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December 20, 2008 at 1:05 pm (Uncategorized)
Bang-e-sahar Volum-02, Issue-22,23
December 20, 2008 at 12:42 pm (Uncategorized)
Need for a new social contract
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
(Editorial)
Need for a new social contract
Gilgit Baltistan has been the epicenter of international conspiracies ever since because of its unique geography. When the pages of history are turned it will become clear that the region has always suffered political, social, religious, historical and geographical changes due to international conspiracies but these changes took place without efforts or will of the local population. The region at times has functioned as a whole state and at times different small states disintegrated from it. The region has come on the world map as Brooshal and Dardistan and at times it has become one grand state known as Bolor while the neighboring states have always had an eye on the region and waited for a proper time to attack.After 1860 the region went under consecutive slaveries and sieges and this process continued for last 140 years. The current era of slavery started after death of the great warrior Gohar Aman and is elongating ever since. Soon after demise of Raja Gohar Aman, political deterioration and disintegration of state started in the region. Maharaja of Kashmir was waiting for a proper time to conquer the region even in the life of Raja Gohar Aman and his demise provided the Maharaja with a golden opportunity to make a distant dream come true and he succeeded in splitting the region into two main ministries. It was during this era that political changes started to take place in Russia and China which created a panic among the imperialists. After 1935 when the west started conspiracies to stop socialism and in order to implement its policies, its eyes rested on Gilgit Baltistan. In the notorious lease pact the people of Gilgit agency too were sold or given at lease along with the land of the region which became known as the ‘great game’ and this conspiracy was referred to by John Key in his book written in 1890. In the early forties when the Second World War when Britain faced tragic defeat and the English finally decided to leave subcontinent. They cloned from the state they ruled a fake and unnatural land in order to create suitable environment for fulfillment of there notorious agendas against socialism but still they saw there efforts failing due to Gilgit agency. The mid 40s was the decade of independence of nations and the people of Gilgit Baltistan too fought for their independence freeing there land from the Maharaja of Kashmir. Understanding nature of the issue English sabotaged their fresh gained independence. The newly born country created from a province was demolished within 16 days by English major and a Pakistani ‘C’ class magistrate. The morning of 16th November brought with it long era of slavery. Today after a lapse of 61 years the slavery is coming to a no end but elongating with the passage of time. Two generations have spent there lives dreaming of independence. After seize fire of 1948 the regions fate was attached with that of Kashmir. United Nations passed a number of resolutions on Kashmir dispute while the governments of Pakistan and India too settled on secret agreements through back door diplomacy but nothing proved fruitful. 15 million people are suffering due to this rivalry of India and Pakistan while both the countries are accusing each other as the route cause of the issue. No one is ready to settle on minus one just for there own ego. If any one looses in this hide and seek game that is population of Kashmir, they are deprived of there basic rights and the people have nothing but to wait for the decision of their fate. After resolution of the United Nations the people of the region were penning hopes with it but the irresponsible attitude of the institution for 61 years has faded away the hopes that people of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan had penned with. After 2001 the composite dialogues between India and Pakistan had some how reprieved the hope in these people but sad events after 6 years once again drowned the hopes and dreams of these people. Due to attachment of the region with Kashmir dispute nationalists of the region are forced to struggle with Kashmir’s. the progress from local to international level after 2002 has strengthened the hopes of the people at one hand while on the other hand they are expressing there reservations as they fear that after gaining independence they might go into the slavery of Kashmir this time and like wise they might fall to the slavery of Sirinagar. Nationalists have no option but to remain attached with Kashmir according to the resolutions of the United Nations. we are of the view that the right time has came for now that the nationalist movements of Gilgit Baltistan should sign a ’sociological agreement’ with the Kashmir nationalist movements that can guarantee and safeguard rights of Gilgit Baltistan. It should be made so that after gaining independence the people of the region may get the right to decide there fate as to function as independent state or continue as a confederation with Kashmir state. If the people of Gilgit Baltistan do not feel comfortable in confederation they may have the right to vote in a referendum and get there need. After sociological agreement Kashmir should accept Gilgit Baltistan as an independent state if they vote for an independent state in referendum. Such agreements have remained part of all the independence movements around the globe and it has succeeded always, an example of which is USSR confederation. When the people of Central Asia did not want to go along with USSR they spelt away without any blood shed. So this agreement is necessity of the time so that the people of the region may get answer to the innumerable questions that rise in the minds of the people regarding there future.
