Human Rights Violations in Kashmir

By Tariq Rizwan

A series of meetings that took place between the two countries top brass led to the resumption of stalled dialogue process between India and Pakistan, as announced by Sushma Suraj, India Foreign Minister on the occasion of Heart of Asia Conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, 9 December, 2015. A ‘chance meeting’ between the two Prime Ministers in Paris and surprise talks between their national security advisers in Bangkok led to a formal meeting between their top foreign policy officials which produced a major agreement to resume the comprehensive dialogue process. “I understand you all have been waiting for some big news, so we have big news for you…. Pakistan and India have decided to resume the composite dialogue,” India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after her two-hour-long talks with Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. The top Indian diplomat, who also met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said the process would have a new name: ‘Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue’.

According to a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office, it would cover peace and security, confidence building measures, Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, economic and commercial cooperation, counter terrorism, narcotics control and humanitarian issues, people-to-people exchanges and religious tourism. This has raised a spark of activism across South Asia.

The political circles and intellectuals from both countries have kept their fingers cross to bear the fruits in the near future. Indeed, the human rights abuses in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continued unabated. It includes mass killings, forced disappearances, rape, torture and sexual abuses. Apart, the last few months witnessed increased level of political repression and suppression of freedom of speech. Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security personnel have been carrying the worst kind of human rights abuses in the state. The number of civilian population killed in various military operations has been estimated to the range from 16,725 to 47,000 in Jammu and Kashmir. The incidents of violating ceasefire on Line of Control have witnessed an upward trend in the recent past. Diplomatic cables obtained by WikiLeaks revealed that the ICRC had been briefing foreign diplomats in New Delhi of brutalities but of no avail.

Despite repeated denial from Indian Army, human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir have been found “correct and motivated". Human Rights Watch regular annual reports revealed that Indian security forces "assaulted Kashmiri civilians during search operations, tortured and summarily executed detainees in custody and murdered civilians in reprisal attacks". Rape was regularly used as a means to "punish and humiliate" communities.  A 2010 US State Department report stated that the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir had carried out extrajudicial killings of civilians and suspected insurgents. The report also described killings and abuse being carried out by insurgents and separatists. In 2010, statistics presented to the Indian government's Cabinet Committee on Security showed that for the first time since the 1980s, the number of civilian deaths attributed to the Indian forces was higher than those attributed to terrorist actions. 

A working group to inquire into human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir comprising Dr. Kamal Mitra Chenoy, Associate Professor, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, as Convenor; Dr. Ambrose Pinto, S.J., Executive Director, Indian Social Institute, New Delhi, and Shri Zafar Iqbal Manhas, columnist and cultural activist, Srinagar, as members; was constituted at the request of the Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Developmental Studies, Srinagar. The Group visited Srinagar, Chithisingpora, Pahalgam, Jammu, Akhnoor, Rajouri, Surankote and Poonch and endorsed the reports about wide spread abuses in Indian occupied J&k. The group report says that the continued misuse of this law, and the exemption from prosecution it provides to military personnel, is a major source of human rights violations by army formations in the State. They dedicated their report to the long suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with the fervent hope that it might contribute in ending of the tragedy.

The Kashmiris feel alienated from India and its puppet state government who are viewed as agents. State elections are generally believed to have been rigged in favour of the ruling party, the greater part of the autonomy given to the Indian occupied state of J&K was systematically taken away by successive Union governments. Regional dimensions of the state and various sub-regional aspirations therein have been always tended to be ignored or overshadowed by the priority of national integration. The major Act that governs military action in Jammu & Kashmir is the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 [as amended in 1972]. Human rights activists have long argued that this Act is unconstitutional and violates international humanitarian law. The Indian Supreme Court has, like in the earlier case of TADA, upheld the validity of the law, but in view of the potential abuse of human rights, has laid down some detailed guidelines for its use. Nonetheless, we believe this is a ''lawless law" which violates both the Constitution and international law.

Experts in the UN Human Rights Committee, which met in Geneva in March 1991, were categorical that this Act is volatile of several Articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which India is a signatory. In any case, human rights activists have consistently held that the Act is also volatile of the Constitution. It, like TADA, violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Fundamental Rights, and is derogation from Entry 1, List II of the Seventh Schedule. Article 13 which voids all laws inconsistent with the Fundamental Rights is infringed.  Human rights activists and others often argue, that since the militants do not accept either the Indian Constitution or Indian law, these do not apply to them, and as such their human rights violations, as it were, cannot be criticized, as violations as such, since they have not violated anything they themselves have accepted as law, or as a valid standard. In this vein, it is argued that violations by the militants, or individual terrorism, should not be the subject of study, since Indian law applies only to security forces and the Indian state, who are instead guilty of state terrorism. This betrays an ignorance of international humanitarian law all of which applies to all combatants, militant or statist. The international legal instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Geneva Conventions, etc., which India has signed, apply to both the Indian forces as well as to the militants.

The resumption of ‘Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue’ has provided a sigh of relief to the local populace across Kashmir. The only real political solution to human rights atrocities is the cessation of hostilities in Indian Jammu & Kashmir which can lead to a peaceful plebiscite in the volatile valley. Failing that some measures are possible that will reduce, but not completely eliminate, human rights violations. Some of the prime confidence building measures are to withdraw the 0.7 million Indian troops from the valley, Public Safety Act and other draconian laws. As the Armed Forces have sufficient powers under other laws to function adequately. Hold independent referendum or plebiscite under the supervision of international community to allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir joining either India or Pakistan. Moreover, enable the International human rights bodies including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and others to investigate alleged human rights violations in the State.

The writer is a free lance journalist based in London.

Fall of Dhaka, the True Indian Face

By Tariq Rizwan

India is a worst case of conflict diplomacy and expansionist policy ever since its independence in 1947. Her relations with the neighbors; Pakistan, Siri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and China has remained strained and lacked confidence. The victory of Narendra Modi led BJP has further put the plight of minorities in India at stake. RSS is beyond control which has unveiled the true face of so called largest democracy of the world. It is an open fact that India was behind Bangladesh’s creation in 1971. The creation of Bangladesh is one of the most sensitive and tragic chapters in the history of Pakistan. While the trauma of partition may now be behind us, stories of 1971 still raise hackles among anyone who lived through that era.

