Media Freedom: Myth Or illusion?

But is this true? Is media really free?
Or is media freedom illusory and a bit of a charade? If so, what are the constraining factors that militate against media freedom-globally, locally? Media or the fourth estate is supposed to have many functions- one of these is to check power and abuse of power especially by the state. This very function places the media at odds with the state. 

The problem is compounded by the fact that media is dependent on advertisement revenues- both state and non state. So, by virtue of this dependency, media freedom can be compromised. This is an in your face power that the state has in terms of constraining media freedom. The state can be more subtle in altering the policy of media; while stopping ads is the obvious mechanism but this can be obscured by other means.  

 This condition becomes more acute in conflict zones where the state is vested in propounding or at times muzzling discourses and narratives. The state, in these conditions, employs a range of means to either co-opt the media or muzzle it. These means can include overt pressure, threats, harassment or the plain old trick of withholding monies. Free media in these contexts becomes academic. This, however, is not the whole story. There are societal and cultural forces and factors at play too.

 Societal sensibilities and cultural mores, at times, either lead to self censorship by media in deference to these sensibilities. As such, pure freedom of media gets compromised. This is more salient in traditional and conservative societies. In this sense, journalism –print or visual- is easier in the West wherein cultural pressures do not exert such pressures.

In the name of charity

Come the holy month of Ramadan, the so-called charity organizations swing into action for minting money in the name of collecting money for orphanages. It is distressing to see these fake yateem trusts.

The armed conflict in the past two decades has brought miseries to thousands of Kashmiris. It is extremely unfortunate that some unscrupulous persons of our society want to use people’s sympathies as a huge business opportunity.

According to a 2014 study conducted by ‘Save the Children’, a London-based charity organization, the estimated population of orphans in Jammu and Kashmir due to conflict and the natural death of parents is around 2.15 lakh. About 15 per cent of these orphans live in orphanages across the region. The report said that 37 per cent of the orphans lost one or both parents due to conflict. 
An additional 55 per cent were orphaned due to the natural death of parents, and the remaining eight per cent due to other reasons.

Minting money through private donations has been a flourishing practice for the last 20 years. A particular class has seized this opportunity for befooling people.

Every household in Srinagar city witnesses the rush of collectors asking for donations in the name of orphanages. Some come in groups. Others start knocking at the gates or even doors as early as 8 am. The last bell rings a few minutes before Iftaar.
Some have become more sophisticated.

 They use mobile vans, makeshift stalls; and make shrill public announcements asking the faithful to donate generously during the blessed days.
It seems that the so-called yateem trusts (orphanages) have outnumbered the yateems (orphans). Everyone who asks for donations says of being associated with one religious organization or the other. He seems to be a moulvi, at least by his apparel.

I fully support genuine orphanages and other charity organizations seeking the help of people to serve destitute children. What makes me angry is the fraud being conducted in the name of fake orphan homes and trusts.

I am not the only one. I can see most Kashmiris highly resenting this fraudulent practice in our society.

Collecting donations and mushrooming of charitable trusts is not the only trend we Kashmiris are now witnessing. We are confronted with another unique trend.

Even little boys are handed over coupon books for collections. They stop vehicular traffic at busy junctions and collect money. In other words, the muntazimeen (management) are actually training these little angels for begging in the name of religion.

The people whom you find outside your main door during Ramadan are trained, legitimate beggars. Fake orphanages are proving to be a flourishing business for these beggars.

Now please visit these orphanages (if any exist). Many of them are hellholes. According to a rough estimate, orphanages are a 150 crore business (Rs). But no benefits reach the poor, helpless orphans. In a number of cases, the orphanage comprises of only an official address board outside a deserted room in a shopping complex.

The Police have cracked down on some fake orphanages in the past. But the mushrooming of these fraudulent institutions has not stopped. Since
People are also to be blamed for this mess. Those who donate in cash or kind are not interested in knowing whether the donation is being used for the right purpose. This is the principal cause for the mushrooming of fake orphanages, and the active recruitment of children to collect money for them.

