January 2006:
APHC Visits Pakistan
A 3- member delegation of APHC (A) comprising Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Prof.
A. G. Bhat and Bilal Lone visited Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan
from January 2 to 7. The delegation met President Musharraf, PM Shaukat Aziz
and ISI officers as well as leaders from PoK. They also traveled to PoK and
met with survivors of the October 2005 earthquake. However, hardline Jamaat
leaders in PoK and Pakistan refused to meet them and even the United Jihad
Council issued a press release on 3 January criticising Kashmiri politicians
involved in 'diplomacy' on the Kashmir issue for weakening their cause.
After returning from their visit, while Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed optimism,
Bilal Lone felt that Pakistani leaders were circumspect in their meetings
and the delegation did not return with any significant gain. Mirwaiz reportedly
disclosed to a confidant that though Musharraf did not provide any details
of the self-governance proposal, he indicated that it went beyond autonomy
within the Indian constitution and lay somewhere between autonomy and independence.
According to reports, constitutional control over the respective Kashmir
regions should be restricted too defence and external affairs. Both the Kashmir
units across the LoC will exist as 'semi-sovereign states' which would conduct
their own elections and their own prime ministers. Musharraf also emphasised
the need for demilitarisation as a pre-requisite for self-governance.
Musharraf appreciated the Indian PM's positive approach but felt that his
actions were inhibited by different departments of the government and some
politicians as well as the opposition. Musharaff was reportedly unhappy with
the Indian response to the self-governance proposal, which he felt was an
acceptable solution to the Kashmir dispute. Responding to the fears of the
APHC regarding the UJC's role, Musharraf apparently reassured them that the
militants would be kept under check at least until talks with India were
progressing. It was reported that regarding other secessionist leaders, Musharraf
said that Yasin Malik (JKLF) would remain independent but he assured them
that they would keep S. A. S. Geelani under check. However, he expected Shabir
Shah (JKDFP) to eventually join the APHC (A).
According to some reports, the DG, ISI reportedly agreed to the Mirwaiz's
request for enhanced funding for the APHC (A) though it was also stated that
the ISI would not henceforth independently fund the smaller constituent (except
Nayeem Khan (National Front); only the Executive Council members would continue
to receive funds. The ISI chief told the visiting separatists that Geelani
would be kept in check by stopping funding of APHC (G) constituents (other
than Geelani).
During their visit, the Hurrriyat leaders also met the members of Kashmir
Committee who informed them that though they were not in favour of Musharraf's
proposals, yet they would support the dialogue process if it were to the
satifaction of Hurriyat and the Pakistan Government. In PoK, the Hurriyat
leaders met Anwar Khan (President) and Sikander Hayat Khan (PM) but did not
discuss the resolution of Kashmir problem as they gained the impression that
the Pakistani establishment had significant influence over them. The visiting
delegation also held meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and
Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri. During their meeting with APHC (A) activists
in PoK the visiting separatist delegation reportedly came to know that the
JeI leadership in PoK and Syed Salahuddin (Chief Commander/HM) were planning
to persuade Geelani to merge his party with the JeI.
It was evident after the visit that the Hurriyat (Moderate) was clearly following
the direction showed by Islamabad. This is why the separatists fell in line
with the proposals on demilitarisation and self-governance. The Mirwaiz stated
his desire to tour the Jammu region to garner support for these proposals.
The hardline leader Geelani meanwhile continued to maintain his rigid outlook
and observers say that he is likely to get further isolated in the days to
come as his allied parties are going to suffer due to stoppage of funding
from Pakistan, which is likely to encourage many of the APHC (G) constituents
to join the Mirwaiz.
25 February 2006:
Reactions to PM's Round Table Conference
The Round Table Conference called by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on
25 February 2006 was generally well received by mainstream parties though
secessionist outfits were sceptical of its outcome and relevance. Mehboob
Baig (Provincial President, NC), while welcoming the move, observed on 15
February that the agenda of the conference should have been clearly outlined,
especially since India had rejected the NC's autonomy proposal. Omar Abdullah
(NC chief) also noted that its success would depend on how many people attended
the conference. M. Y. Tarigami (CPM, MLA) welcomed the step but called upon
the Centre to intensify its efforts to involve other groups in th process.
Mehbooba Mufti (PDP chief), addressing a party workers convention in Anatnag
on 15 February welcomed the initiative taken by the PM to broaden the dialogue
process and said that only by involving all groups could the process be made
fruitful. Peerzada Sayeed (PCC chief), Nirmal Singh (BJP), Bhim Singh (JKNPP),
Hakim Yaseen (People's Democratic Forum) and Sat Pal (BSP) also hailed the
move.
APHC (A) leaders, other than Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, reacted negatively to
the invitation to attend conference at a meeting (Srinagar- February 16)
of the forum. They argued that there was no emergent need for such a conference
at this time and a meeting of all groups would only create a 'messy' situation.