(Editorial)
Need for a new social contract
Gilgit Baltistan has been the epicenter of international conspiracies ever since because of its unique geography. When the pages of history are turned it will become clear that the region has always suffered political, social, religious, historical and geographical changes due to international conspiracies but these changes took place without efforts or will of the local population. The region at times has functioned as a whole state and at times different small states disintegrated from it. The region has come on the world map as Brooshal and Dardistan and at times it has become one grand state known as Bolor while the neighboring states have always had an eye on the region and waited for a proper time to attack.After 1860 the region went under consecutive slaveries and sieges and this process continued for last 140 years. The current era of slavery started after death of the great warrior Gohar Aman and is elongating ever since. Soon after demise of Raja Gohar Aman, political deterioration and disintegration of state started in the region. Maharaja of Kashmir was waiting for a proper time to conquer the region even in the life of Raja Gohar Aman and his demise provided the Maharaja with a golden opportunity to make a distant dream come true and he succeeded in splitting the region into two main ministries. It was during this era that political changes started to take place in Russia and China which created a panic among the imperialists. After 1935 when the west started conspiracies to stop socialism and in order to implement its policies, its eyes rested on Gilgit Baltistan. In the notorious lease pact the people of Gilgit agency too were sold or given at lease along with the land of the region which became known as the ‘great game’ and this conspiracy was referred to by John Key in his book written in 1890. In the early forties when the Second World War when Britain faced tragic defeat and the English finally decided to leave subcontinent. They cloned from the state they ruled a fake and unnatural land in order to create suitable environment for fulfillment of there notorious agendas against socialism but still they saw there efforts failing due to Gilgit agency. The mid 40s was the decade of independence of nations and the people of Gilgit Baltistan too fought for their independence freeing there land from the Maharaja of Kashmir. Understanding nature of the issue English sabotaged their fresh gained independence. The newly born country created from a province was demolished within 16 days by English major and a Pakistani ‘C’ class magistrate. The morning of 16th November brought with it long era of slavery. Today after a lapse of 61 years the slavery is coming to a no end but elongating with the passage of time. Two generations have spent there lives dreaming of independence. After seize fire of 1948 the regions fate was attached with that of Kashmir. United Nations passed a number of resolutions on Kashmir dispute while the governments of Pakistan and India too settled on secret agreements through back door diplomacy but nothing proved fruitful. 15 million people are suffering due to this rivalry of India and Pakistan while both the countries are accusing each other as the route cause of the issue. No one is ready to settle on minus one just for there own ego. If any one looses in this hide and seek game that is population of Kashmir, they are deprived of there basic rights and the people have nothing but to wait for the decision of their fate. After resolution of the United Nations the people of the region were penning hopes with it but the irresponsible attitude of the institution for 61 years has faded away the hopes that people of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan had penned with. After 2001 the composite dialogues between India and Pakistan had some how reprieved the hope in these people but sad events after 6 years once again drowned the hopes and dreams of these people. Due to attachment of the region with Kashmir dispute nationalists of the region are forced to struggle with Kashmir’s. the progress from local to international level after 2002 has strengthened the hopes of the people at one hand while on the other hand they are expressing there reservations as they fear that after gaining independence they might go into the slavery of Kashmir this time and like wise they might fall to the slavery of Sirinagar. Nationalists have no option but to remain attached with Kashmir according to the resolutions of the United Nations. we are of the view that the right time has came for now that the nationalist movements of Gilgit Baltistan should sign a ’sociological agreement’ with the Kashmir nationalist movements that can guarantee and safeguard rights of Gilgit Baltistan. It should be made so that after gaining independence the people of the region may get the right to decide there fate as to function as independent state or continue as a confederation with Kashmir state. If the people of Gilgit Baltistan do not feel comfortable in confederation they may have the right to vote in a referendum and get there need. After sociological agreement Kashmir should accept Gilgit Baltistan as an independent state if they vote for an independent state in referendum. Such agreements have remained part of all the independence movements around the globe and it has succeeded always, an example of which is USSR confederation. When the people of Central Asia did not want to go along with USSR they spelt away without any blood shed. So this agreement is necessity of the time so that the people of the region may get answer to the innumerable questions that rise in the minds of the people regarding there future.
Chinese new design to occupy Gilgit Baltistan
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
Chinese new design to occupy Gilgit Baltistan
BNF chief urges world community to take notice
By Our Correspondent
Brussels: Chairman Balawaristan National Front Abdul Hamid Khan has urged upon world community to persuade China not to involve itself in the occupation process of Pakistan by leasing the mountains and by constructing Railways and Dams to change the environment, demography and geography of Gilgit Baltistan. “And process of this occupation is already underway with the huge presence of Chinese national in our Area” he added. Addressing an international conference on cultural heritage of Kashmiri people he extended condolences to the victim’s families of the Mumbai carnage and said it is a fact that the so called democratic government in Pakistan is subservient of the Pakistani Military and is totally unaware of ISI’s covert acts of terror including the recent in Mumbai.He said in former state Jammu and Kashmir, Chitral was part of Maharaja Suzerainty which is now Part of NWFP. He stressed establishment of impartial judiciary in the region and said there was no credible institution in the Area including political system that may assure an independent judiciary which is vital to provide justice and protect the rights and freedoms of the people. “Neither the people have the right to appeal in any Court of Pakistan nor do they have their own High Court and Supreme Court” he added saying in the absence of proper and Impartial Judiciary and Public Representation no question of good governance arises.He said Gilgit Baltistan is ruled by the occupying regime of Pakistan and it’s Military and the people have no Political representation either in Pakistan or in Gilgit Baltistan. Slamming the so-called Northern Areas Legislative Assembly he said it is a mere impotent body that is run and controlled by Pakistan Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas.He said this region is treated as colony of Pakistan even