It is a common feeling amongst people here that several organizations claim to run orphanages in the Valley. Those who claim that they are working towards the rehabilitation of these orphans are nothing but deceitful outfits trying to mint money.
According to an estimate, 3000-5000 NGOs (that run orphanages) are registered. Of these, only about 25-30 are genuine. This has led to serious apprehensions about their credibility. The safety and security of the orphans in these orphanages is a major issue.

It is a highly alarming fact that the orphans in these orphanages are often victims of abuse and exploitation, trafficking, beating, torture and psychological harm.

Even criminals under the disguise of charity organizations have been looting people. They take advantage of the fact that people want to do charitable deeds in the month of Ramadan, and on the eve of Eid.

A study conducted recently by International Journal of Education and Psychological Research (IJEPR) found that more than 26 per cent of orphans show high level of depression, while 46 per cent of them have average level of depression. “War, fear, death and destruction have taken a heavy toll on the mental health of orphans in Kashmir,” the study said.

Another study conducted by the Department of Education in the University of Kashmir reveals that orphans between the age group of ‘Up to 6 years’ and ‘6-14 years’ live in a state of depression and dreariness.

Another study conducted by the Institute of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs stated that 57.3 per cent of orphans in Kashmir have become fearful, 53.3 per cent suffer from depression while as 54.25 per cent cannot sleep properly.

Media Freedom: Myth Or Illusion?

But is this true? Is media really free?

 Or is media freedom illusory and a bit of a charade? If so, what are the constraining factors that militate against media freedom-globally, locally? Media or the fourth estate is supposed to have many functions- one of these is to check power and abuse of power especially by the state. This very function places the media at odds with the state. 

The problem is compounded by the fact that media is dependent on advertisement revenues- both state and non state. So, by virtue of this dependency, media freedom can be compromised. This is an in your face power that the state has in terms of constraining media freedom. The state can be more subtle in altering the policy of media; while stopping ads is the obvious mechanism but this can be obscured by other means.  

 This condition becomes more acute in conflict zones where the state is vested in propounding or at times muzzling discourses and narratives. The state, in these conditions, employs a range of means to either co-opt the media or muzzle it. These means can include overt pressure, threats, harassment or the plain old trick of withholding monies. Free media in these contexts becomes academic. This, however, is not the whole story. There are societal and cultural forces and factors at play too.

 Societal sensibilities and cultural mores, at times, either lead to self censorship by media in deference to these sensibilities. As such, pure freedom of media gets compromised. This is more salient in traditional and conservative societies. In this sense, journalism –print or visual- is easier in the West wherein cultural pressures do not exert such pressures.

I am Kashmir, A tale of atrocities

I do shed the tears, but then I'm back to normalcy. You call it inhumane, I call it living ahead for the alive but remembering dead who sleep in my gut, my bosom my limbs, my minds, everywhere.

Mine ( Kashmir)  is an unending tale of atrocities, enforce disappearances, false encounters,  widows and half widows, orphans, and half orphans, depressed and tired bodies, graveyards wherever you see.

There's every reason to worry for me, for my people. But, the International community always turns the blind eye towards me. May be I don't have oil fields. Or, may be I'm of no political importance to them. They talk humanity, humans suffer here too.

Why this intentional discrimination to me?

What is life all about

A little pain, a little pleasure,A little heaping up of treasure,Then no more gazing upon the sun,All things must end that have begun.     
---- John Payne

.

Have you ever thought what life is about....? Life, no one has yet been able to properly define what life is. May be it is true that things that matter most to man are the most difficult to explain.
One definition of life makes it a period between birth and death of an organism. And yes, life is about a beginning and an end. Something we all know but often forget.