December 16, marks the black day of Pakistani history as we lost our eastern wing on this day. No Pakistani can ever forget it when East Pakistan got removed from world map and Bangladesh emerged as a new state. There is a lot still unknown and untold about this saddening tragedy that people should know here are few hidden facts about the “Fall of Dhaka”. The first democratic elections in the history of Pakistan took place in December 1970, in which Sheikh Mujjib’s party Awami Leaque won majority seats of 167 in East against Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s Pakistan Peoples’ Party 88 seats in West. Awami leaque won not a single seat from West Pakistan and PPP met the same fate in East wing.

On 23^rd March Yahiya refused to appoint Mujjib the future Prime Minister rather called all the political leaders on a meeting in Dhaka which was opposed by Sheikh Mujjib. The later insisted to form the government without any negotiations which erupted serious political crisis in the country.

Taking advantage of the prevailing political cracks between the two major political parties, India sparked the worst kind of conspiracy in Eastern Part, followed by military interference, forcing Pakistan’s Army contingents to surrender. The local insurgents were pitched with Pakistani troops resulted in massive killings across Bangladesh. The new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently admitted his country’s role in the breakup of Pakistan his visit to Bangladesh. In reaction, Islamabad called upon the international community to take note of Modi’s admission. In a speech at Dhaka University on 9 June, 2015, Modi not only publicly admitted his country’s role in the fall of Dhaka, then capital of Pakistan’s eastern wing, but also accused Islamabad of spreading terrorism in India. In reaction to Modi’s statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson, Qazi Khalilullah, in a statement, said that “it is regrettable that Indian politicians not only indulge in actions that are in violation of the UN Charter but also take pride in recalling their interference in the internal affairs of other states”. Moreover, it has confirmed Pakistan’s stance on India’s negative role against a sovereign neighbour.

India has a long history of conspiring against her neigbours and religious prejudice against minorities. Hindus give credit to Indira Gandhi who in the late 1970s gave RAW a new role to suit her ‘Indira Doctrine’ specifically asking it to undertake covert operations in neighboring countries, especially Pakistan which comprises majority of Muslims. RAW was given a green signal to mobilize all its resources by exploiting political turmoil in East Pakistan in 1971 which this agency had created through its agents who provided Bengalis with arms and ammunition for conducting guerrilla acts against Pakistan.

In East Pakistan, RAW unleashed a well-organized plan of psychological warfare, polarization among the armed forces, exploiting the linguistic, political and economic disputes, religious sects of East and West Pakistan and controlled media with the aim to malign West Pakistan in Eastern Part of the country. Sheikh Mujjib was already in connivance with India for separation of East Pakistan. Ashoka Raina in his book, ‘Inside RAW: unveils its nefarious aims and objectives. He writes that “Indian intelligence agencies were involved in erstwhile East Pakistan, its operatives were in touch with Sheikh Mujib as the possible ‘Father’ of a new nation-Bangladesh, who went to Agartala in 1965”. The famous Agartala case was unearthed in 1967. In fact, the basic purpose of raising RAW in 1968 was to organize a covert operation in Bangladesh. “Indian army officers and RAW officials used Bengali refugees to set up Mukti Bahini. Using this outfit as a cover, Indian military sneaked deep into East Pakistan…the story of Mukti Bahini and RAW’s role in its creation and training is now well-known.”

 His six points created prejudice among Bengali people especially against West Pakistan. The famous slogan, during his addresses and rallies was, “Punjabi dogs go back.” It was due to Mujib’s instigation that besides Punjabis, Bengalis also tortured and killed Biharis, Pashtoons and Balochis, while their women were raped. A well-known Bengali journalist Sarmila Bose authored a book, “Dead Reckoning: Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh War” after thorough investigation. Her book was published in 2011. While countering exaggeration of the Indian and Bengali Journalists, Bose argues that the number of Bengalis killed in 1971 was not three million, but around 50,000, while Bengalis were equally involved in the bloodshed of non-Bengalis.

India played a negative role in the fall of Dhaka, which culminated in dismemberment of Pakistan. Today, RAW is active again in Balochistan, KPK and our Tribal Belt, giving finances, logistics and weapons to the militants to fight against our Armed Forces but in vain. Pakistan’ s Armed Forces have been able to flush out all the Indian and NDS sponsored groups and portray Pakistan as a moderate and peaceful country in the region. Pakistan has gained tremendous geo strategic importance in the region. Pakistan may play a significant role in the uplift of Asia specially South Asia on modern lines like US and Europe. All the regional and extra regional powers have realized it as witnessed by CPEC and Russia-China network agreements to link to the warm water via Pakistan. India and Iran have no other options but to admit the fact and extend sincere hand of friendship to Pakistan.

The writer is a freelance journalist based in London.

16 December: A Day of National Mourning and Resolve

Sarah Khan

The day of 16 December has been extremely horrifying and painful twice in 68years of history of Pakistan. One, in 1971 when Pakistan was dismembered and East Pakistan was created. Second, in 2014 when 144 innocent students and teachers of Army Public School in Peshawar were brutally killed by terrorists of Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan. Though a year has passed but the horrific flashes of the incident are still alive in hearts and minds of all Pakistanis. The incident was unfortunate and terrible in nature but it has proved to be a defining moment in the history of Pakistan. Today, the entire nation is standing united against the menace of terrorism which had deteriorated the country’s image and stalled its progress since a decade.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the government lifted the unofficial moratorium on the death penalty; military courts were established to ensure speedy trial of perpetrators of terror activities. Despite bitter criticism from international community on resumption of death penalty in Pakistan almost all terrorists involved in the Peshawar massacre have been hanged.