Reports indicate that Bilal Lone (PC – Bilal), wary of an invitation to his
brother Sajjad, felt that the conference was being convened hastily at an
improper time merely to discredit the APHC (A). Maulvi Abbas Ansari accused
the New Delhi of trying to create confusion in secessionist ranks by this
move. Talking to reporters, Shabir Shah of JKDEP said on 16 February that
the conference was being organised in view of the proposed visit of the US
President though he deflected a question about his participation by saying
that, if invited, he would consult his party.
Hardliner Geelani was caught in a difficult position - a softening on self-governance
and dialogue with India will erode his credibility, while inflexibility will
lose him critical support from across the LoC. Interestingly, the JeI Pakistan,
which is itself opposing Musharraf in Pakistan, has encouraged him to take
the latter course. His frequent public statements released from time to time
by his office in Srinagar indicate that Geelani expectedly has chosen to
follow the Jamaat line. In this scenario, Geelani may be expected to attempt
to retrieve his position by recapturing the Jel J&K's leadership in election
due later this year. This may, however, be difficult until he adopts a more
realistic stand, as Jel cadres fear that his leadership may place the organisation
in difficulties.
Observers say that although Pakistan is unlikely to abandon Geelani soon,
these developments are likely to futher reorder secessionist ranks in favour
of the the Mirwaiz- led APHC (A), allowing Pakistan to claim greater legitimacy
for the Mirwaiz. Already, two more constituents, Democratic Political Movement
(DPM) and Muslim Khwateen Markaq (MKM), have established contact with the
rival APHC (A). This may encourage the APHC (A) to be more aggressive, especially
as along as it feels left out of the dialogue process.
26-28 February 2006: Reactions
to Round Table Conference
Several participants in the Round Table Conference (RTC) have later expressed
their appreciation of the exercise, even as secessionist outfits predictable
continued to criticise the government's initiative. Mufti Sayeed of the PDP
lauded Prime Minister Singh for holding the Round Table Conference and expressed
support for the suggestion that the Kashmir issue should be approached with
an open mind. Peerzada Sayeed (PCC Chief) appreciated the RTC and hoped that
the secessionist leaders would attend the next conference. However, Arun
Jaitley (General Secretary, BJP), addressing a press conference, criticised
the Centre for not doing proper “homework” before organising the RTC resulting
in the absence of the “real” participants, i.e., the Hurriyat and the other
separatist leaders. Nevertheless, state BJP leaders Dr. Nirmal Singh and
Prof. Hari Om, who attended the RTC, welcomed the opportunity it afforded
to express their views.
The only secessionist figure that attended the conference, Hashim Qureshi
(J&K Democratic Liberation Party), admitted that the absence of secessionist
leaders had been felt at the conference but accused the APHC (A) of doing
so at the behest of Pakistan. The APHC (A) in a press release on 27 February
alleged that the conference was only a ploy to keep the Kashmir issue in
abeyance. On his part, Geelani charged India with enacting a “drama of dialogue”.
Sajjad Lone reportedly told an associate that he had been inclined to attend
but the decision of the major secessionist groups to stay away had left him
with no option.
The press gave the RTC wide and largely
positive coverage, though seeral newspapers observed that the absence of
the secessionist groups was a liability. English daily Kashmir Images in its editorial (Feb 27) hoped that the process
of such conferences might take practical shape in coming months. It noted
that the PM had wisely left the doors open for the APHC and other secessionist
groups to join the process and, in the changed scenario such people could
not keep the historical Kashmiri distrust of New Delhi alive for too long.
Urdu daily Srinagar Times
editorially (Feb 27) observed that the conference could not be called a failure
but absence of separatist leaders had been felt. Another Urdu daily Al
Safa in its editorial (Feb 27) held
that although organising the RTC was not a bad decision, the meet failed
to achieve desired results due to the absence of separatist leaders. However,
since the Kashmir issue had attained centre-stage, it pressed for concerted
efforts to resolve the issue. English daily The Greater Kashmir was more critical in its editorial (Feb 27),
charging that the whole exercise was undertaken in haste without dialogue
would be meaningless. However, Geelani has scheduled meetings of the APHC
(G) and his own party Tehrik-e-Hurriyat Kashmir on Feb 18-19 to take a formal
decision on his participation in the conference. The JeI J&K also discussed
(Srinagar Feb 16) a possible invitation to the party and decided that if
the APHC (G) refused to attend then it would follow suit. The party, however,
observed that a dialogue was the right means to resolve the Kashmir issue
but the agenda of the proposed conference needed to be clarified. The press
appreciated the move. Urdu Dailies Roshni, Tameel-e-Irshad and Srinagar Times welcomed the conference as a big step towards
an early resolution of Kashmir issue. The Urdu daily Sandesh from Jammu noted that the proposed conference
had been generally welcomed by all prominent political parties.
10-12 March:
Pugwash Conference in Islamabad, Pakistan
P
ugwash,
the Rome-based NGO with an interest in conflict management, organised the
second major conference on Kashmir on 10-12 March in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The first conference that was held (December 2004) at Kathmandu, Nepal offered
an opportunity for leaders from across the LoC in Kashmir to meet and discuss
the Kashmir issue. Twenty-six persons, including secessionist and mainstream
leaders from India were issued visas to attend the conference by the Pak
High Comission. Amongst the secessionist invitees, Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq was unable to attend the conference due to illness. Prof A.G.