The other definition of life says that a thing that grows and shows signs of movement is alive. If one is active he is alive and if dormant as if dead. All living things are engaged in activities. Humans are intelligent beings and by their efforts have made this earth suitable for living a civilized and comfortable life. Had it not been for it we would have been wondering around like animals in the jungle. Thus life is about performing the right kind of activities….!

Apart from people who are saints and wanderers, who reduce their needs and withdraw from the world, the common man has to be engaged in doing things that benefit him and in turn benefit other fellow human beings. One has to choose an activity, an occupation and develop his skills. To choose an engagement one must find the right guidance and inculcate good principles.  

Every profession requires dedication and discipline. And doing good work is part of living a good life. It doesn't matter what work you choose what matters is how well you do what you choose, like they say even if you are a sweeper, sweep so well that people say here lives the greatest sweeper in the world. “Work well done, does good to the man who does it, it makes him a better man”.  Life is about excelling in ones profession…!

Being proficient in ones profession is important, but there are many such good professionals. Shouldn’t there be something that makes you stand apart,lets you imprint your foot steps on the sands of time. Yes, there should, and this desire to do something that has never been done before can be called your dream.

 One has to have a dream in life, a dream to do something greater, to leave his name behind as an innovator, a discoverer, an inventor or just a dreamer. But life is about having a dream…..!

All along life, being good at work and moving towards your goals, you need someone to share your joys and sorrows. Here is a man who is good at what he does, he is living his dream, but he has neglected his relationships. He has not taken time to be there for people, to appreciate or uplift them and the result is that when he looks back he finds himself lonely. 

In life one should always try to have a good social standing. Every relation requires respect, understanding and a sense of bonding together. This requires time and effort but it is a good investment for it pays well. Life is about having a great family and good friends….!

There are people who have all these beautiful things in life but still are not happy. What could be the cause of this? Well, heart has its reasons that reason knows not of. What makes you happy is a question that one has to answer by himself. No one can bring you peace but yourself. But being happy is important. They say,“the most wise is the man who is the most happy”. You have to find out what makes you smile and try to do those things. 

Do things that uplift, elevate and give you satisfaction. You are responsible for your happiness and you can create it. Life is about being happy…!
In the end, I would say life is about choosing a role, playing it well on the stage of life and doing things that make you happy. Be yourself, be happy but never forget that it is your activity and your contribution that makes you have successful life. 

Here is to life, living as it needs to be lived.

JKLF stages protests against govt’s ‘anti-Kashmir policies’

Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leaders and activists today organized various protests throughout the valley against construction of separate settlement colonies in the name of Kashmiri Pandits, separate colonies for ex-army men.

Following the joint program announced by JKLF, Hurriyat (G) and Hurriyat (M), JKLF leaders and activists led by vice chairman advocate Bashir Ahmad Butt staged a peaceful protest sit-in near Budshah Chowk Lal Chowk. Besides JKLF leaders and activists a large number of people also joined this protest sit-in, the party said in a statement issued here.

With play cards in their hands, the participants of the protest sit-in raised slogans against conspiratorial plots of India and its Kashmiri stooges especially proposed construction of separate colonies for Pandits, ex-army men, industrial policy, arrests, raids and other oppressive measures including recent custodial killing of a young Kashmiri Tanveer Sultan Sheikh of Bemina.

In his address Butt said that today’s joint protest program is against various conspiratorial designs of India and its stooges and also against oppression unleashed by police.

He said that so-called industries ministers’ statement has exposed their hypocritical politics and blatant lies that are only being spread to hoodwink public opinion and reduce public anger on these issues.

Butt said that all these conspiracies are being hatched by PDP/BJP coalition for implementation of RSS anti-Kashmir and anti-Muslim agenda and only goal of these conspiracies is to hurt Muslim majority character of Jammu Kashmir and turn majority into minority here. 