The National Action Plan is being implemented in true letter and spirit by civilian and military leadership of Pakistan. There has been a crackdown against hate speech; some suspected Madressahs have been closed down; the leadership of sectarian organisations has been largely neutralised. Operation Zarb e Azb has achieved tremendous success in clearing hideouts of terrorists in Waziristan and now Pakistan Army is playing a key role in rehabilitation of locals of FATA. With the help of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, our police and rangers have been able to carry out raids on facilitators of terrorists throughout the country. The credit goes to Armed Forces of Pakistan that 2015 was comparatively a peaceful year since 2007.

At the same time, there is sufficient room for improvement to flush out the remnants of sleeping cells of terrorist across the country. Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan had become the hub of extremism and militancy in the past few years due to financing and training by RAW. This has been proved even by various reports of foreign media (BBC). There is a need to empower Rangers in Karachi in order to eliminate the terrorists and their facilitators. Madrassah reforms and its true implementation is the need of the hour throughout the country.

Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone by signing China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), but many anti-state elements are trying to politicize the project in order to deprive the nation of its fruits at the behest of foes abroad. There is a need to overcome all hurdles in order to bring Pakistan on track of economic development. Last but not least, Pakistan may play a constructive role in Afghan reconciliation as stable Afghanistan will be more beneficial to Pakistan. But the issue of Afghan refugees and Afghan militants hiding in Pakistan under the guise of refugees needs to be addressed.

As stated earlier, the incident of Peshawar massacre was unfortunate but it has placed Pakistan on the right track and there is a need to follow it in the coming days to ensure a prosperous Pakistan. We all Pakistanis will always remain indebted to blood of those 144 innocent martyrs’ students of Army Public School who sacrificed their present for our better future.

Hindutva Ideology behind Babri Masjid Demolition

By Sajjad Shaukat

23 years ago, Indian Constitution which claims India to be a secular state was torn into pieces when on December 6, 1992, a large crowd of Hindu Karsevaks (volunteers) entirely demolished the 16th-century Babri Masjid (mosque) in Ayodhya, Utter Pradesh in a preplanned attempt to reclaim the land known as RAM Janmabhoomi – birthplace of the god.

The destruction of the Babri Masjid sparked Muslim outrage around the country, provoking several months of inter-communal rioting between Hindu and Muslim communities, causing the death of at least 2,000 people, majority of whom were Muslims. The governments of several neighboring countries including those of the Islamic World condemned the Indian government for failing to stop the demolition of the historical mosque.

In a 2005 book, India’s former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Joint Director Maloy Krishna Dhar wrote that Babri mosque demolition was planned 10 months in advance by top leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJP BJP/Sangh Parivar, VHP, Shiv Sena, the Bajrang Dal and the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Raow. Dhar elaborated, “He had drawn up the blueprint of the Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) assault at Ayodhya in December 1992.”

However, on December 6, 1992, the RSS and its affiliates organized a rally involving 150,000 VHP and BJP Karsevaks at the site of the mosque. The ceremonies included speeches by BJP leaders such as L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti. During the first few hours of the rally, the crowd began raising militant slogans. A police cordon had been placed around the mosque in preparation for attack. However, around noon, a young man managed to slip past the cordon and climb the mosque itself, brandishing a saffron flag. This was seen as a signal by the mob, who then stormed the structure. The police cordon, vastly outnumbered, fled. The mob set upon the building with axes, hammers, and grappling hooks, and within a few hours, the entire mosque was leveled. Hindu fanatics also destroyed numerous other mosques within the town.

A 2009 report of the inquiry commission, authored by Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, found 68 people to be responsible for the destruction of the Babri Masjid, mostly leaders from the BJP. Among those named were Vajpayee, Advani, Joshi, Vijay Raje Scindia and Kalyan Singh who was then the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Liberhan wrote that he posted bureaucrats and police officers to Ayodhya, whose record indicated that they would stay silent during the mosque’s demolition. Anju Gupta, a police officer who had been in charge of Advani’s security on that day, stated that Advani and Joshi made speeches that contributed to provoking the behavior of the mob to accomplish demolition of the mosque. However, the commission clearly identified BJP, RSS and VHP as the organizations responsible for the incident and also nominated L.K. Advani, Lalu Parsad Yadev and Murli Manohar Joshi as main culprits behind this incident. But no action was taken against them.

By showing prejudice in favour of Hindus, on September 30, 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2,400 square feet (220 m²) disputed plot of land, on which the Babri Masjid had stood would be divided into three parts. The site at which the idol of Rama had been placed was granted to Hindus in general, the Sunni Wakf Board got one third of the plot, and the Hindu sect Nirmohi Akhara got the remaining third. The excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India were heavily used as evidence by the court to support its so-called finding that the original structure at the site was a massive Hindu religious building.

Since the leader of the ruling party BJP Narendra Modi became Prime Minister of India, various developments like unprecedented rise of Hindu extremism, persecution of minorities, forced conversions of other religious minorities into Hindus, ban on beef and cow slaughter, inclusion of Hindu religious books in curriculum, creation of war-like situation with Pakistan etc. clearly show that encouraged by the fundamentalist rulers, Hindu extremist outfits such as BJP, RSS VHP, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena including other similar parties have been promoting religious and ethnic chauvinism in India by propagating ideology of Hindutva.

In fact, on the basis of anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan slogans, BJP got a land sliding victory in the Indian elections 2014. Hence, Prime Minister Modi is giving impetus to Hindu chauvinism against Pakistan and the Muslims, as under his directions, New Delhi accelerated unprovoked firing at the Line of Control in Kashmir and Working Boundary across Pak-Indian border, even without bothering for nuclear war.

Particularly, in the recent months, extremists of Hiudu fundamentalist outfits intensified assaults on the Muslims and Pakistani artists, famous literary persons—members of the cricket boards etc., and even on moderate Hindus.

More than 200 Indian writers, Authors, scientists, artists, filmmakers, film-stars etc. decided returned their national awards in protest to rising Hindu extremism under Modi rule, while more than 100 persons have returned their retuned. Former Indian military personnel have now also started returning their medals, criticizing the policies of the BJP government, embroiling Prime Modi in a new domestic crisis.