in the 21st Century.Shedding light over the injustice and violation of Fundamental rights in the region he said this is the only part of the world, where 2 million indigenous people including local Police, Judiciary, Administration, Education and all government departments are facing worst kind of annihilation due to the discriminatory policies of successive Pakistani regimes. Criticizing installation of Nuclear weapons at Skardu Airport he said it can be dangerous to the whole area, as there were Terrorist training camps in Ghowadi in Baltistan and other nearest areas like Domail and Minimarg of Astore. He said Pakistan has plan to depute more than 100,000 strong Military besides ISI and other intelligence agencies and terrorists in the Area. “The deputation of this huge Military will be detrimental to the existence of the local indigenous people on one side and to the world peace and stability because of its habit to establish terrorist network on the other” he added. He said there were some evidences of presence of Osama in Chitral and then shifting him to Darel of Gilgit in 2002 is a clear indication that Pakistan uses this disputed land to promote its terrorist agenda against the will of the people.Talking about construction of vrious dams in the region he said The designs of Pakistan to construct huge Dams in Diamar, Skardu, Bunji and Henzel Gilgit by the help of China was just to submerge the vast area and displacing indigenous people and destroying its unique heritage, history, culture and natural atmosphere. He said Bhasha Diamar Dam’s reservoir, located in Diamer, would submerge 110 kilometers with the height of 270 meter of the Karakoram Highway and around 80,000 people would be displaced and about 200KM area up to Gilgit town will be submerged. “This will destroy the oldest Bhudha civilization besides other ancient civilization” he added.Pakistan also have the plan to build dam in Skardu by submerging 300,000 aboriginal population of this disputed area for its own benefits.750 feet high Skardu Dam will submerge not only the whole Skardu city along with its historical and secret religious places and forts but minerals and ancient houses of the whole Baltistan including Kharmang, Shigar, Khapolu, and many places of Rundo will be vanished from the earth forever. Pakistan is also building a 3rd Dam in Bonji on river Indus without consulting of the people, who have no representation anywhere in the world, neither in Pakistan, India nor in the UNO. It will be Great loss to our environment, wild life, minerals and both semi and precious stones worth of billions of Rupees. As far population is concern 80,000 in Population of Diamar Bhasha Dam, 80,000, Skardu dam 200, 000, and about 30,000 in Bunji dam will be displaced, who are in indigenous people of this land. Pakistan is also trying to construct Railway by cutting and destroying the beautiful mountainous with the help of China for their own interest without any legal authority. Talking about the historical background of the region he said China had already occupied Taghdumbash and Raskam areas of Hunza including Azghar, Kuktash, Arsar, Uprang, Uruklu,Aliksu, Tashmani and Aksu, which were part and parcel of Hunza, besides a major part of Shimshal Hunza has been ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963 for the construction of KKH, which is mostly used for the Military purpose between the two countries . Commenting on violation of UN resolutions in Gilgit Baltistan he said in spite of the fact that the region does not fall into the jurisdiction and constitution of Pakistan and its imposed laws, Pakistan has deputed 30000 regular troops, 5000 militia, 5000 members of Intelligence Agencies besides its 40000 armed civilians instead of withdrawing forces and civilians in 12 weeks according to UN Truce Terms of 28th April 1949. He said Gilgit Baltistan is an important area of disputed Jammu & Kashmir because it borders with China, Afghanistan, Central Asia (Tajikistan Uzbekistan), India and Pakistan, whose fate is still to be decided according to the 1948-49 UNCIP resolutions. He said Pakistan is also strengthening its occupation by giving more than 2000 leases of the highest mountains which are full of precious and industrial mines to China and its own national illegally by violating UNCIP.He said State Subject Rule is still strictly observed on both side of Jammu & Kashmir, except Gilgit Baltistan and accused that Pakistan is settling its own extremist as well as Afghani, Chinese and other extremist nationals, with the intention to change the demography of the local indigenous people.He appealed UNO and European Union to press Pakistan to withdraw its troops and citizens , according UNCIP resolution of 13 August 1947, 5 Jan 1949 and 28 April 1949 Truce Terms. “Violations of state subject rule should be declared as null, and void and violators should be sent back to their own countries” he demanded. He appealed on behalf of the people of Gilgit Baltistan appealed to the UNO, USA and European Union through the Conference to request Chinese government to handover the territories of Hunza which have been occupied for the long time and not indulge itself in the internal affairs of Gilgit Baltistan. He demanded of the European Union and world bodies to establish a Constitutional Assembly for carrying out the eviction process of Pakistani forces and civilians to pave the way for a representative and democratic government in Gilgit Baltistan as well as in the Azad Kashmir under the supervision of UN and EU. “it should not be subservient to government of Pakistan, its Army or any of its institution” he added.
Chinese new design to occupy Gilgit Baltistan
BNF chief urges world community to take notice
By Our Correspondent
Brussels: Chairman Balawaristan National Front Abdul Hamid Khan has urged upon world community to persuade China not to involve itself in the occupation process of Pakistan by leasing the mountains and by constructing Railways and Dams to change the environment, demography and geography of Gilgit Baltistan. “And process of this occupation is already underway with the huge presence of Chinese national in our Area” he added. Addressing an international conference on cultural heritage of Kashmiri people he extended condolences to the victim’s families of the Mumbai carnage and said it is a fact that the so called democratic government in Pakistan is subservient of the Pakistani Military and is totally unaware of ISI’s covert acts of terror including the recent in Mumbai.He said in former state Jammu and Kashmir, Chitral was part of Maharaja Suzerainty which is now Part of NWFP. He stressed establishment of impartial judiciary in the region and said there was no credible institution in the Area including political system that may assure an independent judiciary which is vital to provide justice and protect the rights and freedoms of the people. “Neither the people have the right to appeal in any Court of Pakistan nor do they have their own High Court and Supreme Court” he added saying in the absence of proper and Impartial Judiciary and Public Representation no question of good governance arises.He said Gilgit Baltistan is ruled by the occupying regime of Pakistan and it’s Military and the people have no Political representation either in Pakistan or in Gilgit Baltistan. Slamming the so-called Northern Areas Legislative Assembly he said it is a mere impotent body that is run and controlled by Pakistan Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas.He said this region is treated as colony of Pakistan even in the 21st Century.Shedding light over the injustice and violation of Fundamental rights in the region he said this is the only part of the world, where 2 million indigenous people including local