 اسرار احمد خان، لوٹن

 کشمیری کمیونٹی لوٹن کی جانب سے قائد تحریک مرحوم و مغفور بانی و سپریم ہیڈ جموں کشمیر لبریشن فرنٹ امان الّلہ خان کو والہانہ خراج عقیدت  پیش کیا گیا  جبکہ لبریشن فرنٹ لوٹن برانچ  کے اہتمام سے اتوار ظہر کی نماز کے بعد مرکزی جامع مسجد لوٹن میں ایک تعزیتی مجلس منعقد کی گی جس کے پہلے حصے میں مرحوم قائد کے لیے قرآن خوانی کی گی اور دوسرے حصے میں خراج عقیدت پیش کیا گیا.

جموں کشمیر لبریشن فرنٹ سفارتی شعبہ کے سربراہ ظفر خان نے قائد تحریک امان اللّہ خان صاحب کو خراج عقیدت پیش کرتے ہو ے کہا امان اللہ خان  کشمیر کی آذادی و خومختاری  اور وحدت کی علامت ،جہد مسلسل کے سر خیل اورایک عظیم لیڈر تھے  جن کی ساری زندگی  کشمیر کی آذادی کی تگ و دو میں گزری اور کبھی بھی اپنے میشن میں کوی لغزش  نا دیکھائ وہ شعور کی حد تک اپنے میشن کو کامیاب کر گے ہیں اب یہ ہماری ذمہ داری بنتی ہے کہ ہم ان کے میشن کو عملی طور پر مکمل کریں ـ لبریشن فرنٹ کے پاس  جناب امان اللہ خان کے جانشین اور ایک مضبوط لیڈر یاسین ملک ماجود ہیں جن کی قیادت میں ہم اپنے میشن کی تکمیل تک جدوجہد جاری رکھے گے .

لبریشن فرنٹ یوـ کے زون کے صدر صابر گل نے سپریم ھیڈ امان اللہ خان کو خراج عقیدت پیش کرتے ہوے کہا قائد تحریک کی زندگی کا ایک ایک لمحہ تحریک کے لیے وقف رہا اور پوری دنیا میں کشمیر کاز کو اجاگر کیا جس کے لیے کئ بار مختلف ممالک کے جیل خاںوں کی اذیتوں کا سامنا بھی کرنا پڑا لیکن کبھی بھی اپنے پایہ استقلال میں کوی لغزش نا دیکھائ،  قائد تحریک عزم وہمت اور رواداری کی عظیم مثال تھے اپ سے شدید اختلاف رکھنے والے بھی اپ کو مخلص حریت پسند اورمحب وطن مانتے تھے.

سینئر نائب صدر یو کے زون  مشتاق ملک  کے مطابق قائد تحریک ایک عظیم  قائد، ایک مفکر،  ایک مصنف ہونے کے ساتھ ساتھ ثابت قدمی اور جہد مسلسل کا وہ روشن مینارہ تھے جن پر ہزاروں کتابیں لکھی جا سکتی ہے

سینئر راہنما لنریشن فرنٹ لطیف ملک، سابق صدر یوکے زون حاجی راؤف، اعجاز ملک، بانی صدر لبریشن فرنٹ برطانیہ جبار بٹ اور  بزرگ راہنما حاجی غلام سرور صاحب نے گہرے رنج و الم کا اظہار کرتے ہوے کہا کہ  مرحوم قائد کشمیری قوم کے ہیرو تھے  بے شمار خوبیوں اور بے پناہ عظمتوں کے مالک تھے وہ پہلے اور واحد کشمیری ہیں  جہنوں نے اقوام متحدہ کے اندر پریس کانفرنس کی اور کشمیر کاز کو اگے بڑھایا.