Modi’s anti-Pakistan policies have also external aspects. In this regard, while addressing a ceremony during his Bangladesh tour, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly stated on June 7, 2015 that Indian forces helped Mukti Bahini (Militants) to turn East Pakistan into Bangladesh. He elaborated that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had played an active role in separating Bangladesh from Pakistan, and he had also come to Delhi in 1971 to participate in the Satyagraha Movement, launched by Jana Sangh as a volunteer to garner support for the Mukti Bahini members.

It is notable that since Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the ruling party, Awami League, Sheikh Hasina Wajid came into power, India has been employing various tactics to entrap Bangladesh by exploiting her pro-Indian tilt to fulfill its strategic interests. In this context, Prime Minister Hasina Wajid has continuously been pursuing Indian directions by conducting anti-Pakistan campaign. Therefore, after passing of 42 years to the events of 1971, which resulted into the separation of East Pakistan, Abdul Qadir, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) was hanged because of his loyalty to Pakistan.

However, Bangladesh’s ruling party, under Sheikh Hasina Wajid maintains an anti-Pakistan posture with sinister designs of expressing animosity, antagonism and unrestrained emotional flare-up. The aim is to exploit feelings of masses by keeping the “hate Pakistan” agenda alive. This enables Awami League and Hasina Wajid to remain significant in Bangladesh’s power politics despite their failure to deliver good governance to the People. It also helps them to appease their mentors in India. Using abusive language against Pakistan and its armed forces makes Hasina Wajid relevant in Indian politics, while she herself prefers those entities which derive sadistic pleasure by depicting Pakistan in bad light.

In this connection, in connivance with New Delhi, Bangladesh government and Awami League have launched a massive media campaign in order to spread venom against Pakistan, its armed forces, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and against all those Bangladeshi nationals who were loyal to the state during 1971 crisis.

By neglecting Islamabad’s positive approach, Bangladesh government has continued its anti-Pakistan approach to please India. It could be judged from the statement of Prime Minister Hasina Wajid who has vocally said, “Bangladesh has no room for the people loving Pakistan.”

Nevertheless Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been following pro-Indian policies. In this respect, on the secret insistence of India, unlike the past years, a ceremony was held in Dhaka on March 24, 2013, with full pump and show to honour ‘Foreign Friends of Bangladesh Award,’ in relation to the separation of East Pakistan. For this aim, several foreign friends who included various institutions and media anchors from various countries, particularly India were invited. The main purpose behind was to distort the image of Pakistan and its armed forces regarding alleged atrocities, committed against the Bengalis. Notably, in December, 2012, Prime Minister Hasina had refused to attend D-8 conference in Islamabad unless Pakistan tendered apology for the alleged genocide of Bengalis.

While, a famous Bengali journalist Sarmila Bose authored a book, “Dead Reckoning: Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh War” after thorough investigation. Her book was published in 2011. While countering exaggerations of the Indian and Bengali Journalists, Bose argues that the number of Bengalis killed in 1971 was not three million, but around 50,000, while Bengalis were equally involved in the bloodshed of Punjabis, Biharis, Pashtoons and Balochis.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was already in connivance with India for separation of East Pakistan. Therefore, when East Pakistan was occupied by Indian Army in 1971, he stated with pleasure that his 24 years old dream of an independent Bangladesh had been fulfilled. While commenting upon 1971 tragedy, Indra Gandhi clearly divulged Indian hegemonic designs by saying “Today we have sunken Two Nation Theory in bay of Bengal.”

Majib had earlier developed his contacts with Indian rulers and training camps of Mukti Bahini, established by Indian army and RAW which also funded Mujibur Rehman’s general elections in 1970.

Undoubtedly, various anti-Pakistan developments such as Modi’s open confession regarding Indian support to militants of Mukti Bahini, his arrival in Dhaka to receive award of Atal Bihari Vajpai, presentation of ‘Surrender Ceremony’ photograph by Bangladeshi leader to Modi, ruthless death sentences to Jamat-e-Islami Pro-Pakistan leaders under highly doubtful and objectionable trials etc. show that Indo-Bangladesh media nexus backed by RAW has become more active for last 4/5 years to create mistrust among people of Bangladesh against Pakistan.

Moreover, Indian cross-border terrorism in Pakistan, her support to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which is responsible for terror-acts in Pakistan—also involved in the massacre of innocent children at Army Public School, Peshawar might be noted as instance of anti-Pakistan

Although apparently, India claims to be the largest democracy, acting upon the principles of liberalism and secularism, yet in practice, all political, economic and social fields of the country are divided on the caste lines. It is surprising that theoretically, Indian Constitution safeguards the rights of minorities, but in practice, ideology of Hindutva prevails. Hindu majority led by the BJP has shown complete disregard to the Constitution, and commit excesses and cruelties against Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Dalits with impunity.

Nonetheless, apart from other frenzy events, the demolition of the Babri Masjid will remain a major scar on Indian so-called secularism, as on the very day, Indian fundamentalist leaders broke all the records of Hindutva terror by deliberately hurting the feelings of the Muslims. The atrocities and tyranny let loose on that day in Ayodhya continues unabated against the Muslims in one form or the other, under the Modi regime.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

India’s Human Rights Violations in Kashmir

By Sajjad Shaukat

Gross human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir have become a permanent feature of the Indian security forces.

Since 1947, in order to maintain its illegal control, India has continued its repressive regime in the Occupied Kashmir through various machinations.

In this regard, various forms of state terrorism have been part of a deliberate campaign by the Indian army and paramilitary forces against Muslim Kashmiris, especially since 1989. It has been manifested in brutal tactics like crackdowns, curfews, illegal detentions, massacre, targeted killings, sieges, burning the houses, torture, disappearances, rape, breaking the legs, molestation of Muslim women and killing of persons through fake encounter.