Police, Judiciary, Administration, Education and all government departments are facing worst kind of annihilation due to the discriminatory policies of successive Pakistani regimes. Criticizing installation of Nuclear weapons at Skardu Airport he said it can be dangerous to the whole area, as there were Terrorist training camps in Ghowadi in Baltistan and other nearest areas like Domail and Minimarg of Astore. He said Pakistan has plan to depute more than 100,000 strong Military besides ISI and other intelligence agencies and terrorists in the Area. “The deputation of this huge Military will be detrimental to the existence of the local indigenous people on one side and to the world peace and stability because of its habit to establish terrorist network on the other” he added. He said there were some evidences of presence of Osama in Chitral and then shifting him to Darel of Gilgit in 2002 is a clear indication that Pakistan uses this disputed land to promote its terrorist agenda against the will of the people.Talking about construction of vrious dams in the region he said The designs of Pakistan to construct huge Dams in Diamar, Skardu, Bunji and Henzel Gilgit by the help of China was just to submerge the vast area and displacing indigenous people and destroying its unique heritage, history, culture and natural atmosphere. He said Bhasha Diamar Dam’s reservoir, located in Diamer, would submerge 110 kilometers with the height of 270 meter of the Karakoram Highway and around 80,000 people would be displaced and about 200KM area up to Gilgit town will be submerged. “This will destroy the oldest Bhudha civilization besides other ancient civilization” he added.Pakistan also have the plan to build dam in Skardu by submerging 300,000 aboriginal population of this disputed area for its own benefits.750 feet high Skardu Dam will submerge not only the whole Skardu city along with its historical and secret religious places and forts but minerals and ancient houses of the whole Baltistan including Kharmang, Shigar, Khapolu, and many places of Rundo will be vanished from the earth forever. Pakistan is also building a 3rd Dam in Bonji on river Indus without consulting of the people, who have no representation anywhere in the world, neither in Pakistan, India nor in the UNO. It will be Great loss to our environment, wild life, minerals and both semi and precious stones worth of billions of Rupees. As far population is concern 80,000 in Population of Diamar Bhasha Dam, 80,000, Skardu dam 200, 000, and about 30,000 in Bunji dam will be displaced, who are in indigenous people of this land. Pakistan is also trying to construct Railway by cutting and destroying the beautiful mountainous with the help of China for their own interest without any legal authority. Talking about the historical background of the region he said China had already occupied Taghdumbash and Raskam areas of Hunza including Azghar, Kuktash, Arsar, Uprang, Uruklu,Aliksu, Tashmani and Aksu, which were part and parcel of Hunza, besides a major part of Shimshal Hunza has been ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963 for the construction of KKH, which is mostly used for the Military purpose between the two countries . Commenting on violation of UN resolutions in Gilgit Baltistan he said in spite of the fact that the region does not fall into the jurisdiction and constitution of Pakistan and its imposed laws, Pakistan has deputed 30000 regular troops, 5000 militia, 5000 members of Intelligence Agencies besides its 40000 armed civilians instead of withdrawing forces and civilians in 12 weeks according to UN Truce Terms of 28th April 1949. He said Gilgit Baltistan is an important area of disputed Jammu & Kashmir because it borders with China, Afghanistan, Central Asia (Tajikistan Uzbekistan), India and Pakistan, whose fate is still to be decided according to the 1948-49 UNCIP resolutions. He said Pakistan is also strengthening its occupation by giving more than 2000 leases of the highest mountains which are full of precious and industrial mines to China and its own national illegally by violating UNCIP.He said State Subject Rule is still strictly observed on both side of Jammu & Kashmir, except Gilgit Baltistan and accused that Pakistan is settling its own extremist as well as Afghani, Chinese and other extremist nationals, with the intention to change the demography of the local indigenous people.He appealed UNO and European Union to press Pakistan to withdraw its troops and citizens , according UNCIP resolution of 13 August 1947, 5 Jan 1949 and 28 April 1949 Truce Terms. “Violations of state subject rule should be declared as null, and void and violators should be sent back to their own countries” he demanded. He appealed on behalf of the people of Gilgit Baltistan appealed to the UNO, USA and European Union through the Conference to request Chinese government to handover the territories of Hunza which have been occupied for the long time and not indulge itself in the internal affairs of Gilgit Baltistan. He demanded of the European Union and world bodies to establish a Constitutional Assembly for carrying out the eviction process of Pakistani forces and civilians to pave the way for a representative and democratic government in Gilgit Baltistan as well as in the Azad Kashmir under the supervision of UN and EU. “it should not be subservient to government of Pakistan, its Army or any of its institution” he added.
Electricity, Petrol and Wheat shortage
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
Electricity, Petrol and Wheat shortage
Thousands protest against District Administration
By our correspondentAstore: Thousands gathered to protest against flour, electricity and petroleum shortage at Pareshan Chowk despite the sever chill on the call of municipal members, Astore Youth Forum, Kakarurum National Movement, Pakistan Peoples Party and Muslim League-N.Protestors held banners inscribed with words demanding tourism advisor Abdul Hamed Khan to ’stop unnecessary interference in the maters of district administration’ and chanted slogans against the irresponsible attitude of district administration towards public issues while accused it of playing at the hands of tourism advisor.Addressing the gathering chairman Karakurum National Moment Iqbal Advocate said Astore was being treated as a no mans land due to which corruption was at its peak in government institutions but Public representatives are busy running after there personal benefits due to which the public issues go unnoticed. He demanded of the government to take immediate notice of the alarming situation and said the public can go rampant otherwise. Vice president PPP Astore city and member Municipal committee, Abdullah Khan while addressing the gathering said on one hand is the shortage of petroleum, flour and electricity while on the other hand tourism advisor had besieged the district administration. He said no individual had the right to play with the fate of public of Astore and for now the public awareness has risen and no one will be allowed to play hide and seek with the mass here for mere public interests.Abdul Hali of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz group, slammed district administration and tourism advisor for using government machinery for there own personal interests and demanded action against those black marketing flour in his speech. General Secretary PPP Astore Wazir Ibadat Ali advocate said due to the negligence of Public Works Department (PWD) and Food Department mass of Astore were suffering but nobody bothered to ask the mentioned departments and it is clear that there was nothing like rule of law in the district. He accused tourism advisor for using flour depot’s building to dump municipal committee’s machinery.