جموں کشمیر نیشنل عوامی پارٹی برطانیہ کے سینئر راہنما شوکت مقبول بٹ نے اپنے والد متحرم قاہد کشمیر شہید اعظم مقبول بٹ شہید کے قریبی ساتھی قاہد حریت امان اللہ خان صاحب کو خراج عقیدت پیش کرتے ہوے کہا ہمارے بزرگ ہمارے راہنما ہمارے رہبر اب اس دنیا میں نہیں رہیے لیکن جو راستہ جو منزل جو سمت وہ ہیمں دیے گے ہیں ہیمں اب زیادہ محنت زیادہ استقلال اور زیادہ شعور سے اس پر پہنچنے کی کوشش کرنی ہو گی بلاشبعہ امان اللہ خان کی  جدوجہد  کشمیر کی قومی آذادی اور وحدت کی بحالی کی جدوجہد تھی اور کشمیری قوم کے لیے ایک اثاثہ ہے اور ہم ان کے خواب کو ایک دن ضرور شرمندہ تابیر ہوگا

لوٹن کی سماجی و سیاسی شخصیت راجہ اکبر داد خان، سرگرم کمیونٹی راہنما ڈاکٹر یاسین، نیپ برطانیہ کے جنرل سیکٹری آصف مسعود،  پاکستان مسلم لیک ن برطانیہ کے توقیر مرزا، پی ٹی آ ی ساوتھ انگلینڈ کے صدر حافظ طارق کونسلر طاہر ملک نے بھی قائد حریت کو زبردست خراج عقیدت پیش کرتے ہوے کہا امان اللہ خان کشمیری قوم کے مصائب اور مشکلات کا خاتمہ چاہتے تھے اور اس کے لئے انہوں نے ساری زندگی مخلصانہ جدوجہد کی اور بلاشعبہ کشمیری قوم ایک عظیم لیڈر سے محروم ہو گی ہے

مجلس کا باقاعدہ آغاز تلاوت قرآن پاک سے کیا گیا جس کی سعادت حافظ اسلم صاحب نے حاصل کی جبکہ مجلس کی صدارت لبریشن فرنٹ لوٹن برانچ کے صدر کمان افسرنے کی اور نظامت کے فرائض جنرل سیکٹری لیاقت لون نے ادا کی آخرمیں مسجد کے امام حافظ اعجاز صاحب نے تمام شہدا کشمیر اور بلخصوص امان اللہ خان صاحب کےایصال ثواب کے لئے دعا ک.

A tribute to Martyrs of Hazratbal Kashmir

Over the past 25 years kashmiri nation has lost over a hundred of thousand men women and children including some of its most illustrious sons of the soil.

Among multitude of sacrifies included the martyrdom of Maqbool Butt, Ashfaq Majeed wani, abdul Hameed sheikh, Abdul Ghani lone, Dr Abdul Ahad Guru, Dr Ashai, Prof Abdul Ahad wani, Shabbir Siddiqui, Basharat Raza, Ejaz Dar and many more.

A nation which has lost two generations of its youth at the hands of Indian state since 1988, cannot therefore be expected to compromise on the sacred principals of justice, democracy and above all freedom which is yet to be realised through the exercise of its inherent, inallienable and internationally pledged and recognised right of self determination; which to date unfortunately remains denied to the 15 million inhabitants of the divided Jammu kashmir state as a whole.

For this ideal objective kashmiri people and particularly JKLF have fought and made tremendous sacrifices and still determind to co tinue the mission of Martyrs and for the freedom and reunification and unfettered right of self determination for the future generation of Kashmir.

Israr khan

An open letter to President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, GeneralRaheel Sharif Chief of Staff Pakistan Army and People of Gilgit Baltistan

An open letter to President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, GeneralRaheel Sharif Chief of Staff Pakistan Army and People of Gilgit Baltistan

 I Mirza Wajahat Hassan Khan son of Late Col Mirza Hassan Khan [Military Cross,Fakhr e Kashmir] hereby state that whatever I am writing below is correct and well documented according to basic UNCIP Resolutions and annexures of 13th august 1948 and 5th January 1949.if I am proven wrong then I am ready to face any court for trial and punishment awarded according to rule of law.

1-Govt of Pakistan has declared Gilgit Baltistan as disputed territory along with Kashmir issue according to above referred UN resolutions without taking GB leaders/people into confidence.

