Category Archives: BLOGS

FEBRUARY ROUND-UP: “An ‘Unfortunate February’ in India: Deprivation of Basic Rights for Humanity and Minorities.”

The Callous Indian Budget Betrays the Hopes of the Majority:

As India continues to grapple with the rising cost of living and the nationwide economic crisis, the 2021-22 Union Budget passed on February 1, 2021, showed scant regard to the majority of the country’s citizens who have been struggling to cope with the economic aftermath of the pandemic. Instead, the budget privileged the upper classes while the government proposed cuts to subsidies and welfare schemes that would hit the poor and needy the hardest.

Kashmiri Children Worst Victims of Indian State Terrorism:

Kashmir, which has been under Indian military occupation since 1947, has seen a dramatic rise in the number of human rights violation incidents in recent years as the Kashmiri people continue to suffer at the hands of Indian forces, in a bid to further consolidate their control over the disputed region. This has left Kashmiri children at the receiving end of state terrorism, as they suffer from wide-ranging abuses from arbitrary detainment to torture and extrajudicial killings by Indian forces. The lack of protection afforded to them has been further exacerbated by the Indian government’s refusal to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child or incorporate its articles into local law.

‘Hindutva’: Hindu Singers Producing Anti-Muslim Songs in India:

In a further attempt to pursue their divisive political agenda of Hindu nationalism, the Indian government has legitimized the production of anti-Muslim songs by Hindu singers and actors. This has created a platform for promoting an exclusionary ideology, which not only marginalizes the Muslim minority but also further discriminates against women and other vulnerable sections of society.

Anti-Encroachment Drive in IIOJK:

The Indian government has continued to pursue its policy of eviction and relocation of Kashmiri families in IIOJK in an attempt to change the demographic composition of the region. Under the guise of ‘anti-encroachment’, innocent locals are being subjected to systematic displacement from their homes and properties, by the military forces. Further, people are also facing immense difficulties in accessing their day-to-day facilities, such as healthcare and education, owing to the policies of Indian military-led occupation.

Adani-Modi Nexus- an International Scamming Cartel:

The Adani-Modi Nexus, an international venture involving Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, and Gautam Adani, a prominent Indian business magnate, has been associated with several corrupt activities in India and beyond. This cartel is responsible for siphoning billions of dollars from public and private entities and investing them into the Adani Group, whose primary purpose appears to be lining their own pockets, at the expense of India’s public coffers.

Kashmir Solidarity Day – 5 February:

By observing 5 February as Kashmir Solidarity Day, the international community has reaffirmed its stance against the grave human rights violations taking place in IIOJK. Around the world, civil society activism has increased with the recognition that the principle of self-determination is a fundamental part of human rights. Opposition to the illegal military occupation of Kashmir by India has been demonstrated in several global forms, demanding the right of self-determination and an end to the excessive and arbitrary use of force.

India Sponsoring Terrorism to Undermine Pakistan’s Stability:

India’s commitment to sponsoring and abetting terrorism to destabilize its neighbors remains unprecedented, especially in Pakistan. India has sponsored terrorist activities in Pakistan, with the aim of furthering its expansionist agenda and further weakening the global balance of power. These activities include the smuggling of weapons and funding of right-wing political groups, as well as providing diplomatic, political, and economic support to insurgent groups operating in Pakistan.

India’s Blatant Efforts to Systematically Silence the Voices of Dissent in IIOJK:

India has long embarked on a policy of oppressive tactics to stifle any form of dissent in the region, from paralyzing communication systems to shut down internet access. This bald-faced effort to deny any accountability or independent thought in IIOJK also includes arrests and harassment of journalists and activists, especially those that raise their voices against the oppressive activities of the Indian military. This oppressive policy of silencing dissent and cultivating fear has only served to further heighten the already existing human rights and humanitarian crisis in the region.

Indian Designs of Anti-Encroachment Drive in IIOJK:

The latest anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Indian government in IIOJK is perhaps the most egregious instance of their oppressive policies in the region. The drive has seen the Indian forces displace Kashmiri boys, girls, and women from their homes, rendering them homeless and helpless. Furthermore, some of these families were detained and relocated to ‘satellite towns’ located hundreds of miles away from their ancestral homes, in utter deprivation, raising.

The Kashmiri and Indian Punjabi diaspora have united in a peaceful struggle against India and its policies in Indian-occupied Kashmir. This people’s movement has grown in strength over the past few years and has become increasingly vocal in its criticism of India’s oppressive and authoritarian rule in Kashmir. The detention of Khuram Parvez, an acclaimed human rights activist from the region, is one of the most notorious cases of India’s disregard for human rights in the region. After years of arbitrary detention, Parvez received the Martin Ennals Award for human rights, which has been awarded to persons who have demonstrated exceptional courage in defending human rights.