Electricity, Petrol and Wheat shortage
Thousands protest against District Administration
By our correspondentAstore: Thousands gathered to protest against flour, electricity and petroleum shortage at Pareshan Chowk despite the sever chill on the call of municipal members, Astore Youth Forum, Kakarurum National Movement, Pakistan Peoples Party and Muslim League-N.Protestors held banners inscribed with words demanding tourism advisor Abdul Hamed Khan to ’stop unnecessary interference in the maters of district administration’ and chanted slogans against the irresponsible attitude of district administration towards public issues while accused it of playing at the hands of tourism advisor.Addressing the gathering chairman Karakurum National Moment Iqbal Advocate said Astore was being treated as a no mans land due to which corruption was at its peak in government institutions but Public representatives are busy running after there personal benefits due to which the public issues go unnoticed. He demanded of the government to take immediate notice of the alarming situation and said the public can go rampant otherwise. Vice president PPP Astore city and member Municipal committee, Abdullah Khan while addressing the gathering said on one hand is the shortage of petroleum, flour and electricity while on the other hand tourism advisor had besieged the district administration. He said no individual had the right to play with the fate of public of Astore and for now the public awareness has risen and no one will be allowed to play hide and seek with the mass here for mere public interests.Abdul Hali of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz group, slammed district administration and tourism advisor for using government machinery for there own personal interests and demanded action against those black marketing flour in his speech. General Secretary PPP Astore Wazir Ibadat Ali advocate said due to the negligence of Public Works Department (PWD) and Food Department mass of Astore were suffering but nobody bothered to ask the mentioned departments and it is clear that there was nothing like rule of law in the district. He accused tourism advisor for using flour depot’s building to dump municipal committee’s machinery.
BNF to present its “Political and economic road map”
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
BNF to present its ‘political and economic road map’
By our correspondent
Gilgit: “we have succeded in addressing the national issue of Gilgit Baltistan at international level and now with more amendments in the party manifesto we will present a well defined political and economic road map in front of the mass of Gilgit Baltistan”. These views were expressed by Burhan Ullah senior leader of Balawaristan national front in a press statement issued from the party’s central office. He said we believe in national democratic revolution in Gilgit Baltistan and making this the very foundations of our philosophy we are struggling for its practical implementation in the region. He said paper work was under way for good functioning of institutions after establishment of state and very soon we will make a committee to work on it that is why colleges and universities were more focused so that the new generations can come to know about the glorious history of their ancestors. He said it was his firm belief that the young and coming generations will bring good name to their region like all other civilized nations and added that today’s global village stands on the very foundations of it.
BNF to present its ‘political and economic road map’
By our correspondent
Gilgit: “we have succeded in addressing the national issue of Gilgit Baltistan at international level and now with more amendments in the party manifesto we will present a well defined political and economic road map in front of the mass of Gilgit Baltistan”. These views were expressed by Burhan Ullah senior leader of Balawaristan national front in a press statement issued from the party’s central office. He said we believe in national democratic revolution in Gilgit Baltistan and making this the very foundations of our philosophy we are struggling for its practical implementation in the region. He said paper work was under way for good functioning of institutions after establishment of state and very soon we will make a committee to work on it that is why colleges and universities were more focused so that the new generations can come to know about the glorious history of their ancestors. He said it was his firm belief that the young and coming generations will bring good name to their region like all other civilized nations and added that today’s global village stands on the very foundations of it.
Up-lift of Ghizer-Tajikistan route demanded
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
Up-lift of Ghizer-Tajikistan route demanded
By our correspondent
Gilgit: Senior nationalist Sher Ali advocate has demanded the government to immediately start work on Ghizer Tajiskistan route and said it will in no way affect business on Pak China border. ‘It will bring an economic revolution to the region instead’ he said adding that delaying the project was equal to economic massacre of the region. He said construction of the route requires less amount as the distance the distance from Gilgit to Ganj Hai was small besides the countries of East Asia are rich in fuel. ‘Gas, electricity and coal can be imported from there and the fuel crisis is not only a problem of Gilgit Baltistan but Pakistan too is haunted by the issue’ he observed. He said the road has more benefits than KKH and condemned the government for making the project a failure. He said the PPP government has carried out survey of the route in 1993 and now as it is again in power it should carry along with the project as it was in the interest of the country.
Up-lift of Ghizer-Tajikistan route demanded
By our correspondent
Gilgit: Senior nationalist Sher Ali advocate has demanded the government to immediately start work on Ghizer Tajiskistan route and said it will in no way affect business on Pak China border. ‘It will bring an economic revolution to the region instead’ he said adding that delaying the project was equal to economic massacre of the region. He said construction of the route requires less amount as the distance the distance from Gilgit to Ganj Hai was small besides the countries of East Asia are rich in fuel. ‘Gas, electricity and coal can be imported from there and the fuel crisis is not only a problem of Gilgit Baltistan but Pakistan too is haunted by the issue’ he observed. He said the road has more benefits than KKH and condemned the government for making the project a failure. He said the PPP government has carried out survey of the route in 1993 and now as it is again in power it should carry along with the project as it was in the interest of the country.
Anti-doubling drive
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
Anti-doubling drivePolitical and religious parties urged to stand against
By our correspondent
Gilgit: Deputy Amir Jameat Ulemai Islam Gilgit Moulana Maqsood Ahmed has said that tax cannot be implemented in Gilgit Baltistan in accordance with the international laws. He said the local administration’s drive against theft vehicles is an enigma in itself as on what logic did it regards vehicles being legal or illegal. He said the system of traffic is badly affected by this drive. While talking to Bange Sahar he said the local administration has no right to regard vehicles as legal or illegal when the region’s legality itself is disputed. He condemned the drive against theft vehicles by the local administration and termed it a means to earn pocket money as it was the usual habit of traffic police to harass innocent people and demand money for no legitimate reason.He said traffic system of the region is badly affected by this drive and suggested the police to check driving licenses instead, he accused the traffic police department for issuing licenses without checking legal requirements of the applicant and said his party will protest against this drive. He said in today’s crises laden world this act of the administration is another addition to the problems of the mass of Gilgit Baltistan. He urged all political and religious groups of the region to get united against this drive of the local administration.BNF,s stanceleaders of Balawaristan National Front have condemned the drive against theft vehicles and demanded an immediate stop to it. They said even after crossing ten barriers these vehicles were not different from non custom paid (NCP) vehicles. They demanded the local administration to register the vehicles and said it was economic massacre of the region. “The local administration is depriving people form there earnings in the name of doubling but will they bother to tell hope is there triple existence in the region legal”? Observed Safdar Ali, spokesman of Balawaristan National Front. Ali Haider Taj said depriving people of there vehicles is in no way a legal or ethical act and added that the party along with other nationalist parties and mass of the region will start a long lasting protest against the drive if this is continued. Burhan ullah said I want to make clear to the administration to register the vehicles and give them back to there owners other wise no move of the local administration will meet success.