Bhat, in Pakistan since early January, represented the APHC (A) at the conference.
Though Geelani was keen to attend the conference, a majority of his
allies in the forum's Shoura argued that his attendance in Islamabad was
unjustified as the forum had already abstained from participating in the
Round Table Conference convened by the PM, especially when mainstream Kashmiri
leaders would also be present in Islamabad. Geelani conveyed to Prof. Khurshid
Ahmed (Secretary-General, Jel Pak and Senator) and his Pak-based son Nayeem
Geelani that he wanted to use the Pugwash Conference only as an excuse to
visit Pakistan. Both dissuaded him from making the trip, as the environment
in Pakistan for the hardliners was adverse and the Jel was preoccupied with
the 'movement' against the regime.
12-14 April 2006: Intra
Kashmir Dialogue: Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation
Sushoba Barve of the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation (CDR), Delhi
organised a two-day intra-Kashmir dialogue in Jammu (12-13 April) followed
by a one-day session in Srinagar (14 April) with participants from Pakistan,
PoK, Northern Areas and J&K. The conference made specific recommendations
under three categories: dialogue process and its mechanism, CBMs and solutions
to the Kashmir issue, which would be put before the governments of India
and Pakistan. The valley press also widely covered the proceedings of the
conference.
On the second day of the conference recommendations on dialogue process and its mechanism included multi-religious, multi-regional, comprehensive
and co-political dialogue process that should be suitable and exhaustive
without any pre-conditions and suggested various platforms for interstate
dialogue both with India and Pakistan, to be available for facilitating dialogue
process with Indian and Pak NGOs to take the initiative in providing this.
On confidence building measures it
recommended strengthening of bilateral CBMs, opening of old-traditional routes
for the people and trade and Pakistan to also strengthen internal CBMs. Asking
for simplification of procedure for travel across the LoC it advocated approaching
militants for shunning violence. It also recommended bringing the security
forces under the purview of the State Human Rights Commission, gradual withdrawal
of forces from peaceful areas and withdrawal of draconian anti-militancy
laws. Regarding solutions it held
that these should be as per the wishes of undivided J&K (pre 1947), re-union
of entire undivided Jammu and Kashmir including Northern Areas and complete
independence as an ideal option. While observing that solution should not
be pro-India or pro-Pak but should be pro the people of J&K, it advocated
solution to involve secularism, federalism, democracy, sovereignty and independence.
The Valley press covered the proceedings of
the conference . Urdu dailies Srinagar Times, Aftab and Wadi ki Awaz noted
Geelani's remarks that he did not participate in the conference as instead
of paying attention to the real issues, unnecessary discussions were held
in such conferences. Urdu daily Tameel-e-Irshad observed on the eve of the conference that
such events provided a platform for pro-India, pro-Pak independence groups
to share their views. Another Urdu daily Al Safa editorially commented, in the context of the
grenade attacks in Srinagar city only the day before, that the conference
witnessed the participation of a number of important personalities from PoK
and stressed on demilitarisation and broadening the peace process.
16 April 2006: G.M.
Shah Proposes an Intra-Kashmir Conference
G.M.Shah (former CM, J&K and President, Awami National Conference) announced
an intra-Kashmir Conference on the theme 'In Search of Peace and Solution'
that would be held on 2-4 June at Srinagar. Among those invited to the conference
would be representatives of political parties and militant outfits as well
as members of the intelligentsia. He also planned to invite the PM and the
Presidents of Pakistan and PoK. He appealed to the governments of India and
Pakistan to permit the invitees, including militants, to attend his conference.
While hailing the militants for internationalising the Kashmir issue, he
clarified that the had no relations with them and appealed to the militants
to join the dialogue process. He expressed his willingness to participate
in the second Round Table Conference (RTC) to be held in Srinagar, if invited,
and regretted that he had not been invited in the first RTC convened by the
PM. The Valley press did not give much coverage to Shah's proposed conference.
23 April 2006: Polling for Assembly bye-elections
Healthy polling was reported in the 4 Assembly Constituencies (Pattan, Rafiabad,
Sanagrama, and Bhaderwah) where by-elections were held today despite calls
for a poll boycott by secessionists and militant outfits. In the valley,
Rafiabad Assembly Constituency (AC) witnessed 72.8% polling (compared to
52.5% in 2002 Assembly elections). Pattan 67% (compared to 41.5% in 2002)
and Sanagrama 62.2% (compared to 23.1% in 2002). in Jammu region 76.04% polling
was registered (compared to 54.24% in 2002) in Bhanderwah AC from where Ghulam
Nabi Azad (CM J&K) is contesting. In poll related violence, militants
exploded two grenades (one in Pattan AC and other in Sanagrama AC) resulting
in injuries to 22 persons including 5 Sfs today. One live grenade was detected
in Pattan AC which was defused by the SF. In the run-up to polling, three
grenade explosions and one IED blast took place (three in Pattan AC and one
in Sanagrama AC) without any injuries on 23 April. Geelani (APHC-G) and Shabir
Shah (JKDFP) were put under house arrest in view of their anti-election activities.