According to a report on human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir, since 1989, there have been deaths of 1,00000 innocent Kashmiris, 7,023 custodial killings, 1,22,771 arrests, 1,05,996 destruction of houses or buildings, 22,776 women widowed, 1,07,466 children orphaned and 10,086 women gang-raped/molested. Indian brutal securities forces have continue these atrocities.

In fact, Indian forces have employed various draconian laws like the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act, and the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act in killing the Kashmiri people, and for the arbitrarily arrest of any individual for an indefinite period.

Besides Human Rights Watch, in its various reports, Amnesty International has also pointed out grave human rights violations in the Indian controlled Kashmir, indicating, “The Muslim majority population in the Kashmir Valley suffers from the repressive tactics of the security forces.”

In its report on July 2, 2015, the Amnesty International has highlighted extrajudicial killings of the innocent persons at the hands of Indian security forces in the Indian Held Kashmir. The report points out, “Tens of thousands of security forces are deployed in Indian-administered Kashmir…the Armed Forces Special Powers Act allows troops to shoot to kill suspected militants or arrest them without a warrant…not a single member of the armed forces has been tried in a civilian court for violating human rights in Kashmir…this lack of accountability has in turn facilitated other serious abuses…India has martyred one 100,000 people. More than 8,000 disappeared (while) in the custody of army and state police.”

In this respect, European Union has passed a resolution about human rights abuses committed by Indian forces in the Indian held Kashmir.

It is of particular attention that in 2008, a rights group reported unmarked graves in 55 villages across the northern regions of the Indian-held Kashmir. Then researchers and other groups reported finding thousands of mass graves without markers. In this respect, in August, 2011, Indian Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission officially acknowledged in its report that innocent civilians killed in the two-decade conflict have been buried in unmarked graves.

And foreign sources and human rights organisations have revealed that unnamed graves include those innocent persons, killed by the Indian military and paramilitary troops in the fake encounters including those who were tortured to death by the Indian secret agency RAW.

Indian authorities are not willing to talk with Kashmiri people on political grounds. New Delhi reached to a conclusion that only bullet is the right way of dealing with Kashmiris, demanding their right of self-determination. Surprisingly, Indian successive governments are trying to ignore the dynamics of the freedom movement of Kashmiris for the sake of their alien rule.

But, New Delhi is still showing its intransigence in order to resolve Kashmir dispute with Pakistan by neglecting the fact that Kashmir remains a nuclear flashpoint between both the neighbouring countries.

In this context, Egbert Jahn in his book, “Kashmir: Flashpoint for a Nuclear War or Even a Third World War?” has pointed out, “The Kashmir conflict is embedded in the wider conflict over the incomplete creation of nations and states on the Indian subcontinent, which during the east-west conflict even threatened at times to escalate into a nuclear world war between Pakistan and the USA on the one side and India and the USSR on the other. Until now, there have been three wars between India and Pakistan over the Jammu and Kashmir: in 1947–49, 1965 and 1999… finally, the Indo-Chinese border war of 1962…after these wars…and could unexpectedly again lead to a regional and under certain circumstances…even a major nuclear war or a Third World War.”

Meanwhile, like the previous year, Pakistan’s recent serious and sincere effort at the annual session of the United Nations—the recent speech of Pakistan’s prime minister and his meeting with the American president, highlighting the Kashmir dispute and demanding its solution has infused a new spirit among the Kashmiri people.

Kashmir dispute cannot be seen in isolation it is part of New Delhi’s other developments against Pakistan and the Muslims. In this respect, as part of anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan approach, leader of the BJP and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is giving impetus to Hindu chauvinism which has resulted into a number of assaults on the Muslims and Pakistanis inside India. Under his rule, Indian security forces have also accelerated unprovoked firing at the Line of Control in Kashmir including Working Boundary.

Besides, in connivance with New Delhi, Bangladesh government and Awami League have launched a massive media campaign in order to spread venom against Pakistan and its armed forces and against all those Bangladeshi nationals who were loyal to the state during 1971 crisis.

In this regard, while addressing a ceremony during his Bangladesh tour, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly stated on June 7, 2015 that Indian forces helped Mukti Bahini (Militants) to turn East Pakistan into Bangladesh. He elaborated that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had played an active role in separating Bangladesh from Pakistan, and he had also come to Delhi in 1971 to participate in the Satyagraha Movement, launched by Jana Sangh as a volunteer to garner support for the Mukti Bahini members.

It is noteworthy that since Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the ruling party, Awami League, Sheikh Hasina Wajid came into power, India has been employing various tactics to entrap Bangladesh by exploiting her pro-Indian tilt to fulfill its strategic interests. In this context, Prime Minister Hasina Wajid has continuously been pursuing Indian directions by conducting anti-Pakistan campaign. Therefore, after passing of 42 years to the events of 1971, which resulted into the separation of East Pakistan, Abdul Qadir, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) was hanged because of his loyalty to Pakistan.

However, Bangladesh’s ruling party, under Sheikh Hasina Wajid maintains an anti-Pakistan posture with sinister designs of expressing animosity, antagonism and unrestrained emotional flare-up. The aim is to exploit feelings of masses by keeping the “hate Pakistan” agenda alive. This enables Awami League and Hasina Wajid to remain significant in Bangladesh’s power politics despite their failure to deliver good governance to the People. It also helps them to appease their mentors in India. Using abusive language against Pakistan and its armed forces makes Hasina Wajid relevant in Indian politics, while she herself prefers those entities which derive sadistic pleasure by depicting Pakistan in bad light.

By neglecting Islamabad’s positive approach, Bangladesh government has continued its anti-Pakistan approach to please India. It could be judged from the statement of Prime Minister Hasina Wajid who has vocally said, “Bangladesh has no room for the people loving Pakistan.”

Nevertheless Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been following pro-Indian policies. In this respect, on the secret insistence of India, unlike the past years, a ceremony was held in Dhaka on March 24, 2013, with full pump and show to honour ‘Foreign Friends of Bangladesh Award,’ in relation to the separation of East Pakistan. For this aim, several foreign friends who included various institutions and media anchors from various countries, particularly India were invited. The main purpose behind was to distort the image of Pakistan and its armed forces regarding alleged atrocities, committed against the Bengalis. Notably, in December, 2012, Prime Minister Hasina had refused to attend D-8 conference in Islamabad unless Pakistan tendered apology for the alleged genocide of Bengalis.