Anti-doubling drivePolitical and religious parties urged to stand against
By our correspondent
Gilgit: Deputy Amir Jameat Ulemai Islam Gilgit Moulana Maqsood Ahmed has said that tax cannot be implemented in Gilgit Baltistan in accordance with the international laws. He said the local administration’s drive against theft vehicles is an enigma in itself as on what logic did it regards vehicles being legal or illegal. He said the system of traffic is badly affected by this drive. While talking to Bange Sahar he said the local administration has no right to regard vehicles as legal or illegal when the region’s legality itself is disputed. He condemned the drive against theft vehicles by the local administration and termed it a means to earn pocket money as it was the usual habit of traffic police to harass innocent people and demand money for no legitimate reason.He said traffic system of the region is badly affected by this drive and suggested the police to check driving licenses instead, he accused the traffic police department for issuing licenses without checking legal requirements of the applicant and said his party will protest against this drive. He said in today’s crises laden world this act of the administration is another addition to the problems of the mass of Gilgit Baltistan. He urged all political and religious groups of the region to get united against this drive of the local administration.BNF,s stanceleaders of Balawaristan National Front have condemned the drive against theft vehicles and demanded an immediate stop to it. They said even after crossing ten barriers these vehicles were not different from non custom paid (NCP) vehicles. They demanded the local administration to register the vehicles and said it was economic massacre of the region. “The local administration is depriving people form there earnings in the name of doubling but will they bother to tell hope is there triple existence in the region legal”? Observed Safdar Ali, spokesman of Balawaristan National Front. Ali Haider Taj said depriving people of there vehicles is in no way a legal or ethical act and added that the party along with other nationalist parties and mass of the region will start a long lasting protest against the drive if this is continued. Burhan ullah said I want to make clear to the administration to register the vehicles and give them back to there owners other wise no move of the local administration will meet success.
`Those without a political destination are opposing our movement
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
`Those without a political destination are opposing our movement`: GBDA
By our correspondentGilgit: leaders of Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance have said that those opposing our movement have no knowledge of there own political destination. While condemning the statement published in a local weekly against the alliance, they said the people chanting slogans of there honesty with Pakistan have strong ties with Taliban and these are the people whose ancestors had opposed creation of Pakistan. They said we neither are against any county nor have are we plotting against anyone. “We are struggling for our independence which is our very right and mission and no body can stop us from this” they observed. They said those opposing us have no knowledge of there own political destiny and are riding two boats at once. They said these people are on one hand chanting slogans of there loyalty with Pakistan on the other hand they have close ties with anti Pakistan Taliban forces. They said nobody can stop GBDA from gaining its aim.
`Those without a political destination are opposing our movement`: GBDA
By our correspondentGilgit: leaders of Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance have said that those opposing our movement have no knowledge of there own political destination. While condemning the statement published in a local weekly against the alliance, they said the people chanting slogans of there honesty with Pakistan have strong ties with Taliban and these are the people whose ancestors had opposed creation of Pakistan. They said we neither are against any county nor have are we plotting against anyone. “We are struggling for our independence which is our very right and mission and no body can stop us from this” they observed. They said those opposing us have no knowledge of there own political destiny and are riding two boats at once. They said these people are on one hand chanting slogans of there loyalty with Pakistan on the other hand they have close ties with anti Pakistan Taliban forces. They said nobody can stop GBDA from gaining its aim.