26-28 April
2006: Visit of Swedish Delegation
Swedish diplomats Ingolf Kieson and Trouve Niclas visited Srinagar
to assess the views of the secessionist leaders on the next Round Table
Conference (RTC), the dialogue process with the Indian government and to
assess the ground situation. They also explored the possibility of APHC (A)
leaders attending two conferences being organised in September/October this
year by the Swedish government (one by 'Research Department of Defence Analysis-Asia
Pacific', Sweden and the other by 'Swedish Defence Research Agency') to discuss
Indo-Pak relations vis-a-vis Kashmir issue. Kieson told to APHC (A) leaders
that in the proposed conferences delegates from secessionist outfits like
the APHC (A() as well as mainstream political parties from Pakistan, PoK
and India would be invited. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Prof. A. G Bhat conveyed
their willingness to participate in the conferences. Complaining that the
European Union (EU) was not openly supporting the Kashmiris, Mirwaiz exhorted
the diplomats to use the EU's influence over the GOI to accelerate the process
of resolving the Kashmir dispute. The Swedish delegation also met with Geelani,
who blamed the Indian government for its rigid and inhuman policies and recounted
the instances of human rights violations. The Swedish diplomats also interacted
with Shabir Shah (JKDFP), Yasin Malik (JKLF), Mian Abdul Qayoom (Kashmir
Bar Association) and Masarrat Alam (Muslim League). Shabir Shah blamed GOI
for not taking any meaningful and result oriented steps towards resolution
of Kashmir issue and Masarrat Alam claimed self determination was the only
solution to Kashmir issue.
30 April 2006: Militants Target Hindus
In two separate incidents, terrorists killed 32 Hindus and injured
10 in the Jammu region. In the first incident at Lalon Gala Dhok (15 Kms
from Basantgarh), PS Basantgarh, district Udhampur, seven suspected LeT militants
kidnapped and killed 13 persons (at least 12 of whom were Hindus) who had
gone to graze their cattle at Lalon Gala Dhok in the late afternoon on 30
April. In addition, two Muslims had been kidnapped initially but they were
subsequently released. In the second incident, in the intervening night
of 30 Apirl/1 May, 12-13 suspected LeT terrorists, dressed in civil clothes
and combat Army uniforms, assembled the house owners of 2 sub-clusters of
houses named Ponchara and Thawa of village Kulhand, PS and district Doda separately
for a meeting. The Muslim families were segregated and directed to go back
to their houses and thereafter the Hindu families remaining were fired upon
by the terrorists killing 11 persons in Ponchara and 8 in Thawa. Out of the
10 injured, the 8 seriously injured persons have been shifted to Jammu for
treatment. Since 2000, there have been 58 attacks on Hindus in which
392 persons have been killed. Of these, 16 attacks were in Doda district
alone in which 90 persons were killed and 7 attacks in Udhampur district
in which 37 Hindus were killed. However, after 2002 there has been only one
incident in Doda in which one Hindu was killed. Last year, of the 7 attacks
on Hindus (28 killed), 4 (20 killed) were in Rajouri district. The current
spate of attacks may be seen as an attempt by terrorists to register their
presence in view of the unprecendented turnout of voters in the recent by-elections
in the state, the forthcoming Round Table Conference at Srinagar and the
general impression that Pakistan has restricted support to militant outfits.
21-22 May 2006: J&K: Militant Threats to Round Table Conference
Two suspected Pak terrorists (LeT) carried out a fidayeen attack
in Srinagar on 21 May killing 5 (including 2 SF) and injuring 22 (including
10 SF) and terrorists belonging to JeM carried out a grenade blast in Srinagar
on 22 May injuring 12 before the forthcoming Round Table Conference (RTC)
in Srinagar on 24-25 May. Media reports indicated that there were significant
intelligence inputs about the plans of terrorists to carry out more demonstrative
violent attacks in the run up to the RTC.
- Inputs indicate that ATif, LeT divisional commander for south Kashmir
is planning to carry out something significant on or around May 25 and JeM
is also planning for terrorist actions on or before May 25.
- In early May 2006, Abu Al Qama, LeT's Operational Commander for Kashmir,
was planning an attack on a camp of 200 Bihari labourers at an unknown location
in J&K, inside which no military presence was anticipated (it is suspected
that thsi plan relates to the targeting of labourers employed by agencies
constructing the Banihal-Baramulla segment of Railway Line). Abu Al Qama
was also in favour of launching secondary attacks to exploit the Army's practice
of setting up a base in a local school when deployed in response to a terrorist
incident.
- HM militants in South Kashmir are planning to use explosives against
CPIMF personnel in the Lal Chowk-Batmaloo areas of Srinagar city in near
future. HM has also decided to eliminate the Hurriyat leaders who are in
favour of talks, including Dr. Hubbi (leading breakaway faction of PC), Bashir
Ahmed Tota (PL), Mohd. Yusuf Naqash (Islamic Political Front), Nayeem Khan
(National Front) and Azam Inquilabi (Mehaz-e-Azadi). Save Kashmir Movement
plans to claim the responsibility for the killings.