2- Government  of Pakistan has agreed to withdraw its troops and personal entered therein after 1947 from NAs territory[GB] and Azad Kashmir subsequently Government of India has agreed to withdrawal of its bulk of troops from Indian side of Kashmir.

3- After withdrawal  of troops" two Local Authority Governments will be established one in Gilgit on North of Cease Fire Line and other in Muzaffarabadon west of Cease Fire Line ,so therefore our [GB] demand to establish AJK Type Set UP in Gilgit is very Genuine and according to UNCIP Resolutions till free and fair plebiscite under UN resolutions. According to first resolution of 13th august 1948[choice to remain independent is also enshrined] which was changed in second resolution of 5th January 1949.

4- Government of Pakistan and India agreed Cease Fire in GB and Jammu & Kashmir on 1st January 1949 after almost 14 months long war and agreed to establish UN sub offices [Military observer group offices] in Gilgit,Skardu,Muzaffarabad and Srinagar , which are still very much working even today.

5- Pakistan and India have agreed that local indigenous political parties will be established in GB, AJK and Jammu & Kashmir and they will be free to propagate their free will, free manifesto, free choice which country they want to join in Plebiscite without any outside interference and pressure....so therefore both Pakistani and Indian political parties working in above said areas are illegal as per UNCIP agreement.

6-Hence both India and Pakistan cannot malign or charge any person as anti-state or traitor in mentioned disputed territories i.e. GB,AJK ,J&K. Free choice of speech guaranteed/ given to people mentioned in above disputed territories by UN and both countries.

7-Both acts ATA in GB and POTA in Indian Kashmir are illegal according to spirit of UNCIP [signed by both countries] and should be withdrawn forthwith and political prisoners charged under such harsh acts should be released respectfully and without any conditions to create good will among local people to avoid further mistrust to solve longstanding dispute peacefully.

Yours Sincerely,
Mirza Wajahat Hassan Khan

برطانوی وزیراعظم مسلمان خواتین کے غیرفعال رویے پر پریشان ڈیوڈ کیمرون نے خواتین کے لئے 20 ملین پائونڈ جاری کردئیے

برطانوی وزیر اعظ٘م ڈیوڈ کیمرون کا کہنا ہے کہ برطانوی

 معاشرے میں مسلم خواتین کو تعصب اور صنفی امتیاز' سے بچانے کے لئے انگریزی سکھانے کی کوشش میں اضافہ کرنا ہوگا۔

کیمرون نے لندن کے مقامی اخبار "دی ٹائمز" میں لکھے گئے ایک کالم میں کہنا تھا کہ اب وقت آگیا ہے کہ خواتین پر "نقصان دہ اثر" رکھنے والے قلیل تعداد میں موجود مسلم مردوں کے "پسماندہ رویوں" کا مقابلہ کیا جائے۔

ان کا کہنا تھا کہ "اطاعت گزاری کی وجہ سے لوگ علاحدگی میں شخصیت سازی کے ناقص خیال کے پیروکار بن جاتے ہیں۔" کنزرویٹو پارٹی [قدامت پسند] کے رہنما نے مختلف کمیونیٹیز کی خواتین کے لئے 20 ملین پائونڈ کا فنڈ جاری کیا ہے جس کے ذریعے سے معاشرے سے الگ رہنے والی خواتین کو معاشرے کا فعال حصہ بنایا جائے۔

ان کا کہنا تھا کہ مہاجرین کو انگریزی زبان میں مہارت حاصل کرنے پر مجبور کیا جائے گا ورنہ انہیں برطانیہ سے نکالا جاسکتا ہے۔

کیمرون کا کہنا تھا کہ ایک نئے اندازے کے مطابق تقریبا ایک لاکھ 90 ہزار مسلمان خواتین یا 22 فیصد خواتین برطانیہ میں کئی عشروں تک رہنے کے باوجود بہت تھوڑی یا بالکل ہی انگریزی نہیں جانتی ہیں۔

