Pakistan is that its diplomatic and
as per Article 49 of GC-IV. In spheres that even friendly criticism
legal options are closely inter-
addition, there is a complete is not healthy in crucial times like
linked. Pakistan’s legal options
framework under the Law of these but only a sound way
require Security Council’s support
Occupation that binds the occu- forward, other than kinetic warfare
to be meaningful.
pied force to apply restraints. In that can be opted to counter India’s
Before assessing all options, case of violation, the occupying action in the IIOJK. Such a way
Pakistani policy makers have to force and its actions can be tried forward lies in the ‘lawfare’ as a
realise that in essence, the revoca- under international criminal domain of non-kinetic warfare that
tion of Article 370 means the tribunals and international courts not only demands a change in the
nullification of the Instrument of of justice. While focusing on all terminologies of the popular
Accession. Article 370 was added these options, Pakistan needs to narratives but also the shifting of
to the Indian constitution in 1950 to realise that lawfare as a domain of approach while looking at the
signify the importance of the non-kinetic warfare with the Kashmir issue, hence strength-
Instrument of Accession, hence support of other domains offers ening Pakistan’s case on Kashmir.

October 2020 22
T
he United Nations Human Rights Council Group on Jammu and Kashmir
(UNHRC) was informed on September 14, held a meeting with the UN High
2020 that in Indian illegally occupied Commissioner for Human
Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), incidents of Rights, Michelle Bachelet, and
military and police violence against civilians apprised her of the grave human
continue, including use of pellet guns. (KI Report) rights situation in IIOJK.
On the opening of 45th session of the UNHRC that Pakistan’s mission to the UN in
continued till 7th October 2020 in Geneva, Geneva said on Twitter that the
Switzerland, the United Nations High Commissioner for envoys met virtually with the UN
Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, presented an overall Human Rights chief to communi-
update on human rights situations around the world. cate their concerns on the
Michelle Bachelet said in IIOJK, incidents of military human rights situation in the
and police violence against civilians continue, illegally occupied territory. The
including use of pellet guns. She pointed out that in the group comprised envoys from
occupied territory, major changes including amend- Azerbaijan, Niger, Saudi Arabia,
ments in the Constitution and domicile rules are Turkey, Pakistan and the OIC
generating deep anxiety and the space for political Geneva Mission.
debate and public participation continues to be “The group urged High
severely restricted. Commissioner Bachelet to
She maintained that her Office is committed to contin- continue monitoring and
uing its engagement with India and Pakistan to uphold reporting on IIOJK based on
the rights of the Kashmiri people which is the best way grave human rights situation
to prevent further tensions and conflict in the territory. there and briefed her on ministe-
The High Commissioner's remarks reinforced the rial meetings of Contact Group
serious concerns that have been repeatedly expressed and resolutions on Jammu and
by Pakistan, international media and global human Kashmir adopted at the OIC
rights organisations about the grim human rights summits and foreign minister-
situation in IIOJK. level meets,” the Pakistani
Earlier on September 09, the Ambassadors of the Mission said.
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact “The Office of the High