- HM also plans to resort to car bomb blasts. The main target of the
car bomb blasts will be security force convoys, VIP vehicles etc. The venue
of the blasts will be main highway or the places being frequented by SF/VIPs
in the Valley. HM and other militant outfits plan to start eliminating SF
informers with effect from May 18, 2006. In this regard a list of SF informers
of the Valley has been prepared. These killing will be owned by Allah Tigers/Save
Kashmir Movement.
- HM plans to carry out a blast around May 25 for which Musharraf (District
Commander, HM) has assigned the task to one Rayees and an unknown cadre for
preparing RDX with a 9-vold battery and a bed switch, which would take 3
days to prepare. One Doctor (code) has been tasked to supervise the arrangements
once the device is prepared.
- JeM plans to launch grenade attacks on SFs/VIPs throughout the city
as well as in district headquarters. More emphasis will be laid to launch
such attacks in Srinagar city in places such as Hari Singh High Street, Ghantaghar-Lal
Chowk, Residency Road, Batmaloo, Bohrikadal etc.
- Al Badr has planned to carry out fidayeen attacks in moving vehicles.
Once the mission is accomplished it will be claimed by Al Arafeen. HuM has
decided to carry out fidayeen attacks on SOG camps in the Valley.
- Al Nasreen (Front of JeM) Farzandan-e-Millat (front of HM) Save Kashmir
Movement (front of LeT and HM), and Al Aafreen (Front of HM) have jointed
decided to disrupt the RTC.
- LeT, JeM, Al Badr and HM militants plan to jointly carry out a series
of blasts in Sopore, Baramulla, Anantnag and Srinagar on May 24 or May 25
to send a message that peace was not prevalent in Kashmir.
- Some Kashmiri militants have recently been enquiring about timings
of Army convoys plying on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and along other
link roads on this route. There is a possibility of their attempting to target
any such convoys to create a sensational incident on the eve of RTC.
- JuM has given a hartal call for May 24-25 in protest against the holding
of RTC.
In view of the above mentioned threats, continued demonstrative violent actions
in recent days and the resolve of almost all the terrorist outfits operating
in the Valley to carry out spectacular violent actions to register their
presence, target the VVIPs and disrupt the RTC, there is an urgent need to
reinforce the security arrangements to make them foolproof during the visit
of the Prime Minister to Srinagar.
24-25 May 2006: Reactions to PM's Round Table Conference
The Second Round Table Conference (RTC) convened by Prime Minister
Singh evoked positive response from the mainstream political parties but
the secessionist groups tried to denigrate the importance of the conference.
Militant outfits expressed gratitude to the people for observing bandh across
the Valley on the occasion of RTC and claimed the bandh reflected people's
rejection of the RTC. The local press, both in the Jammu region and the Valley
prominently covered the constitution of 5 working groups but also noted the
inconvenience faced by the people due to unprecedented security arrangements.
The people by and large appreciated the initiative of holding the RTC in
Srinagar and the proposal for facilitating the return of youth from Pakistan
and rehabilitation of those affected by militancy. Ghulam Nabi Azad (CM,
J&K), expressed satisfaction over the RTC and described it as a constructive
beginning. However, Azad was critical of the Hurriyat not attending the RTC
and termed it a 'blunder'. Mufti Mohd. Sayeed (Patron, PDP) and Mehbooba
Mufti (President, PDP) voiced satisfaction that most of the issues raised
by the party had been reflected in the PM's statement. Farooq Abdullah (Patron,
NC) and Omar Abdullah (President, NC) were appreciative of PM coming to Kashmir
and M.Y.Tarigami (CPM, MLA) while expressing satisfaction, stressed on the
need for release of detenues. However, Dr. Nirmal Singh (President, BJP State
Unit) alleged that the assurance to discuss autonomy and self rule indicated
non-seriousness of the GOI about solving the Kashmir issue. Expressing satisfaction,
JK National Panthers Party (JKNPP) leadership opposed demilitarisation and
grant of any political or financial package without considering the aspirations
of the people of Jammu and Ladakh region. Among the secessionists, Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq (Chairman/APHC-A) questioned the necessity of holding the RTC
and alleged that it was an attempt to sidetrack the Kashmir issue. He, however,
admitted that some worthwhile ideas had come up in the RTC but doubted their
future implementation on the ground. Advocating dialogue primarily between
the secessionists and the GOI he opined that the RTC should have been the
culmination of the dialogue process between the Hurriyat and the GOI and
not a parallel process. He claimed that the RTC could be successful only
if the people across the LoC and Pakistan were included in the consultative
process on Kashmir issue and referred to undivided J&K (pre 1947) position
for seeking solution. Prof. A. G. Bhat (Muslim Conference) alleged that the
RTC was a failure and recommended solution of Kashmir issue as per UN resolutions
and if not, then through talks by involving people of J&K, Pakistan and
India. Geelani termed the RTC a futile exercise and accused that the conference
was an attempt to sideline the Kashmir issue. Yasin Malik (JKLF) in an interview
(24 May) to a Pakistani newspaper, asked for a dialogue process similar to
the one underway with Naga militants and recommended the inclusion of ideological
political forces and militant leadership in the dialogue process.