The case of Boloristan and its future prospects
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
The case of Boloristan and its future prospects
By Tahir Jan Hunzai
Today Bolor region is facing problems squarely; one hand it is confronting social and economic problems while on the other hand its national integrity too is at stake. If events persist in this order it won’t be wrong to say that like the past, Baloristan will split into many fragments. The way in which Chitral and Kohistan were cut off from our region there is an equal possibility that parts will be disintegrated from Balosristan now or in the near future and the mass like the past will not be able to do anything but watch the region gradually disintegrate into small fragments. Linguistic discrimination has become an integral part of our nature and instead of thinking for our own integrity, our religious contractors are praying hard for the integrity of our masters instead. Namberdars and headers are waiting for opportunity to serve there masters. Our hired militia is mad waiting for the time when it can give away whatever he owes in the name of its master and personnel of the intelligence agencies are hunting for patriotic nationalist’s activists. God forbids if we get alternate masters in lieu of the long waited independence these people will be equal loyal to the new masters and will go the very lengths to please there master. Question arises that how this situation was created in ‘darkens of the night’ to get an answer we need to turn the pages of history. And history reveals that this situation was completed in three distinct phases. These phases are the era before 1842 and second phase constitutes the time from 1842 to 1891 while the third phase comprises time from 1891 to 1947. We were independent till 1842 and our rulers were hard core patriots along with our Numberdars, Haveldars and the state machinery of the independent states. We were economically weak but had a strong position regarding independence and nobody had the guts to prove us weak on the national question. We were considered to be the bravest on earth and states of Hunza, Yaseen and Nagar’s bravery were famous in Sirinagar. According to Ghansara Singh “the people of this region were without doubt fighting with one another but were united whenever foreign invader came and this was the very logic of there independence”. Enmity was created among mass of the state when to save the kingdom of Gilgit Raja Karim Jan took aid from Sikhs and from this started a chain of our slavery and the local rulers started asking for aid to fight against other local rulers. When Raja Karim Khan sought aid from Sikhs, brave rulers like Gohar Aman of Yaseen and Safdar Ali of Hunza turned every stone to force Sikhs leave the region and the time from 1812 to 1891 passed in wars for independence and this was the time when our fate was to be decided but considering the strategic importance of the region the English imperialists with the aid of Sikhs, Dogar and Gorkha army fought a bloody war at Nilt resulting in surrender of Hunza and Nagar. This war fought at Nilt was fought between British army, Sikhs and Dogras with the combined forces of Hunza and Nagar. Nagar was defeated after which mass massacre took place at Chilas and then Yaseen as a result a legendary era of this region came to an end and than stated the dark era of slavery and nepotism by the British Raj in the region which till the present is continued. After 1891 Nazeem Khan was appointed Mir (ruler) in Hunza while members of royal family were appointed Governers in the Yaseen state. These governors were mere paid rulers meant to work for the benefits of British Raj and the status of these rulers was nothing more than personal assistants of British imperialists in there respective regions. These governors on the directives of the British Raj harrased there own people and did every thing to demolish the progressive and revolutionary souls in them. As a result of the continuous harassment of the mass of Hunza and Yaseen the people became so astute that nobody can today believe that these are the people who had fought the war of Nilt. From 1891 to 1947/48 these Rajas and Mirs never tried to fight for there own existence but remained loyal; more than the king to there masters instead sent a force in the name of Gilgit Scouts to aid the local mass and Gilgit scout has always been used in the benefit of English rule and against its own people as happened in Chalat these scouts opened fire on there own people. When came the era of 1947/48 these Rajas and Mirs instead of bringing back there own independence provided aid to the British Raj and without any price or promise gave there respective regions of Pakistan neglecting the public opinion. Every year on November 1st, mass of Gilgit Baltistan celebrates Independence Day to make the mass believe that people of the region had fought the war on there own and gained independence on the powers of there own and affiliated to Pakistan after an interim government of 15days. This is a mere fake rather the greatest fraud of history and when incidence of 1st November took place both independence and slavery was waiting the fate of the region in parallel to each other. When Gilgit scouts under leadership of Major Brown arrested Ghansara Singh and announced independence it came the other way and the announced independence proved to be a miserable long lasting slavery in turn. On the very directives of major brown, independence seeker Shah Raes Khan and Captain Mirza Hasan Khan were side lined knowing the fact that Mirza Hassan and Shah Raees Khan were seeking independence. Local rulers were not with this seeking independence and the Gilgit Scout was force of local rulers. In a nutshell, one side were those seeking accession as major Brown, Babar Khan and Shah Khan while on the other hand were those seeking independence as Shah Raes Khan and Shah Khan but later Mirza Hassan claimed that they had fought the war of independence and won but fighting along them were Gilgit scouts and how can Mirza claim that he had fought for independence despite knowing the fact that Gilgit scout was fighting for accession. if this is the fact than Miraza Khan can never be called our national hero as he had not fought for accession but Mirza committed this blander and made himself doubtful…. What should be done now as whatever has happened has happened and we cannot alter the past. when our master were chained in 1948 we once again remained slave or became old slaves under new masters and a political agent of Pakistani rulers came to our region who kept our region literally under siege in the name of black laws as Frontier crimes regulation (FCR) while on the other hand when in 1948 Pakistan and India fought a number of wars on the Kashmir front. according to the resolutions of United Nations seize fire was implemented with the aid of former Soviet socialist block and in the resolutions of United Nations the separate identity of Balosristan was accepted and it was ordered to withdraw foreign troops from the region and it was decided to make a local authority that can govern the region till the solution of Kashmir dispute. Local security will be under control of local Para military forces but we remained ignorant of this entire taking place at the international level. We kept chanting slogans of constituent and rights and the Pakistani establishment too deprived us saying that solving this problem will create problems to the Kashmir cause. There was no questing of any harm to the Kashmir cause but it was said so because Pakistan knew that beurocracy will never get the benefits which were not acceptable to the Pakistani establishment. The so called leadership of Kashmir too showed duplicity and considered Baloristan a hurdle in its way and aided Pakistan to deprive us of our rights. We should demand that local authority should be granted according to the resolution of the United Nations and every feign troops be immediately withdrawn from the region. Demanding so dose not mean that we are coming crime of any sort instead undoing a crime committed by Pakistan which its doing since 61years. we should demand Pakistan to leave us on the position of 1947/48 and only than can the mass of Baloristan take any legal step regarding its fate either it be accession to Pakistan or making an independent state this should not matter to Pakistani rulers and no one has given Pakistan the right to make us live under colonial system in the name of Kashmir cause.