October 2020 23
Commissioner for Human
Rights documented that human
rights violations in IIOJK have
worsened in the last year,
characterised by excessive use
of force including pellet guns,
home demolitions, civilians’
imprisonment, torture, demo-
graphic engineering etc.,” it
added.
Turkey also reiterated its call to
the Indian government to ease
the current restrictions in the
occupied territory. A statement
issued by Turkey at the 45th
UNHRC session on September
15, 2020 said, “We sincerely
desire that Kashmir issue is
resolved through peaceful
means between India and
Pakistan on the basis of the
relevant UN resolutions.”
During the general debate on
High Commissioner’s oral
update, Turkey also lambasted
India’s ally Israel for violating
human rights of the
Palestinians.
“Israel continues to act with
absolute impunity in the
occupied Palestinian territo-
ries,” the statement said. “The
inhumane blockade sustained
by Israel stands as the heaviest
hurdle for the individuals in
Gaza in the enjoyment of their
most basic human rights,” it
added.
Meanwhile, welcoming the
remarks by the UN High
Commissioner for Human
Rights Michelle Bachelet, the
Convener of AJK chapter of
Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat forum,
Syed Faiz Naqshbandi, and Vice
Chairman of Jammu and
Kashmir National Front, Altaf
Hussain Wani, in their state-
ments issued in Islamabad on
September 15 said that the UN
Rights chief’s remarks high-
lighted the gravity of human
rights situation in IIOJK. The
President of Jammu and
Kashmir Salvation Movement,
Altaf Ahmed Butt, in a state-
ment in Islamabad on
September 15 also lauded the
UN High Commissioner’s
remarks regarding the human
rights violations by Indian
troops in IIOJK. He maintained
that Indian propaganda, lies
and fake news regarding
normalcy in the occupied
territory stand exposed before
the world.
The Organisation of Kashmir
Coalition (OKC) also welcomed
the statement of the UN High
Commissioner for Human
Rights, Michelle Bachelet, in
which she expressed serious
concern over the grave human
rights violations being perpe-
trated by Indian troops in
IIOJK.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan
while welcoming the remarks of
Michelle Bachelet said that her
assertions reinfor ced the
serious concerns that have
been repeatedly expressed by
Pakistan, international media
and global human rights
organisations.
India came under severe
criticism at the UNHRC where
reputed international rights
groups during a daylong debate
took a dig at the BJP govern-
ment for human rights viola-
tions in IIOJK and India.
Taking part in the debate held
under agenda item 3 on
September 27, the representa-
tives of International Muslim
Women Union (IMWU), World
Muslim Congress (WMC),
October 2020 24
Community Human Rights and
Advocacy Center (CHR&AC) and
Amnesty International voiced
their serious concerns over the
dire political and human rights
situation in the occupied
territory. They urged the
UNHRC to force the Indian
government to hold account-
able the members of its armed
forces involved in heinous
crimes such as torture, arbi-
trary detentions, killings and
forced disappearances in IIOJK.
Speaking on the occasion, the
CHR&AC representative,
Eemaan Gilani, while referring
to the genesis of the Kashmir
dispute said, “Jammu and
Kashmir is a disputed territory.
United Nations has passed a
number of resolutions calling
for a free and impartial plebi-
scite under the UN auspicious
to allow the people of Jammu
and Kashmir to determine their
political future in an atmo-
sphere free of coercion.”
Terming denial of right to self-
determination as a violation of
human rights, the IMWU
representative, Warda Najum,
maintained that the Kashmiris
are being subjected to the worst
kind of violence and subjuga-
tion for demanding this inalien-
able right.
WMC representative, Raja
Saeeduz Zaman, said, “What
defines today’s Kashmir is
extra-judicial killings, fake
encounters, forced disappear-
ances, detention of Kashmiri
youth and torture.”
Speaking on the occasion, the
Amnesty International repre-