11 June 2006 Annual Amarnath Yatra
The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on 11 June and concluded on 9 August.
Heavy security arrangements were made along the entire route of the yatra
as security forces reportedly had the following inputs about possible militant
attacks.
- HM has constituted a group of about 12 militants headed by a lady member
to disrupt the impending yatra. The group inlcudes 2 foreign mercenaries
besides 10 other local militants and is presently camping in Khrew area of
Pampore and Tral in district Pulwama and have made an unsuccessful attempt
to proceed towards higher reaches of Pahalgam via Tarsar and Marsar lakes
due to presence of SFs.
- JeM has asked two of its cadres to reach Pahalgam area via Tral to
disrupt the Amarnath Yatra.
- LeT Commander has instructed Navid to set up suicide attack against
a bus convoy of army soldiers and the plan was to deploy fidayeens in army
uniforms into the crowd.
- LeT has despatched terrorists with instructions to use them for fidayeen
action either in Pampore or Tral area.
- LeT is augmenting strength of its operatives in the Sheshnag area and
one of the important functionary has been directed to conserve resources
including walnut (indicating grenades) for utilisation at an appropriate
time which suggests significant preparation for a major attack.
- Militants plan to attack the yatri camp at Nunwan near Pahalgam (Anantnag)
and are likely to throw grenades. They may use the track coming from the
heights to reach the camp. An associated group may also carry out a diversionary
attack between Khanabal and Pahalgam.
- According to an input militants are moving in white Tata Sumo No. JK-02-Z-0456
to carry out attacks in Baltal area. According to another input one Tata
Sumo No. JK-02-J-4546 was carrying some explosive material and was moving
on Chandenwari track. Both these inputs are being followed up.
On 21 June, unidentified terrorists lobbed a grenade at a bus carrying Amarnath
pilgrims from Rajesthan, resulting in injuries to 7 persons. They were on
their way from Baltal area to Srinagar. This is the first incident of terrorist
violence targeting Amarnath pilgrims during the Yatra this year. Srinagar-Baltal
route had been identified as one of the vulnerable segments of the Amarnath
Yatra route.
27-29 June 2006: Visit of Baroness Emma Nicholson
Baroness Emma Nicholson (Member of European Parliament and Vice-Chair,
Foreign Affairs Committee of European Parliament) along with Ms. Christina
Martina Barreira (Political Counsellor) and Paul Emmet (Head of the Office,
EU) visited Jammu and Kashmir (27-29 June). She arrived from Pakistan on
the second leg of her tour. Baroness Nicholson is the Rapporteur for the
'Own Initiative Report' on Kashmir being produced by the European Parliament.
The delegation interacted with a cross section of people from the entire
spectrum of public life including the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers,
representatives of major political parties (National Conference-NC, Peoples
Democratic Party-PDP, CPM), senior army officers, officials of the state
administration, representatives of NGOs, Kashmiri migrants, business community
and members of various associations. However, Baronness Nicholson did not
interact with leaders of secessionist outfits including the All Party Hurriyat
Conference (APHC). During the meetingts, the NC leaders advocated demilitarisation
(phase-wise) and autonomy, while the PDP supported self governance as the
most feasible solution to the Kashmir issue. In Indo-Pak context, she was
briefed extensively on the confidence building measures (CBMs) specific to
Kashmir, particularly the recent opening of Poonch-Rawalkot crossing on the
LoC and was appreciative of these measures. Importantly, Baroness Nicholson
sought views on the proposition of appointing a Joint Parliamentary Committee
of Parliamentarians from India and Pakistan in her meeting with Ghulam Mohammad
Mir (ex-former MP Congress) and Qazi Mohammad Bashir (Sessions Judge from
Kotli, Pak Occupied Kashmir, who had arrived on a visit to Poonch on 20 June
2006. In her interaction with S.R. Naggal (Chairman, Displaced Chhamb Refugees)
and Rajiv Chuni (Chairman, SOS-a NGO of Refugees from PoK), she stated that
the agenda of European countries was to reduce the tension between India
and Pakistan and the EU was keeping a close watch on the human rights violations
in J&K.
6 July 2006
Creation of New Districts
In pursuance of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the Congress-Peoples'
Democratic Party (PDP) coalition government, the State Cabinet announced
(Srinagar, July 6) the creation of 8 new districts (Bandipore, Ganderbal,
Kulgam & Shopian in the Kashmir Valley and Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi &
Samba in Jammu region), 3 new sub-divisions (1 in the Valley and 2 in Jammu
region) and 13 new Tehsils (7 in the Valley, 3 each in Jammu region and Leh).
The Cabinet decision in this regard was the outcome of the recommendations
of Wazir Commission. People across the state and political parties hailed
the decision with few protests reported from areas which felt that their
aspirations had not been addressed. The creation of new districts was expected
to mitigate the difficulties faced by the people in militancy-affected areas
by bringing administrative appartus closer. The move was also hailed widely
in the English and Urdu press with almost all dailies appreciating the government's
decision. The secessionists tried to undermine the decision with both factions
of the Hurriyat issuing statements that it would have no impact on the ongoing
movement in Kashmir and was an administrative measure.