Moreover, India’s attempts to legitimize its occupation of Kashmir in the eyes of the international community have met with strong criticism. Recently, India put out a promotional video, featuring a woman wearing a forced-Hijab, to promote an alleged ban in Iran. This video was heavily criticized as it was seen as an attempt to project India’s authoritarianism in Kashmir to a wider global audience.

India’s military aggression against the people of Kashmir was exposed once again in 2019 when the Balakot air strike was launched in retaliation to an attack on a military convoy by Kashmiri separatists. This incident highlighted India’s willingness to disregard international law in pursuit of its own territorial goals, and it further demonstrated India’s disregard for Kashmiri’s lives.

The Kashmiri people have also been made to pay the price of India’s economic diplomacy, as India has gone ahead with the G-20 events in Indian-occupied Kashmir despite a complete lack of security for the citizens in the region. Moreover, India persists in using the state’s resources for its own benefit, while Kashmiris suffer in return due to a lack of economic opportunities and an alarming rate of unemployment.

India’s relationship with its Muslim citizens can be traced back to the 2002 Gujarat riots. This particular incident highlighted the communal violence against Muslims in India. While the event has been largely overshadowed and forgotten by the international community, it is still keenly remembered in the Kashmiri diaspora.

Finally, the recent Operation Swift Retort launched on 27th February 2019 also showed India’s readiness to resort to military aggression in order to suppress any indigenous movement for independence in Kashmir.

BadSources- How Indian News Agency ANI Quoted Sources That Do Not Exist

India has been using a statecraft policy of falsehood in order to deceive the international community regarding the group situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir. This is particularly evident in the case of the Indian news agency ANI, which has often been caught quoting sources that do not exist. This has all been done in order to support India’s claims regarding Kashmir and its occupation in the eyes of the international community.

The unity of the Kashmiri and Indian Punjabi diaspora in their peaceful struggle against India has provided a beacon of hope for the people of Kashmir. This people’s movement has highlighted India’s disregard for international law and human rights, while also drawing attention to the plight of the people of Kashmir in their pursuit of freedom. We must continue to make our voices heard and support the cause of the people of Kashmir.

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“Kashmir Day: A Global Perspective on People’s Reactions to the Events Unfolding.”

On 5 February each year, Pakistan comes together to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day or Kashmir Day. This national holiday pays tribute to the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Kashmiri separatists who strive for independence from India, as well as honoring those who have lost their lives in the long-standing conflict. Across the country, solidarity rallies are held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and by Mirpuri Kashmiris in the United Kingdom, This important day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad of the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan in 1990 and was then supported by Nawaz Sharif in 2004.

Kashmir Solidarity Day is an important national holiday celebrated in Pakistan on 5 February each year to demonstrate the country’s support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Kashmiri separatists’ efforts to secede from India. It is also a day to pay homage to the Kashmiris who have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.

At Kashmir Day Pakistan express its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and to make sure their voices are heard around the world. It is important to recognize that Kashmir is an unresolved political issue and that a peaceful resolution is the only way forward. Through the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Pakistan shows its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The world views Kashmiris with a shared sentiment of needing an immediate solution to the long-standing conflict. Under Modi’s rule, India’s increasing adoption of Hindutva ideology has been highlighted by the human rights violations perpetrated against Kashmiris. As a result, Kashmir has been transformed into an international prison, trapping its people in a cycle of suffering.

“Kashmir: An International Prison in the Modi Era – Seeking A Solution.”

On the 5th of February, Tony Lloyd, a Member of Parliament, reminds us of the Kashmir crisis. “We remember the immense suffering of those in Jammu and Kashmir—those who have died, been imprisoned, and had their human rights disregarded by the authorities in New Delhi. We urge India to respect and restore the human rights of the Kashmiri people.

It has been many years since the United Nations called for the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people. This year, we implore the United Nations and the world community to put an end to the suffering of the Kashmiri people and reunite Kashmir as one”Tony Lloyd said.

Tony Lloyd, Member of Parliament

 "This is Tony Lloyd Member of Parliament on the 5th of February Kashmir is everywhere. Remember the division of Kashmir, and this year in particular, I think we do remember the suffering of those in Jammu and Kashmir those who died those imprisoned, and those whose basic human rights have been torn Away by the authorities in New Delhi. And we say, to India, it's time now for India to respect those basic human rights to restore a proper sense of Lauren order and to the people of Jammu, and Kashmir, but we also remember that it's many years. Now, since the United Nations said that the solution to the issue of Kashmir was the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people. Let's this year, say to the United Nations, say to the world Community. Now is the time to bring the suffering of the Kashmiri people to an end. Now is the time to bring Kashmir together as one. Thank you."