sentative expressed grave
concern over the rising tide of
fascism, intolerance, and
racism in India. He said, “We are
alarmed by the deteriorating
situation in India where
draconian laws are being used
to detain and arrest the human
rights defenders and peaceful
protesters.”
Former President of the
United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA),
Morgan Lykketoft
Regarding the arrests and
torture on peaceful protesters
by the Indian police, he said,
“People who were protesting
against Citizenship Act were
subjected to excessive force.”
Tehreek-e-Kashmir Europe and
Kashmir Institute of
International Relations (KIIR)
held a protest demonstration
outside the UNHRC
Headquarters on September 30
to draw attention of the world
towards the continued blood-
shed and human rights viola-
tions by Indian troops in IIOJK.
Exposing Indian brutalities in
the occupied territory, the
speakers sought the interna-
tional community’s urgent
attention towards the
impending humanitarian crisis
in IIOJK, which has been
reeling under heightened state
violence, repression and
undeclared military siege for
more than a year now.
The speakers at a press confer-
ence in Geneva on October 01
urged the world community to
take cognisance of the grave
human rights situation in
IIOJK.
The speakers of the press
conference pointed out that
over a year-long undeclared
military siege in IIOJK is a
challenge to the world
conscience.
October 2020 25
The press conference, held on
the sidelines of the UNHRC
session, was addressed by
President of Tehreek-e-
Kashmir, UK, Fahim Kiyani.
Former President of the United
Nations General Assembly
(UNGA), Morgan Lykketoft, and
Chairman of Kashmir Institute
of International Relations
(KIIR), Altaf Hussain Wani,
attended and addressed the
event through video link. They
said, “Besides leaving
undeletable and devastating
impacts on the Kashmiris’
psyche, the unrelenting siege,
on one hand, left the economy of
the territory in doldrums, while
on the other, it has enormously
affected the education and
health sectors at a time when it
was hit by the novel
coronavirus.”
Amidst a deepening crisis, they
said, “After 5th August 2019 a
population of over 8 million
people was held virtually
incommunicado by the Indian
authorities by enforcing a
crippling communication
blockade in the territory. All
forms of communication
including the internet, mobile
and landline phones and social
media sites were disbanded.
The entire Kashmir was turned
into an information black-hole systematic genocide of such as arbitrary arrests,
for rest of the world.” Kashmiri youth by Indian imprisonments and detention of
Referring to the Office of the UN forces’ personnel. youth in concentration camps
High Commissioner for Human Voicing their serious concern were used by India to stifle the
Rights report, which focuses on over the persecution and voice of Kashmiris, who had
the worst human rights viola- victimisation of political and been struggling for their
tions committed by Indian human rights activists at the legitimate right to self-
troops in IIOJK, the speakers hands of the occupation determination guaranteed to
said that there was a dire need authorities in IIOJK, they said them by the world community.
that the Indian government, that pro-freedom political Calling for an early and
which had an appalling human leaders, human rights activists amicable settlement of the
track record of muzzling the and members of the civil society Kashmir dispute, the speakers
voices of dissent, should be were being harassed, humili- said that peace in the region
pressurised to allow a UN fact- ated and arrested under would remain a distant dream
finding mission to visit IIOJK to draconian laws. unless the long-pending
carry out an independent Kashmir dispute was addressed
Demanding release of all
investigation into the incidents in accordance with the univer-
illegally detained Hurriyat
of human rights violations, sally accepted principle of right
leaders and activists, the
enforced disappearances and to self-determination.
speakers said that colonial tools