11 July 2006: Effect on Tourism following grenade attacks
Immediate and widespread exodus of tourists from the Valley was reported
following serial grenade attacks in Srinagar (11 July) and Gulmarg (12 July).
The incoming tourists cancelled their bookings in hotels and houseboats which
were already reporting low occupancy since the first spate of grenade attacks
on tourists between 28 April - 31 May. Almost 90 per cent of the houseboats
were reported to be lying vacant since most of the occupants preferred to
move into hotels or leave Srinagar on security considerations. The Amarnath
Yatris, who normally spend a few days in Srinagar for sight seeing, also
proceeded directly to Jammu without halting at Srinagar. This development
led to resentment among the hotel/houseboat owners, shikarawalas, tour and
taxi operators as well as the shopkeepers, who have been affected adversely.
These groups, while condemning the violent attacks, have demanded a probe
to identify the perpetrators of violence. Tourist influx during the period
1-9 July was considerably lower by about 35 per cent compared to the corresponding
period last year. Secessionist groups sought to project the attacks to challenge
the Indian government's claim that normalcy had returned to Kashmir. The
Valley press gave wide coverage to the serial blasts and Urdu daily
'Srinagar Times' observedin its editorial (July 12) that the attacks could
adversely impact the ongoing tourist season and consequently, the livelihood
of Kashmiris.
15-16 August 2006: Differences Emerge Between Geelani and
Salahuddin
Differences have cropped up between SAS Geelani (Chairman,
APHC-G) and Syed Salahuddin (Supreme Commander, HM) over Geelani's pursuit
of establishing his party, Tehreek-e- Hurriyat (TeH), in PoK and his
efforts to replace Malik Abdullah (PoK based representative of TeH) with
GM Sofi. While Salahuddin is not favourably disposed to change Malik Abdullah
and he is against GM Sofi, Geelani is convinced that Malik Abdullah is not
evincing much interest in his party work and he is determined to change him.
Salahuddin had advised Geelani that JeI/Pak & PoK leaders would not be
favourably inclined to the efforts of Geelani to establish his party in PoK
and even the Kashmiri diaspora in PoK, which was preoccupied with its survival
pursuits after the 8 October 2006 earthquake, would not support Geelani's
efforts. Geelani, however, argued that the other PoK based leaders like Farooq
Rehmani (Peoples Freedom League) were also ineffective and were more inclined
towards APHC (A). On Salahuddin's advise of opposition from JeI/Pak &
PoK leaders to his efforts to revive TeH in PoK, Geelani countered that when
other Kashmiri secessionist groups like Awami Action Committee (Mirwaiz's
party), Peoples Conference (Bilal's party) and Muslim Conference (Prof. Bhat's
party) could have their representatives in PoK, he saw no reason for anyone
to object to his party's representative in PoK. Salahuddin forcefully opposed
Geelani's choice of GM Sofi as replacement of Malik Abdulah holding Sofi
responsible for the split in HM by backing Majid Dar faction and causing
humiliation to HM leadership. He expressed fear of rebellion by HM commanders
in case Sofi was chosen to represent TeH in PoK. However, on Geelani's insistence,
Salahuddin advised him to choose some suitable person from the Valley who
should be from HM cadre. Clearly, the TeH has not made much headway in the
Valley and Geelani is feeling increasingly sidelined after the Jamaat elections
in the State, where despite open rebellion by pro-Geelani group within the
JeI, Geelani did not draw much support. He appears determined to revive his
own party both in the Valley and across and notwithstanding Salahuddin's
counsel, Geelani would pursue to establish his party in PoK. Media reports
indicated growing differences between Salahuddin and Geelani though experts
say that this may not affect their general understanding on the direction
of the Kashmir movement..
27 September
2006: Separatists
Condemn Afzal Guru Death Sentence
Cutting across party lines various mainstream political parties, secessionist
groups and militants have condemned the judiciary's decision to award death
sentence to Afzal Guru for his role in the December 2002 attack on the Indian
parliament which nearly brought India and Pakistan to a war. Several parties
and outfits also appealed to the Indian government to reconsider the decision
in view of the ongoing talks between India and Pakistan and the changed political
scenario in the sub-continent and at international level. Some parties have
also appealed to the President for mercy and the militants have warned of
serious consequences, in case Afzal Guru was executed. Reacting to
the development, Mehbooba Mufti (President, PDP) opined that it would impact
the dialogue process between India and Pakistan and claimed that during her
interaction with Prime Minister about five months back, she had conveyed
to the latter that such a move would adversely affect the efforts being made
by New Delhi to take Kashmiris into confidence. Abdul Gani Vakil (Vice-President,
PCC) appealed to the President to sympathetically consider the case. MY Tarigami
(MLA, CPM) to a Kashmir news agency that he alongwith the other CPM activists
would meet the President to impress upon him to review the decision keeping
in view the present political situation in Kashmir. Both factions of the
Hurriyat have condemned the fixation of execution date and in a press release
the APHC(A) alleged that decision was politically motivated which would adversely
impact the efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Among the militant outfits, a spokesman of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM)
termed the execution of Afzal Guru as the worst human rights violation which
tantamounts to the murder of Kashmiri 'quom'. While condemning the death
sentence to Afzal Guru, a press release of United Jehad Council (UJC) appealed
to all international human rights organisations to prevent India from acting
on this decision. The militants also warned of serious consequences in case
of execution of death sentence.