While, a famous Bengali journalist Sarmila Bose authored a book, “Dead Reckoning: Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh War” after thorough investigation. Her book was published in 2011. While countering exaggerations of the Indian and Bengali Journalists, Bose argues that the number of Bengalis killed in 1971 was not three million, but around 50,000, while Bengalis were equally involved in the bloodshed of Punjabis, Biharis, Pashtoons and Balochis.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was already in connivance with India for separation of East Pakistan. Therefore, when East Pakistan was occupied by Indian Army in 1971, he stated with pleasure that his 24 years old dream of an independent Bangladesh had been fulfilled. While commenting upon 1971 tragedy, Indra Gandhi clearly divulged Indian hegemonic designs by saying “Today we have sunken Two Nation Theory in bay of Bengal.”

Majib had earlier developed his contacts with Indian rulers and training camps of Mukti Bahini, established by Indian army and RAW which also funded Mujibur Rehman’s general elections in 1970.

Undoubtedly, various anti-Pakistan developments such as Modi’s open confession regarding Indian support to militants of Mukti Bahini, his arrival in Dhaka to receive award of Atal Bihari Vajpai, presentation of ‘Surrender Ceremony’ photograph by Bangladeshi leader to Modi, ruthless death sentences to Jamat-e-Islami Pro-Pakistan leaders under highly doubtful and objectionable trials etc. show that Indo-Bangladesh media nexus backed by RAW has become more active for last 4/5 years to create mistrust among people of Bangladesh against Pakistan.

Moreover, Indian cross-border terrorism in Pakistan, her support to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which is responsible for terror-acts in Pakistan—also involved in the massacre of innocent children at Army Public School, Peshawar might be noted as instance of anti-Pakistan

Nonetheless, it is due to lack of action on the part the US-led big powers that India’s human rights violations continue unabated in the Occupied Kashmir.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

Russia-Turkey Tension: Syria Remains the Nuclear Flashpoint

By Sajjad Shaukat

War-like situation has been created between Russia and Turkey after the latter shot down a Russian fighter jet, Su-24 combat aircraft, near the Syrian border on Tuesday.

Stand of Ankara is that before shooting it down, it issued repeated warnings that the plane was in its airspace. Moscow said that aircraft was shot down over the territory of Syria by an air-to-air missile from a Turkish F-16 jet. It fell in Syrian territory, bordering Turkey. One of the pilots, who survived stated that no warning was given.

Russian President Vladimir Putin who had called the incident, “a stab in the back” said on Thursday that the United States knew the time and flight path of a Russian jet, and should have informed Turkey, its coalition ally. The US has an agreement with Russia to avoid aircraft collisions over Syria where both countries are conducting bombing campaigns.

Putin also said, “If it was an American aircraft, would they have struck...what we hear instead is they have nothing to apologize for…no promise to punish the culprits of this crime…it was not possible for Turkey not to have known that the plane was Russian, as suggested by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.”

On the other side, Turkish President Erdogan said that his country would not apologize for downing the jet, and “those who violated our airspace are the ones who need to apologize.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that it had suspended all “channels of interaction” with Turkey’s military, including a hotline set up to avoid clashes in Syrian airspace.

Earlier, Russia announced the sending S-400 missile system to Syria’s Latakia province which borders Turkey. In response, Turkey reportedly sent 20 tanks to its border in wake of Russia’s airstrikes on the ISIS (Daesh) terrorists.

In this regard, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov criticized NATO for failing to express condolences to Russia over the incident, after a NATO meeting called by the Turks. He elaborated that similar reaction came from the European Union.

Here question also arises that major NATO countries which called on Ankara and Moscow to show restraint and to resolve the issue through negotiations or by utilizing diplomatic channels will join its NATO member Turkey in case of Russian prospective military action.

Particularly, American President Barrack Obama who has always displayed contradictory approach by following double game in relation to Syria and ISIS, said, “it was important for the Russians and Turks to talk to each other and take measures to discourage escalation…like every country, Turkey has the right to defend its territory and its airspace.”

However, it seems that assurance of NATO or especially of the US has emboldened Turkey to take strong stand against Russia. But, despite Russian military action against Turkey, NATO may not drag itself into conflict with Moscow which could result into nuclear war.

It is notable that after the World War II, nuclear weapons were never used, and were only employed as a strategic threat. During the heightened days of the Cold War, many crises arose in Suez Canal, Korea, Cuba and Vietnam when the US and the former Soviet Union were willing to use atomic weapons, but they stopped because of the fear of nuclear war which could eliminate both the super powers. Therefore, the two rivals preferred to resolve their differences through diplomacy.

Similarly, many occasions came between Pakistan and India, during the Kargil crisis, Indian parliament’s attack by the militants, and particularly in 2008, in the post-Mumbai terror attacks when New Delhi started a blame game against Islamabad in wake of its highly provocative actions like mobilization of troops. Pakistan had also taken defensive steps to meet any prospective aggression or surgical strikes by New Delhi. But, India failed in implementing its aggressive plans, because Islamabad also possesses atomic weapons. Despite it, fear of atomic war continues between both the countries, as Indian Prime Minister and leader of the ruling fundamentalist party BJP Narendra Modi intended to implement the doctrine of limited war or conventional war with Pakistan in relation to the Indian-held Kashmir which remains the nuclear flashpoint.

Political strategists agree that principle of deterrence also known as ‘balance of terror’ is a psychological concept which aims to affect an opponent’s perceptions. In nuclear deterrence, weapons are less usable, as their threat is enough in deterring an enemy who intends to use its armed might.

In this context, a renowned scholar, Hotzendorf remarks that nuclear force best serves the interests of a state when it deters an attack.