October 2020 26
 June 11:
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader, Hakeem Abdul
Rasheed, visits the residence of martyred student, Tufail
Compiled by: Showkat Ali Ahmed Mattoo, to pay glowing tributes to him on his 4th
martyrdom anniversary. Tufail Mattoo died on the spot after
a teargas shell fired by Indian police hit him near Ghani
Memorial College in Srinagar on June 11, 2010. His killing led
to the mass uprising in the occupied territory in that year.
Hakeem Abdul Rasheed also participates in a special prayer
A CHRONOLOGICAL session, which is held at Eidgah in Srinagar to offer Fateha for
all Kashmiri martyrs including Tufail Ahmed Mattoo.
June 12:
ACCOUNT OF The veteran Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Gilani, addressing a
public gathering at Hyderpora Chowk in Srinagar says that
DEVELOPMENTS ON India is hatching a plan to convert Muslim majority into a
minority in IIOJK by pushing non-state subjects into Jammu
region and issuing them Permanent Resident Certificates. He
KASHMIR strongly opposes the plan to create a separate settlement for
Kashmiri Pandit community in the Kashmir Valley. He says
(170) that communal elements are trying to sabotage the freedom
movement by creating divisions on ethnic and religious
lines.
Pro-India National Conference President and former puppet
Chief Minister of IIOJK, Farooq Abdullah, speaking at a
function in Srinagar acknowledges that attempts are being
made to change the demographic character of the illegally
occupied territory.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference at its Executive Council