انہوں نے مزید بتایا کہ 40٫000 خواتین تو سرے سے انگریزی ہی نہیں جانتی۔

"ان اعداد وشمار کو دیکھنے کے بعد یہ بات ہمارے لئے حیرت کا باعث نہیں ہے کہ پاکستانی اور بنگلہ دیشی نژاد خواتن کا 60 فی صد حصہ معیشت میں بالکل حصہ نہیں ڈالتا ہے۔"

کیمرون نے اس معاملے کو شدت پسندی کے ساتح جوڑتے ہوئے کہا کہ علاحدگی میں شخصیت سازی کی وجہ سے تارکین وطن کی دوسری نسل ذاتی وابستگی کے لئے کوئی اور جگہ ڈھونڈنے لگے۔

ان کا کہنا تھا "ہمیں پسماندہ رویے اور اپنی بیویوں، بہنوں اور بیٹیوں پر نقصان دہ اثر رکھنے والے مردوں کی اس قلیل تعداد سے نمٹنا ہوگا۔ اور ہمیں اطاعت گزار رویے کے سامنے حقائق سے گھبرانا نہیں چاہئیے ہے۔" 

Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front’s statement issued to press and media at its London Secretariat on the arrest and judicial remand of JKLF Chairman Mr Yasin Malik along with his senior colleagues, under section 307 of the IPC, in Indian occupied Jammu Kashmir.

London 31 December 2015:

1: Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front-JKLF- strongly condemns the arrests and charges of ‘attempt to murder and waging of war against the Indian state,’ on its Chairman Mr Yasin Malik and other senior JKLF leaders. Mr Malik along with his colleagues was remanded in judicial custody for 10 days and shifted to Srinagar central jail on 27 December 2015.

We demand an immediate release  of  Mr Yasin Malik and his colleagues who include, Vice Chairman Mr Shaukat Ahmed Bakhshi, Zonal President  Mr Noor Muhammad Kalwal, Zonal General Secretary Sheikh Abdul Rashid, Zonal organiser Mr Bashir Kashmiri, Mr Ghulam Muhammad Dar, Mr Nazir Ahmed Rather, Mr Ashraf Hussain and Mr Munib Javid Khan. We demand that all charges are dropped against the JKLF leaders.

2: Mr Malik and his colleagues were initially arrested on 25 December 2015 when the JKLF Chairman was leading a peaceful protest demonstration against the violence and terror perpetrated by the ‘Village Defence Committee. The VDC specifically operate in the Jammu province in the Muslim populated areas. JKLF has taken a strong position against the anti-people activities, violence and terrorism of the VDC.

3: During the JKLF protest rally on 25 December 2015, police resorted to heavy handed force by using pepper guns and tear gas on peaceful demonstration. The police also targeted hundreds of worshippers at Friday prayers in the nearby two large mosques- the Jamia ahle-hadis and the haji mosque- injuring many people.

4: The VDC enjoy full support and patronage of the Indian government and the military as part of the ‘civil defence force’. Since 1995 the VDC have committed thousands of violent acts, rapes and lootings in the Jammu province.

5: This state supported terrorist set up has
over 2,000 FIRs lodged against it over the past twenty years, and not a single case has been investigated by the Indian state and its local quislings against this so called civil defence force.

6: The VDC with RSS connections operate in all the districts of Jammu with substantial Muslim population, and commit acts of murder and arson in these areas with impunity. They have committed acts of violence against drivers with fatal results and set their vehicles on fire over the past few months.

7: They killed a mother and her small son in the Budal area of Rajauri district, and continue to harass families in the region. The 25 December 2015 rally led by Mr Malik was taken out specifically against the mother and son murder in Budal.

8: The terror of hired VCD killers and terrorists is, over and above the unabated violence perpetrated by 700,000 Indian military and para military forces deployed in Kashmir. This unprecedented militarisation of the territory by India, has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths since 1988. Thousands of people are missing. There are hundreds of unmarked graves all over Indian occupied Kashmir of victims of extra judicial killings and faked encounters.