It is of particular attention that on July 31, 2006, the US declassified documents disclosed, “During the past year, the Bush White House was seriously considering a “nuclear option” against Iranian nuclear sites understandably…these scenarios are not without historical precedent. From time to time during the Cold War and after, American officials tried to find ways of making nuclear weapons usable, not only for deterrence against Soviet attack but as “tactical” weapons in local conflicts…recently declassified documents reveal that during Richard M. Nixon’s first year as president, advisers on his White House staff were willing to revisit the question of whether to employ nuclear weapons in Vietnam.”

A complete study of the declassified documents show that President Nixon’s national security adviser Henry Kissinger who believes in power or use of force including nuclear threat for bringing the adversary to favourable bargaining,  had advised Nixon to use atomic weapons or its threat to compel North Vietnam and its Soviet allies to conclude peace on America’s terms.

Notably, in 2013, The US was determined to attack Syria, when it accused Syrian government of using chemical weapons on the rebels. America’s Navy was expanded in the Mediterranean. On the other side, Russia which also sent its warships, made it clear that CIA-supported rebels used chemical weapons. A war-like situation arose between both the countries, but defused when America’s allies interfered and President Obama had to withdraw from his illogical stand.

In this respect, Huntington’s book, “The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order” which points out “the clash of civilizations” as the “battle lines of the future…the next world war” also indicates (In one way or the other) that any fault-line war could involve the major powers.

Nevertheless, even if, the present Russia-Turkey crisis is being resolved by the mediatory efforts of the big countries (Whatever the situation in the coming days), the clouds of nuclear war will keep on hovering, unless the real issue of Syria is settled.

As a matter of fact, since the Russian President Vladimir Putin has exposed the secret aims of the US fake global war on terror by striking the strongholds of ISIS in the northern Syria and support of CIA and Israeli Mossad to the ISIS terrorists, President Obama is confused.

Hence, President Obama who had agreed to keep the Syrian President Assad in power (Contrary to previous demand of regime change) and not to allow ISIS militants group to reign in Syria has backed out from his stand. Recently, he stated, “The U.S. won’t in any circumstances agree to a political settlement for the civil war in Syria that leaves Assad in power…there is no way to unite the country’s various factions for the fight against Islamic State.”

It is noteworthy that on Thursday, in a joint press conference in Moscow, President Putin and French President Francois Hollande said that they agreed to exchange intelligence data on ISIS and other terror groups in Syria to increase the effectiveness of their air campaigns to target only Islamic State and similar Jihadi groups. Hollande who also stressed the importance of Moscow, playing a key role in the political transition in Syria reiterated the Western position that Syria’s President Assad should have no place in the country’s future. Putin again spoke about the need for a broad international coalition against terrorism, but clarified that “Russia is ready to act on its own if the idea does not receive wider support from the West.”

But, analysts still hopes that a global alliance could emerge to root out ISIS in that region. In case, it does not take origin, Paris could continue its air campaign on ISIS militants and may join Russian coalition; afterwards, even America’s Western allies may also join it, while playing a reconciliatory between the US and Russia for a larger alliance.

In fact, in the post-November 13 phenomena of Paris terror attacks, France and other European countries want a broader alliance including Russia to eliminate ISIS in Syria and Iraq. But, the US which had backed the ISIS militants, and now, assist the moderate terrorists (Rebels) is using delaying tactics, because other major countries will also want to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And Tel Aviv would not agree except employing similar tactics which thwarted previous peace-processes.

In this connection, the Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom’s statement, hours after the Paris attacks caused a stir in Jerusalem, as she said that “to counteract the radicalization, we must go back to the situation in the Middle East of which not the least the Palestinians see that there is no future: we must either accept a desperate situation or resort to violence.”

It is also noteworthy that by manipulating the tension between Moscow and Ankara and vicious circle of terrorism in Syria, Israel could cause a conventional war between the sovereign states, which could culminate into nuclear war, enveloping the big powers.

Nonetheless, unless resolved, like Kashmir, Syria will remain the nuclear flashpoint. Therefore, it is suggested that major atomic powers must act upon the principles of ‘balance of terror’ to avoid any atomic conflict which could culminate into international suicide in wake of drastic phenomena of the aftermath of Paris terror attacks. They must settle both the Russia-Turkey dispute and the Syrian crisis through talks.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic_pak@hotmail.com

Courtesy Veterans Today

Dismemberment of Pakistan: Awami League Conceals Facts

By Sajjad Shaukat

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid and her ruling party Awami League have continuously been pursuing Indian directions by conducting anti-Pakistan campaign. Therefore, after passing of 42 years to the events of 1971, which resulted into the separation of East Pakistan, Abdul Qadir was hanged because of his loyalty to Pakistan.

In connivance with New Delhi, Bangladesh government and Awami League have launched a massive media campaign in order to spread venom against Pakistan, its armed forces, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and against all those Bangladeshi nationals who were loyal to the state during 1971 crisis.

People of Pakistan have shared moments of happiness and sorrows with the people of Bangladesh. The tragedy of dismemberment of East Pakistan was aimed at creating a compliant country through India trained and financed terrorists (Mukti Bahini) who had killed thousands of Pakistanis in cold blooded activities. In this connection, while addressing a ceremony during his Bangladesh tour, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly stated on June 7, 2015 that Indian forces helped Mukti Bahini (terrorists) to turn East Pakistan into Bangladesh. He elaborated that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had played an active role in separating Bangladesh from Pakistan, and he had also come to Delhi in 1971 to participate in the Satyagraha Movement, launched by Jana Sangh as a volunteer to garner support for the Mukti Bahini members.

Indian yearning came to a grinding halt when people of Bangladesh consolidated as a sovereign nation. The unfathomable desires of people of both the countries to maintain kinship and cherish their social and spiritual bonds were perceived as a failure of 1971 Indian proxy in East Pakistan.