October 2020 27
meeting in Srinagar demands
impartial probe into the killings
of youth during 2008, 2009 and
2010 mass uprisings. The
meeting is presided over by
APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq.
Indian police arrest Hurriyat
leaders, Shabbir Ahmed Shah,
Farooq Ahmed Dar and Shabbir
Ahmed Dar, at Pantha Chhoke in
Srinagar to prevent them from
visiting family of a martyr at
Kakapora in Pulwama. Hurriyat
leaders, Muhammad Yousuf
Naqash, Bilal Ahmed Siddiqui
and others, who succeed to reach
the area, lead a protest demon-
stration. On the occasion, they
reiterate the Kashmiri’s resolve
to continue the martyrs’ mission,
against all odds.
Kashmiri representatives, Altaf
Hussain Wani and Syed Faiz
Naqshbandi, addressing the 26th
session of UN Human Rights
Council in Geneva say that India
has enacted a series of draconian
laws to facilitate perpetrators of
human rights violations in Indian
illegally occupied Jammu and
Kashmir.
Altaf Hussain Wani and Sardar
Amjad Yousuf in an interview
with the Iranian national televi-
sion channel express concern
over arrests and killings of youth
by Indian troops and police in the
illegally occupied territory.
A delegation of Kashmiri
representatives comprising Mrs
Shamim Shawl, Sardar Amjad
Yousaf Khan, Shagufta Ashraf
and Ahmed Quraishi meets
diplomats from Finland,
Luxembourg, UK, and the UN
Special Rapporteur on freedom
of assembly. They apprise them
about the worsening human
rights situation in IIOJK.
June 13:
The Chairman of All Parties
Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq, addressing a
gathering at Jamia Masjid in
Srinagar says that the people of
Kashmir are determined to
continue their struggle till they
achieve their right to self-
determination.
Senior leader of All Parties
Hurriyat Conference, Shabbir
Ahmed Shah, addressing a big
gathering at Nasrullah Pora in
Budgam expresses serious
concern over Indian govern-
ment’s plan to change the
demography IIOJK by perma-
nently settling the non-Kashmiris
in the occupied territory. He says
that every such move will be
resisted tooth and nail. He also
opposes the plan to create
separate colonies for the
Kashmiri Pandit community in
the Kashmir Valley terming it a
conspiracy to divide the
Kashmiris on communal lines.
APHC leaders, Zafar Akbar Butt,
Javaid Ahmed Mir and Syed
Bashir Andrabi, lead a protest
rally amid high-pitched anti-
India and pro-freedom slogans in
Lurwa area of Pulwama. They
pay glowing tributes to a local
youth, Mudassir Ahmed,
recently martyred by Indian
troops.
Hurriyat leaders including
Yasmeen Raja, Zamruda Habib,
Shabbir Ahmed Dar, Abdul
Ahad Parra, Muhammad Yousuf
Naqash, Muhammad Yousuf
Mir, Molvi Bashir Ahmed and
Ghulam Qadir Ganai visit
Lehlahar Kakapora in Pulwama
and express solidarity with the
family of a martyred youth, Bilal
Ahmed Butt. Addressing a
gathering on the occasion, they
say that the sacrifices of Kashmiri
martyrs will not go waste and
their mission will be accom-
plished at all costs.
Indian police arrest APHC
leaders, Mukhtar Ahmed Waza
and Nayeem Ahmed Khan, from
Ashmaqam and Trehgam after
they address public gatherings in
these areas.
The occupation authorities
continue to place the veteran
Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Gilani,
under house arrest. He is not
even allowed to offer Juma
prayers.
To be continued...
October 2020 28
Human Rights Situation
June 14:
The Chairman of All Parties
Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq, in an interview in
Srinagar calls upon the
Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation to play an effective
role in resolving the Kashmir
dispute. He welcomes the concern
shown by the OIC recently over
the plight of the Kashmiris. He
maintains that the OIC has a role in
the Kashmir resolution and it must
use its good offices so that the
long-pending dispute can be
settled in accordance with the
Kashmiris’ aspirations.
Muhammad Yasin Malik is re-
elected as the Chairman of Jammu
and Kashmir Liberation Front in
its elections held in Srinagar. After
the elections, Muhammad Yasin
Malik announces to launch Quit
Kashmir Campaign from 23rd
June.
The Chairman of Jammu and
Kashmir National Front, Nayeem
Ahmed Khan, addressing a
seminar in Geneva via Skype from
Srinagar appeals to the interna-
tional community to impress upon
India to change its attitude
towards the Kashmir dispute and
withdraw its troops from IIOJK.
Kashmiri intellectual, Abdul
Majeed Zargar, also addresses the
mistaken if it thinks that it can
seminar through Skype from
Srinagar. suppress the Kashmiris’ passion
for freedom by subjecting them to
Indian police re-arrest Hurriyat
different tactics of oppression and
leader, Masarrat Aalam Butt, soon
suppression. He reiterates the
after he reaches home following
Kashmiris’ pledge to continue the
his release on court orders in
liberation struggle till it reaches its
Srinagar.
logical conclusion.
Hurriyat leader and the Chairman
The Jammu and Kashmir
of Islamic Political Party Jammu
Liberation Front Chairman,
and Kashmir, Muhammad Yousuf
Muhammad Yasin Malik,
Naqash, during his interaction
addressing a function at Maisuma
with people in Ganderbal says that
in Srinagar says that the JKLF’s
India is continuing its illogical and
Quit Kashmir Movement will be
unrealistic policy over the
commenced by holding a march
towards Lal Chowk on 23rd June.
The JKLF Chairman calls for a
united front against the Indian
occupation and New Delhi’s plan
to change the demography of the
territory.
Hurriyat leaders, Muhammad
Yousuf Naqash, Firdous Ahmed
Shah and Advocate Muhammad
Shafi Reshi, addressing meetings
in Srinagar and Ganderbal
demand withdrawal of Indian
troops from IIOJK to pave way for
settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
Kashmir dispute and has the
malicious intentions of strength-
ening its forced and illegal
occupation on Kashmir which is
unacceptable to the Kashmiri
people.
June 15: The Chairman of All
Parties Hurriyat Conference,
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, addressing
a function organised by Maulana
Anwar Shah Kashmiri Memorial
Trust at Lolab in Kupwara says
that Jammu and Kashmir has
always been a Muslim majority
area and any plan to change its
demography will be opposed
tooth and nail. He says that the
people of Kashmir are offering
great sacrifices for freedom from
Indian bondage. The APHC
Chairman says that India is
October 2020 15