9:  There are over 7,000 unmarked mass graves and over 8,000 disappeared persons in Kashmir today. The association of Parents of Disappeared Persons –APDP- continues to demand answers about their loved ones who were picked up by the occupation authorities and have since vanished from the face of the earth!
The International Peoples Tribunal on Human rights and Justice in Kashmir-IPTK- in its 2009 report entitled “Buried Evidence” accounted for almost 3,000 bodies in 2,700 graves, just in the districts of Badndipura, Baramulla and Kupwara alone.

10: This long and continuing pain and agony of Kashmiri people is a consequence of Indian occupation. JKLF Chairman has exposed the reality of the brute face of military occupation and the ugly face of Indian democracy in Kashmir

11: The trumped up charges slapped on Mr Malik and his 8 colleagues are not a coincidence. They are part of India’s vindictive and malicious actions, to malign the peaceful, popular and democratic freedom struggle and deny the JKLF, political space and engagement with Kashmiri masses.

12: These concocted charges are preposterous, and are part of a deliberate and pernicious strategy of the Indian occupation apparatus and its quislings in Kashmir, to silence Mr Yasin Malik who is a towering figure, for the pro freedom and anti-status quo political struggle in Jammu Kashmir.

13: In the light of current rapprochement between India and Pakistan, the nature of these charges against the JKLF leadership, is a clear indication that the Will of Kashmiri people and their sentiment, has no place in bilateral framework of proposed Indo- Pak “Bilateral Comprehensive Dialogue” process.

14: We unambiguously and unequivocally, make it clear that Kashmiris will not accept Indo- Pak bilateralism over the future status of their country, as it is not a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan.

15: The future political status of Jammu Kashmir is an internationally recognised issue, whose political and constitutional status can only be decided through an unfettered democratic decision by twenty million Kashmiris as they are the main affected party in the dispute.

16: It is quite ironic therefore that the charge of ‘waging war against the Indian state’ has been levelled against Mr Yasin Malik. In reality however it is the Indian state that continues to wage war on the people of Jammu Kashmir.

17: Mr Malik on the other hand has struggled for the rights, aspirations and dignity of his people through peaceful means.

18:  Mr Malik renounced all forms of violence in the Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination more than twenty years ago. Therefore no amount of state harassment and oppression will deter the JKLF leadership from representing the genuine sentiments for freedom, dignity and the exercise of the unfettered democratic Will of Kashmiris, across both sides of the Line of Control-LoC-.

19: Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front will mount a vigorous and concerted campaign at political and democratic level throughout the world to expose the oppression and brutality of the Indian occupation in Jammu Kashmir and the repressive and draconian methods with which the JKLF and its leadership has been subjected to over the years, and in particular the current incarceration of Mr Yasin Malik and his colleagues under section 307 of the IPC
20: Throughout the world JKLF local organisations and branches have been informed and asked to undertake appropriate and suitable political and diplomatic campaigns and high light the nefarious actions being taken by the Indian government through its quisling administration Kashmir.

21:  In the UK where around a million Kashmiris reside, and who are quite well  embedded within the British political system,  British Chapter of the JKLF has been asked to mount a concerted incremental political campaign, and also assist and   contribute towards diplomatic efforts for an immediate release of the JKLF leadership. Similarly Europe and North America based organisation will engage with the local political and diplomatic fraternity, and press and media to gain support for the immediate release of Mr Malik and his colleagues.

22: The nature and method of campaigning will be decided by branches and the zonal organisations based on their situation and circumstances both in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Paramount objective however, will be to ensure that no one misjudges or misreads the determination and the desire of 20 million Kashmiris for freedom, and to assert their absolute right to decide on the political and constitutional status and reunification of their country-Jammu Kashmir- peacefully.
End………………….
Zafar Khan
(Chairman)
JKLF Diplomatic Bureau