It is notable that Indian leadership by exploiting the concerns of Bangladesh Army over the raising of “Jatiyo Rakhi Bahini” (National vanguards) in 1972 once again created volatility in Bangladesh by patronizing the killing of Sheikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman. The supplementary purpose of this depressing incident was “to make 1974 tripartite agreement dormant”. To further keep the people of Bangladesh in desolation, fueling the hatred and creating extremism in the society, Sheikh Hassina Wajid was incorporated into the Bangladesh Politics. Since then through devious judicial trials, she has been executing elderly opposing politicians and as an extension of her personal and political vindictive posture by manipulating the fateful 1971 event to further the Indian interests. Turmoil, so shaped continues to haunt people of Bangladesh, as she is refusing olive branch offered by people of Pakistan.

Ironically, Awami League’s purported nationalism is based on fabricated figures about the killing of three million Bengali people in 1971. Sheikh Mujib uttered this figure during an interview with the British broadcaster, David Frost. It was not authenticated by independent researchers or international institutions. During the conflict, only two division of Pakistan’s Army with limited small weapons was deployed in East Pakistan and it has no motivation to kill so many people in such a short conflict being fought in unfavorable operational situation.

Nevertheless, genocide committed by Indian trained terrorists in East Pakistan cannot be ruled out. Awami League’s delusions, under Sheikh Hasina’s are expected to create grave problems for Bangladesh. The growing discontent in the country over authoritarian and vindictive rule of  Awami League vis-à-vis antagonistic approach towards Pakistan is causing a division in Bangladeshi society.

Now, the situation is turning bleak as foreign investments are evaporating and unemployment is multiplying. The growing socio-economic degeneration is causing discontent suiting the terrorist outfits like ISIS (Daesh). Their financers are taking full advantage to recruit the combat terrorists and train them in contiguous Indian area for further insertion in various regions. Its fallouts in Bangladesh are evident. Western media has reported about presence of ISIS in Bangladesh. In the recent past, two foreigners were shot, while a Shia gathering was targeted in the country. Extremist groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh have established affinities with ISIS and are very active these days. Some of the Western countries even advised their citizen not to travel to the country.

It is optimistically suggested to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other leaders of Awami League that without indulging into a blame game, creation of Bangladesh may be acknowledged as one of the most tragic chapters in the history of Pakistan—tragedies test the resilience of the nations to survive and progress. Towards this end, Sheikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman has signed an agreement in 1974 so that past shall not over-ride the present and future relations with Pakistan. Living in past sends the message of hopelessness, leadership must rise to the occasion and guide the nation towards integration and prosperity.

Pakistan’s eagerness in fostering good relations with Bangladesh can be gauged from huge investments in Bangladesh by Pakistani traders. These investments could further increase, if, government of Bangladesh offers and ensures a conducive atmosphere.

Bengalis must know that in the backdrop of Modi’s statement, role of India in dismemberment of Pakistan through state sponsored terrorism (insertion of Mukti Bahni) and Indian support to separatist elements in Pakistan’s province of Baluchistan has already been exposed, as Islamabad has recently presented solid evidence to the UN and the US in this respect.

India’s deliberate intervention in fomenting trouble in united Pakistan was in contravention to article-4 of UN Charter. Moreover, memoirs of then Indian Foreign Minister Manekshaw indicate that the former Indian Prime Minister Indra Gandhi had revealed her intents to scheme for dismemberment of Pakistan in April 1971.

Besides, world must take notice of Indian interventionist and hegemonic policies vis-à-vis her neighbors. India occupied Sikkim, subdued Bhutan, sponsored terrorism in Sri Lanka and is now teasing Nepal, while, based in Afghanistan, Indian secret agency RAW is still sending militants in Pakistan in order to destabilize this country. 

Nonetheless, while rectifying the historical record regarding the events of 1971, government of Bangladesh must mention that two Divisions of army (20000, which latter grew to 34000) operating in adverse environment has no motivation to go on civilian killing spree. It must know that if total number of troops was 34000, then how come the much publicized figure of 93,000 troops is true?

In this context, as regards to so-called genocide of the Bengali people, a famous Bengali journalist Sarmila Bose authored a book, “Dead Reckoning: Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh War” after thorough investigation. She terms the number, a gigantic rumor, while Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report considers even 26,000 as an exaggerated figure. Richard Sisson and Leo E. Rose in book titled “War and Secession: Pakistan, India and the Creation of Bangladesh” and Gary Bass in his book “The Blood Telegram” clearly admit that figures about so-called genocide were Indian purported.

Reality is that Indian sponsored terrorist outfit Mukti Bahini created mayhem—carried out most of the destruction and killings in East Pakistan, which were propagated through media as well as diplomatic channels as atrocities of Pak Army. And many Pakistani were subjected to excesses by Mukti Bahini/Sheikh Mujib activists. Some Bengali sources admitted to have killed 30,000 to 40,000 West Pakistanis during the conflict. The US Consul estimated that up to 66,000 non-Bengalis were killed.

Awami League-India nexus has once again engulfed Bangladesh in the shape of Sheikh Hasina Wajid who has unleashed a reign of terror in the country. Resultantly, disappointment and dissatisfaction of the opposition parties, civil society, sensible media persons etc. is growing and the foreign investment is evaporating and economy has slowed down. Shaikh Hasina’s incumbent term as prime minister is illegal, as the opposition alliance had boycotted 2014 general elections. 

Unprecedented unemployment and poverty are being manipulated to recruit combat terrorists and train them in India. Emergence of ISIS in Bangladesh shall be worrisome for international community. As India has been attempting to exploit ISIS in Afghanistan to counterweight Taliban and growing economic activity of China, and ISIS Bangladesh chapter is likely to be exploited to counter Chinese entrance in Bangladesh.

People of Bangladesh may identify their real enemies which are India and Awami League which are creating conditions for break up of Pakistan and has made Pakistanis and Bengalis to fight with each other.  Now, they are again active to promote pro-Indian feelings through Awami League and Sheikh Hasina’s government and gag the opposition, so that it can be turned into a fully compliant state. Nevertheless, as part of old anti-Pakistan campaign, Awami League conceals facts about the dismemberment of Pakistan.

Sajjad Shaukat writes regularly for Opinion Maker. He writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com