Patnitop
It is the most popular tourist spot of
Jammu region. Located 112 kms
from Jammu this famous hill resort is
perched on a beautiful plateau, at an
altitude of 2024 metres across which
the Jammu-Srinagar Highway
passes. It has lush green meadow
and pine trees, which resemble with
Gulmarg. Patnitop offers beautiful
picnic spots, peaceful walks and
breathtaking views of the
mountains cape of the Chenab basin.
In winter, it is covered with a white
carpet of snow and its slopes have
been successfully experimented for
skiing. Skiing courses are conducted
at Patnitop in the months of January
and February. During winter
months there are introductory
courses for tourists / beginners at
gentle gradient slopes of Patnitop. At
Madhatop (5/6 kms from Patnitop
on Sanasar Road) excellent
possibilities for all kind of skiing
exist. Skiing equipments and
wooden sledges are available on hire
at Patnitop and Sanasar.
Sanasar
129 kms from Jammu and only 19
kms from patnitop is Sanasar (2079
m), a satellite resort of Patnitop, with
a cup-shaped meadow surrounded
by gigantic conifers. A place for a
quiet holiday, the meadow has now
been developed as a golf course.
There are several walks in the
surrounding hills. The resort itself is
ideal for paragliding. May to June
and September to October are
suitable months for paragliding in
Sanasar. Tourists with own vehicle
can go on to Sanasar from Patnitop
and return by the evening.
Kud
Located 103 kms from Jammu, this
popular resort is situated on the
Jammu-Srinagar Highway, at an
altitude of 1738 metres.
Ranbir Canal
A small garden along the Ranbir
Canal, which runs through the city
outskirts, provides a cool picnic spot
during the summer. The canal
branches off from the river Chenab at
Akhnoor, 32 kms away. Its water
remains icy-cold throughout the
year and its banks serve as good
viewpoints and walkways.
Mansar Lake
Mansar Lake located 62 kms from
Jammu is a beautiful lake fringed by
forest-covered hills. Boating
facilities are available in the spot.
Every year around Baisakhi, a food
and crafts festival is organised here.
Salal Dam & Lake
95 kms from Jammu to the west of
the Shrine of Vashnodeviji is the
Salal Dam and Lake. With an
installed capacity of 400 mw of
electricity, this is the largest
Hydroelectric Project commissioned
in IIOJK so far. The lake formed
behind the dam is 33 kms long. The
Dam site can be visited with the
permission of the project authorities.
Dera Baba Banda - It is a major
Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage centre
situated 75 kms from Jammu. Baba
Banda Bairaagi was Guru Gobind
Singh's favourite 'Saint-Soldier', who
had the Gurudwara constructed on
the banks of river Chenab, where he
spent his last days.
Sudh Mahadev
This spot near Patnitop is situated at
an altitude of 1225 mtrs, about 120
kms from Jammu. The Devak stream
originates at Sudh Mahadev and
disappears among the rocks a few
kilometres down stream.
Krimchi
On the way to Sudhmahadev-
Mantalai, a short detour takes one to
Krimchi, site of three of the oldest
temples of Jammu. The architecture
of the temples shows distinct Greek
(Hellenic) influences. Pancheri, a hill
resort is a short distance away from
here.
Akhnoor
32 kms to the west of Jammu
situated on the banks of the mighty
Chenab river is the historic town of
Akhnoor. This town is associated
with the legend of Soni-Mahiwal.
Ruins of the Indus-Valley
civilisation are to be seen along the
riverbank commanding a panoramic
view all around.
October 2020 29
 Folklore story from Kashmiri literature
A certain prince had been with his soldiers and took the Go away, or I shall have to resort
married. The day after the city, and put the king and his to force.”
wedding the king, his father, sent army to flight. The royal house- Seeing that it was useless to press
to him, saying, “Tell your wife hold was scattered. his claim, the unfortunate king
that the king sends his regards.” The king and queen and the turned away. “Alas! Alas!” he
The prince did so, and the wife prince fled to one country, while exclaimed, “how can I go back to
simply replied, “Well!” In the the three princesses went to their the queen and prince and
evening the king came to inquire own homes. Before leaving, the princess with this reply? They
what answer the princess had “wise and good wife” made will not believe me. Better for me
given; and when he heard it he seven loaves, and putting a ruby to fly from the palace and dwell
said, “Sorrow! I have lost the in each, she took them with her. alone, than to meet their suspi-
money spent on my son's
In the course of their wanderings cions and reproofs.”
wedding.”
the king, queen, and prince Hence, the king went to a certain
In a little while the prince was reached the country where the jungle and there lamented his
married again and in the same wise and good princess lived. cruel fate.
manner, the king sent a regards Accordingly, they went to her
When several hours had passed,
to his wife. “Well, well,” the home, and related all that had
and the king had not returned,
princess answered, “thank the befallen them since they had left
the princess called her husband,
king for his kindness, and give their country. The princess had
and giving him another loaf,
him my regards.” pity on them, and gave the king asked him to go to the bazaar and
When the king heard this reply one of the loaves that she had dispose of the ruby that was in
he exclaimed, “Alas! Alas! My made, saying, “This bread is very the middle of it. The prince took
lot; I have lost the money spent stale, but in the middle of it you the bread, and went to the same
on my son's wedding.” will find a ruby. Take and sell the merchant that his father had
A short time after this, the king ruby in the bazaar, and buy for visited. He also was deceived by
married his son for the third time, yourself some necessaties.” the wicked man, and like his
and tested his third wife in the The king thanked the princess, father, thinking it better to live a
same manner. and went at once to one of the life of solitude than to dwell with
Now this third wife was meek great merchants of the place and those who would always suspect
and modest and good. When she asked him to buy the ruby. The him of having appropriated the
heard the king's notice of her, she merchant hesitated about the money, he too went to the jungle.
begged her husband to say to His price; so the king said, “Very There he met his father, and
Majesty, “The princess says who well, give me a rupee in advance, recounted to him his sad tale, and
am I that the king should deign to and I will come again tomorrow heard that the same trial had
notice me?” She did this, because for the rest.” happened to him. Some weeks
she did not think it right either to On the next day, when the king elapsed, and then the princess,
treat His Majesty's regards with went, the merchant said to him, thinking that the king and prince
disrespect, or to receive it as if it “Go away, and do not waste my had deserted them, gave her
were her due, like the other two time with idle talk. There are lots mother-in-law some bread with a
princesses had done. of people like you going about ruby in it, and asked her to go
pretending to have done this and try to sell it. Most unfortu-
On hearing her answer, the king
thing and that thing, thinking to nately the queen also went to the
was glad, and said to his son,
deceive us busy people. But some wicked merchant, and was
“This is a wise and good wife. I
of us have a better memory than treated in just the same way; and
have not wasted any money over
others. When did you sell me a she too, not caring to go back to
this wedding.”
ruby? How could a poor man like the princess without the ruby or
A few years after this third its equivalent money, fled to the
you honestly obtain a ruby? I do
marriage a powerful king came jungle, and there found her
not know anything about you.