This year, let us send a strong message to the United Nations and the World Community: it is time to put an end to the suffering of the Kashmiri people and to recognize and uphold their right to self-determination. Now is the time to bring Kashmir together as one.

Andrew Gwynne MP Labour MP for Denton and Reddish
Chairman, Labour Friends of Kashmir
, sends his best wishes to the Kashmiri community in the UK and across the world, including Kashmir, on Solidarity Day (5th February). He said, they remember the suffering of Kashmir over the past 70 years and acknowledge that the problems in Kashmir are present today, particularly in Indian-administered Kashmir, which has been facing a brutal lockdown since August 1990. On 5th February, I will host my Chairman’s Conversation webinar with the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, Debbie Abrahams MP. It’s a great way to get involved and understand the issues around Kashmir.

Andrew Gwynne (MP Labour MP for Denton and Reddish
Chairman, Labour Friends of Kashmir
)

 Hi. I'm Andrew Gwynne. I'm the chair of Labour Friends of Kashmir, and I want to send my best wishes to the Kashmiri community here in the United Kingdom and across the world, and especially in Kashmir on solidarity day for the 5th of February. It's a day. When we remember the suffering of Kashmir is the story of Kashmir over the past 70 years, or more, and particularly remember that the problems in Kashmir. Are not just parts of history, but they're part of the present too, and particularly those in Indian-administered Kashmir who have been facing a brutal lockdown since August 20 1990 on the 5th of February, I have my latest Chairman's conversation webinar with the brilliant chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Kashmir, in the British Parliament, dead. Abraham's MP and it's a great way to get involved to understand the issues around Kashmir. So please do log onto the labor friends of Kashmir Facebook or YouTube accounts on the 5th of February because we all need to raise awareness of the situation. We need to campaign to stop human rights violations. And we need to ensure that the voice of Kashmir is there are huge herd. So so that the Kashmiri people will have ultimately that basic right of self-determination. So I'm sending my best wishes and solidarity to you all for the 5th of February.

Remembering the suffering of Kashmiris over the past 70 years, we must not forget that the problems in Kashmir are not merely part of history, but remain a pressing reality today. In particular, those in Indian-administered Kashmir have been subjected to a brutal lockdown since August 20, 1990, and, most recently, the 5th of February.

His name is John. What comes to mind when one thinks of India and Kashmir?. John replies, Sadly, the first thing that comes to mind is genocide and brutality. The Indian government has caused the Army to commit atrocities against innocent people. If the Kashmiris want independence, I would urge the Indians to acknowledge the pain and suffering of the Kashmiris and give them back their land. Move on and move forward.

John.

Hi, my name is John. What India is doing to Kashmir? Yeah, what comes in your mind first genocide?, genocide. Yes. And what else is brutality? The government's causing the Army to kill the people. The innocent Kashmiri is innocent, Kashmiri. do You have any message for the Indians, Leave the Kashmiri alone if they want independence. Yeah, nothing to you and you give them back their land, just move back, move on, thank you so much, John.

Daud, a Bangladeshi Muslim, who resides in London, calls upon India to end the digital discriminatory practices against Kashmir.

Daud (Bangoli Muslim)

My name is Daud. I'm a Bangoli Muslim. I live in London and I demand that India. Stop the digital apartheid on Kashmir.

In conclusion, Kashmir Solidarity Day is an important day for both Pakistan and the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. By observing this day, Pakistan shows support and unity with the Kashmiri people in their fight for self-determination. This day also serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict and pays homage to the Kashmiris who have lost their lives. The current commemoration of Kashmir Day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad in 1990 and has been observed since 2004.

The world is aware that the atrocities in Kashmir must cease immediately. India continues to distract global attention with its antics.
The right of Kashmiris to determine their own destiny has been blocked.
Kashmiris now seek freedom and the autonomy to choose their path. The international community must support this cause and take concrete action to ensure it is enforced.

TAUQEER RIAZ KHAN

Blogger/Writer/Digital Journalist. He is a blogger, writer, and digital journalist. He specializes in creating engaging content for the web.

ISRAELI MODEL NOW IN INDIA: AN OPPOSITION MUSLIM LEADER’S HOUSE BULLDOZED IN IOJK

On 26 January 2023, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration demolished an opposition Muslim leader’s house in Indian-administered Kashmir, branding it as an illegal construction. On the instructions of the Indian govt, the Revenue department razed down a portion of a house belonging to the wife of NC leader and ex-minister Ali Muhammad Sagar in Srinagar. According to officials, Mr. Sagar’s wife Saleema owns three Kanals (0.375 acres) and 16 Marlas (0.1 acres) under Khasra No. 1015 near the Srinagar airport located in Budgam district. It is not a new thing in IIOJK, as earlier Indian Police demolished the homes of several Muslims. It is pertinent to mention that India is using new tactics to grab the properties of Muslim leaders to stifle the voices of Muslims.