13 November
2006 Reactions to Pakistan's
Proposals on Self Governance
Separatist outfits in Kashmir responded to the Kashmir proposals
of President Musharraf saying that India should agree to demilitarisation
and self governance as steps to a resolution of the Kashmir issue. However,
while the moderate group welcomed these proposals wholeheartedly, the hardliners
were guardedly critical while some of the Pak-based militant groups rejected
the proposals altogether. APHC (A) leaders appreciated the Pakistani
proposals and urged the Indian government to respond positively though some
leaders warned that they may be accused of compromising their position by
accepting self governance. Hardliner Geelani said at a Friday prayer meeting
that he supported demilitarisation from both J&K and PoK which should
ultimately facilitate an UN-administered plebiscite. Geelani however castigated
the Pakistan government for succumbing to pressure from the US, which, according
to Geelani, wanted the conversion of the LoC into a permanent border. Militant
outfits rejected the self governance proposal. The LeT stated that it had
not rendered sacrifices for autonomy, division of Kashmir or formation of
government. Another press statement in the name of Shoura-e-Jehad (a platform
of militant outfits defunct since 1998) urged the people to support the ongoing
struggle and asserted that the only solution acceptable to the mujahideen
was implementation of the UN resolutions. However, it welcomed demilitarisation
and urged India not to miss the opportunity to withdraw its forces from Kashmir.
The United Jehad Council (UJC), which mostly represents the Kashmiri outfits,
had earlier welcomed the demilitarisation proposal but refrained from commenting
on self governance.
26 November
2006 J&K: GOI-APHC Talks
Under pressure from its constituency to find a solution to the Kashmir
issue, the APHC-A is reportedly keen on holding the next round of talks with
the Indian government as soon as possible. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Prof.
A. G. Bhat have conveyed their concurrence to Prof. Saifuddin Soz of the
Congress Party about APHC (A)'s participation in the next round of dialogue
with the Prime Minister. APHC (A) plans to visit PoK sometime in mid December
in expression of solidarity with quake victims in that area and their response
to the dialogue process would depend much on the guidelines they were likely
to get from Pakistan during the visit. Reports indicate that PoK based leaders/journalists
having proximity to the APHC (A) would seek to impress upon the latter to
mobilise support for Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's proposals
of demilitarisation and self governance. It is likely that this may be highlighted
during the next round of talks. Significantly, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq mooted
a three-point plan to resolve the Kashmir issue, which inter-alia includes
NATO to oversee demilitarisation of both parts of Kashmir and demolition
of the LoC. After such demilitarisation, the APHC (A) would make militants
hold to their actions and get them along to strengthen the peace process
and to start dialogue with both the countries with proper roadmap for the
future dispensation of Kashmir. He has also highlighted that APHC (A) would
not shy away from participating in a democratic process, if the situation
so demanded. Mirwaiz had met some American Congressmen led by Dan Burton
(Republican) in New Delhi on 28 November where he discussed the Pakistani
proposals of self governance.
1-11 December
2006: Pakistan's Proposals for Demilitarisation
and Self-Governance
President Musharrraf reportedly asked a small group of the APHC (A) to visit
Pakistan to discuss his proposals for demilitarisation and self-governance.
Media reports in the Pakistani press indicated that Islamabad is keen to
firm up formal proposals in consultation with moderate Kashmiri secessionist
leaders before the next round of Indo-Pak talks. The Mirwaiz said that during
his meeting with Musharraf, the Pakistani President expressed confidence
that demilitarisation would help pave the way for an early resolution of
the Kashmir issue. Musharraf wanted the APHC (A) to raise this demand on
both sides of the LoC and moblise public opinion to create a united voice
from Kahmir in favour of his proposals. Mirwaiz was, however unable to provide
any details of self-governance proposal. A Hurriyat meeting agreed accordingly
to send a small delegation to Pakistan. Talking to the media on 4 December,
separatist leader Prof. Bhat outlined his conception of self-governance according
to which after demilitarisation on both sides of the LoC, elections should
be held on both sides and two governments established with their own Courts,
Labour and Election Commissions and minimal interference from India and Pakistan.
Hardline leader Geelani, however, remained adamantly opposed to the concept
of self-governance. Addresing a seminar organised on 12 December by the APHC
(G) on the occasion of Human Rights Day, he accused Musharraf of making a
U-turn in his Kashmir policy. Geelani insisted that the Kashmir issue could
only be resolved by implementation of the UN resolutions. Observers say that
Geelani's continuing inflexibility and rigid stance against Pakistani proposals
could ultimately cost him Pakistan's longstanding support.