October 2020 30
husband and son.
The princess waited several
days. At last, she disguised
herself as a man, and mounting
one of her father's horse, rode
everywhere inquiring from the
people whether they had seen
any beggars wandering about in
their neighbourhood. Nobody
could give her any information of
the missing ones. So, she rode on
and on till she came to another
country. Here the king, as he was
walking one day in the verandah
of his palace, noticed her, and
calling her to him, asked if she
would like to take service in the
palace. She readily consented,
and at once was appointed to
some special work. Her skill and
wisdom and goodness soon
obtained for her great favour
with His Majesty, who often sent
for her to talk with him or advise
him on private as well as public
matters.
While she was living in the
palace a large python appeared
in the country and destroyed
many lives. The whole country
was in a terrible state of fear.
Nobody dared venture far from
his threshold. From the king
down to the lowest subject there
was daily expectation of death.
In the hour of his distress the
king sent for the princess and
begged her to say what ought to
be done.
“I will go and slay the beast,” she
replied. “Go,” said the king, “If
you succeed I will give you my
daughter in marriage.”
The princess went and slew the
python and as soon as she
returned with the good news, the
king married her to his daughter.
At the princess's (his servant)
earnest request, who said that
she had been moved to do so by
the advice of her pir, the king had
a separate
house provided
for her, and
another house
for his own
daughter. The
house set apart
for the princess
(the king's
supposed son-
in-law) was
situated in a
place where
two roads met.
Sometimes,
when she had
not anything
better to do, the
princess used to
sit by one of the
lattice windows
and watch the
people as they
passed by. One
day she was
startled by the
sight of her
husband and
his father and king, queen, and prince. They
mother. She beckoned to them travelled as quickly as they could
and inquired who they were? to the place where the merchant
where they were going? and dwelt, and threatened him so
what they were doing?. Seeing severely, that the man, fearing
that she was good and sympa- the king would hear of the matter
thising, they told her everything. and order his execution, sold all
“Come into my house,” she said. his property and gave them the
And then, when they had money.
entered, she told them who she Then the princess sent word to
was. “See,” she continued, “I am the king who had befriended her,
your princess. I knew not what and explained everything to him,
had befallen you all, and there- and begged His Majesty to
fore I disguised myself and went forgive her, and allow the
in search of you. Praise be to God, princess, his daughter, to marry
who has thus brought us the prince, her husband. The king
agreed. He also sent a large force
together again! Wait here till
of soldiers to help the princess's
evening, when I will go with you.
father-in-law to regain his
We will see this wicked
kingdom. Another battle was
merchant. He must be punished,
then fought, and the country was
and our property must be
regained; and henceforth peace
restored.”
and prosperity reigned in all its
That evening the princess left the
borders.
house in the company of the
October 2020 31