As part of a political vendetta, Indian law enforcement agencies have started a crackdown against the Muslim leaders and pro-freedom people of IIOJK. Since 5th August 2019, the IIOJK authorities have seized a number of assets belonging to pro-freedom Kashmiris to break their resolve, but such moves have failed to deter the Kashmiris from pursuing their internationally recognized right to self-determination. India is using the Israeli model of illegal occupation in IIOJK.

Despite being condemned and criticized for grave violations of human rights by UNHRC, Amnesty International, and other HR organizations, India has displayed utter disregard for its obligation to international norms and binding

450,000 Diaspora Sikhs Vote for Self-Determination: Is India Ready to Accept Referendum Results?

In spite of fierce opposition and hindrance from the Indian government, voting for the ‘Khalistan Referendum’ in Ontario, Canada was held successfully. A sizeable Sikh population took part in the ballot to demonstrate their solidarity with those facing injustices in Indian-controlled Punjab. Sikhs have requested to establish the referendum with democratic channels.

The leader of SFJ, Pannun, declared that the following session of the Khalistan Referendum will be held in Melbourne, Australia on 29 January in recognition of a would-be separate Sikh nation-state. The current global Khalistan Referendum was called the “final battle” to overturn the tyrannical Hindu-brahminical systems of India, held accountable for the massacre of Sikhs, and free Punjab. Advance voting commenced on 31 October 2021 in London, UK and in the past two months voting has happened across the UK, Geneva and in eight cities in Italy.

To date, an estimated 450,000 Sikhs living outside of India have participated in the Khalistan Referendum, comprising nearly 25% of the entire global Sikh population. This offers a unique opportunity for the diaspora community to speak out on Sikh affairs.

President Council of Khalistan Dr. Bakhsish Singh Sandhu believes that if India is truly a democracy it must acknowledge the results of the referendum.

He commented that “the government of India has consistently sought to criminalize the political expression of Sikhs, characterizing peaceful opposition as militancy, insurgency and terrorism”.

The voting process is an important step towards transitioning from a culture of genocide to self-determination.

Horrifying Attack: Hindu Supremacists Viciously Beat Christian Man in India, Accusing Him of Encouraging Religious Conversion.

The news of a Christian man being brutally beaten in Bihar, India, due to accusations of encouraging religious conversion has sparked outrage among the global community. Reports of Hindu supremacists attacking the man, simply because of his faith, stand as a stark reminder of the ongoing discrimination and injustice faced by religious minorities in India. This is an appalling incident that requires urgent action to ensure that such injustices are not repeated in the future.

The news of a Christian man being mercilessly beaten up by Hindu supremacists in Bihar, India, is yet another sign of the increasing intolerance towards religious minorities in the country. Reports say that the Christian man was accused of encouraging religious conversion and was brutally assaulted by Hindu supremacists.

This incident is not an isolated one and is just the latest in a long list of attacks against religious minorities in India. Over the past few years, there have been a number of reports of religious minorities being targeted by Hindu supremacists. In many cases, the perpetrators have been emboldened by the fact that they are likely to get away with their violent acts.

The attack on the Christian man in Bihar is particularly egregious because it was motivated by religious hatred and intolerance. The perpetrators wanted to send a message that religious conversion will not be tolerated in India and that anyone who attempts to do so will be met with violence.

This incident is a reminder of the growing threat of religious extremism in India. It is also a reminder of the urgent need for the government to take action against such violence and intolerance. Religious minorities in India have the right to practice their faith without fear of violence or intimidation.

It is important that the government does not turn a blind eye to such attacks and takes necessary steps to protect the rights of all its citizens. The government needs to ensure that all religious minorities are given the right to practice their faith without fear of violence or intimidation.

“A Reminder of the Cost of Religious Intolerance: The Tragic Incident in Bihar, India”

It is also important that the perpetrators of such violence are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions. Only then will the fear of religious extremism be eliminated and religious minorities in India be able to live in peace and harmony.

We must all come together to condemn this attack and make sure that such violence and intolerance is not tolerated in India. We must also send a strong message to the perpetrators of such acts that they will be met with severe consequences.

In conclusion, the tragic incident in Bihar, India, serves as a reminder that religious intolerance and Hindu supremacy are major threats to the safety of individuals of all faiths in India. To create a tolerant and safe society, the government must take an active role in condemning all forms of religious intolerance and prejudice. This can only be achieved when all citizens are able to practice their own beliefs without fear of violence or persecution. Only then can India progress as a nation of tolerance and respect between different religious beliefs.

Blogger: Tauqeer Riaz Khan.