Unwarranted Restraints
The innocent people of Indian
illegally occupied Jammu and
Kashmir are under continued
military siege since August last year
amid COVID-19 pandemic, which
has exacerbated their hardships
manifold.
The Human Rights Watch recently
stated that Indian government’s
unwarranted restraints on the right
to free speech and access to
information, healthcare and
education had been intensified in
the wake of COVID-19, in violation
of Geneva Convention which
maintains that the occupying power
must ensure sufficient hygiene and
public health standards as well as
the provision of food and medical
care to the population under
occupation. Despite this, India has
been continuously keeping the
Kashmiri people away from basic
health facilities. India is also
violating the United Nations
Security Council Resolution 2532
(2020) regarding cessation of
hostilities during Covid-19, which
calls for immediate cessation of
hostilities and global ceasefire
during the fight against the
pandemic. The UN resolution called
upon all parties to armed conflicts in
the world to engage immediately in
a durable humanitarian pause for at
least 90 days. India, however,
continues to use force against
civilians not only in IIOJK but also
across the Line of Control.
Kamran Anwar
Lahore
Shameful blow to human rights
Leading international daily
Washington Post recently termed
the closure of Amnesty
International in India as a
shameful blow to human rights
and free speech in the country.
The targeting of the global rights
watchdog is part of sustained
efforts to transform India into a
fascist state by suppressing
dissent. By attacking Amnesty
International, the Modi-led BJP
government has actually tried to
distract the attention of people
from its failures. In IIOJK,
unrelenting military siege
imposed by Modi-led fascist
Indian government on August 05
last year, continues to take a heavy
toll on daily life of the Kashmiris.
Since August 2019, Indian troops
have martyred over least 230
Kashmiris including six women.
Most of the victims were killed by
the troops in fake encounters in
the garb of so-called cordon and
search operations. Youth were
picked up from their homes and
then eliminated after falsely
labeled as mujahideen or over-
ground workers of mujahid
organisations.
It is need of the hour that the
Indian government, which has an
appalling human track record of
muzzling the voices of dissent,
should be pressurized to allow a
UN fact-finding mission to visit
IIOJK to carry out an independent
investigation into the incidents of
human rights violations, enforced
disappearances and systematic
genocide of Kashmiri youth by
Indian forces. The world
community must also initiate
measures to resolve the long-
pending Kashmir dispute in
accordance with the universally
accepted principle of right to self-
determination for peace and
prosperity in the south Asian
region.
Jamil Janjua
Rawalpindi
Speak for Kashmir
India continues with its brutal
actions in Indian illegally
occupied Jammu and Kashmir
without impunity. It is
unfortunate that so far the UN
hasn't paid serious attention to
the grave human rights
violations being perpetrated by
Indian troops in the occupied
territory. Illegal actions taken by
Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party
government in Indian illegally
occupied Jammu and Kashmir
on and post August 05, 2019,
have again testified that India is a
fascist state and it is hell bent
upon converting IIOJK’s Muslim
majority into a minority. Modi’s
fascist ideology is the biggest
threat to peace and stability in
South Asia. No one is concerned
about Indian atrocities on
unarmed Kashmiris. Even the
UN has failed to implement its
resolutions on Kashmir despite
the passage of several decades.
The entire world, including some
powerful Muslim countries, is
quiet. Pakistan has been fighting
this war on its own for the past 73
years. The world must wake up
to these ground realities and
openly support the Kashmiris in
their struggle. Pakistan should
immediately form a delegation
of members from all major
political parties and send it to
other countries to win their
support on the Kashmir dispute.
Mukhtar Ahmed
Karachi
October 2020 32
 Atrocities by Indian troops
(January 1989 to October 31, 2020)

Total killings 95,709

Custodial killings 7,150

Civilians arrested 161,131

Structures destroyed/damaged 110,374

Women widowed 22,922

Children orphaned 107,805

Women gangraped/molested 11,224

Including custodial killings

Source: Kashmir Media Service (www.kmsnews.org)

“The question of accession is to be decided finally in
a free plebiscite, on this there is no dispute. There
will be no victimisation of any native of the State,
whatever his political view may be, and no
Kashmiri will be deprived of the right to vote.”

(White Paper on Kashmir issued by Government of India, 1948)

All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu And Kashmir

P. O. Box No. 2617, GPO Islamabad.
Ph: 0092-51-4861457, Fax: 0092-51-4861458 (Islamabad)
0092-5822-432344 (Muzaffarabad)
Email: kashmirinsight@yahoo.com