The case of Boloristan and its future prospects
By Tahir Jan Hunzai
Today Bolor region is facing problems squarely; one hand it is confronting social and economic problems while on the other hand its national integrity too is at stake. If events persist in this order it won’t be wrong to say that like the past, Baloristan will split into many fragments. The way in which Chitral and Kohistan were cut off from our region there is an equal possibility that parts will be disintegrated from Balosristan now or in the near future and the mass like the past will not be able to do anything but watch the region gradually disintegrate into small fragments. Linguistic discrimination has become an integral part of our nature and instead of thinking for our own integrity, our religious contractors are praying hard for the integrity of our masters instead. Namberdars and headers are waiting for opportunity to serve there masters. Our hired militia is mad waiting for the time when it can give away whatever he owes in the name of its master and personnel of the intelligence agencies are hunting for patriotic nationalist’s activists. God forbids if we get alternate masters in lieu of the long waited independence these people will be equal loyal to the new masters and will go the very lengths to please there master. Question arises that how this situation was created in ‘darkens of the night’ to get an answer we need to turn the pages of history. And history reveals that this situation was completed in three distinct phases. These phases are the era before 1842 and second phase constitutes the time from 1842 to 1891 while the third phase comprises time from 1891 to 1947. We were independent till 1842 and our rulers were hard core patriots along with our Numberdars, Haveldars and the state machinery of the independent states. We were economically weak but had a strong position regarding independence and nobody had the guts to prove us weak on the national question. We were considered to be the bravest on earth and states of Hunza, Yaseen and Nagar’s bravery were famous in Sirinagar. According to Ghansara Singh “the people of this region were without doubt fighting with one another but were united whenever foreign invader came and this was the very logic of there independence”. Enmity was created among mass of the state when to save the kingdom of Gilgit Raja Karim Jan took aid from Sikhs and from this started a chain of our slavery and the local rulers started asking for aid to fight against other local rulers. When Raja Karim Khan sought aid from Sikhs, brave rulers like Gohar Aman of Yaseen and Safdar Ali of Hunza turned every stone to force Sikhs leave the region and the time from 1812 to 1891 passed in wars for independence and this was the time when our fate was to be decided but considering the strategic importance of the region the English imperialists with the aid of Sikhs, Dogar and Gorkha army fought a bloody war at Nilt resulting in surrender of Hunza and Nagar. This war fought at Nilt was fought between British army, Sikhs and Dogras with the combined forces of Hunza and Nagar. Nagar was defeated after which mass massacre took place at Chilas and then Yaseen as a result a legendary era of this region came to an end and than stated the dark era of slavery and nepotism by the British Raj in the region which till the present is continued. After 1891 Nazeem Khan was appointed Mir (ruler) in Hunza while members of royal family were appointed Governers in the Yaseen state. These governors were mere paid rulers meant to work for the benefits of British Raj and the status of these rulers was nothing more than personal assistants of British imperialists in there respective regions. These governors on the directives of the British Raj harrased there own people and did every thing to demolish the progressive and revolutionary souls in them. As a result of the continuous harassment of the mass of Hunza and Yaseen the people became so astute that nobody can today believe that these are the people who had fought the war of Nilt. From 1891 to 1947/48 these Rajas and Mirs never tried to fight for there own existence but remained loyal; more than the king to there masters instead sent a force in the name of Gilgit Scouts to aid the local mass and Gilgit scout has always been used in the benefit of English rule and against its own people as happened in Chalat these scouts opened fire on there own people. When came the era of 1947/48 these Rajas and Mirs instead of bringing back there own independence provided aid to the British Raj and without any price or promise gave there respective regions of Pakistan neglecting the public opinion. Every year on November 1st, mass of Gilgit Baltistan celebrates Independence Day to make the mass believe that people of the region had fought the war on there own and gained independence on the powers of there own and affiliated to Pakistan after an interim government of 15days. This is a mere fake rather the greatest fraud of history and when incidence of 1st November took place both independence and slavery was waiting the fate of the region in parallel to each other. When Gilgit scouts under leadership of Major Brown arrested Ghansara Singh and announced independence it came the other way and the announced independence proved to be a miserable long lasting slavery in turn. On the very directives of major brown, independence seeker Shah Raes Khan and Captain Mirza Hasan Khan were side lined knowing the fact that Mirza Hassan and Shah Raees Khan were seeking independence. Local rulers were not with this seeking independence and the Gilgit Scout was force of local rulers. In a nutshell, one side were those seeking accession as major Brown, Babar Khan and Shah Khan while on the other hand were those seeking independence as Shah Raes Khan and Shah Khan but later Mirza Hassan claimed that they had fought the war of independence and won but fighting along them were Gilgit scouts and how can Mirza claim that he had fought for independence despite knowing the fact that Gilgit scout was fighting for accession. if this is the fact than Miraza Khan can never be called our national hero as he had not fought for accession but Mirza committed this blander and made himself doubtful…. What should be done now as whatever has happened has happened and we cannot alter the past. when our master were chained in 1948 we once again remained slave or became old slaves under new masters and a political agent of Pakistani rulers came to our region who kept our region literally under siege in the name of black laws as Frontier crimes regulation (FCR) while on the other hand when in 1948 Pakistan and India fought a number of wars on the Kashmir front. according to the resolutions of United Nations seize fire was implemented with the aid of former Soviet socialist block and in the resolutions of United Nations the separate identity of Balosristan was accepted and it was ordered to withdraw foreign troops from the region and it was decided to make a local authority that can govern the region till the solution of Kashmir dispute. Local security will be under control of local Para military forces but we remained ignorant of this entire taking place at the international level. We kept chanting slogans of constituent and rights and the Pakistani establishment too deprived us saying that solving this problem will create problems to the Kashmir cause. There was no questing of any harm to the Kashmir cause but it was said so because Pakistan knew that beurocracy will never get the benefits which were not acceptable to the Pakistani establishment. The so called leadership of Kashmir too showed duplicity and considered Baloristan a hurdle in its way and aided Pakistan to deprive us of our rights. We should demand that local authority should be granted according to the resolution of the United Nations and every feign troops be immediately withdrawn from the region. Demanding so dose not mean that we are coming crime of any sort instead undoing a crime committed by Pakistan which its doing since 61years. we should demand Pakistan to leave us on the position of 1947/48 and only than can the mass of Baloristan take any legal step regarding its fate either it be accession to Pakistan or making an independent state this should not matter to Pakistani rulers and no one has given Pakistan the right to make us live under colonial system in the name of Kashmir cause.
Conference on ‘Cultural heritage of Kashmir’ held
Weekly Bang Sahar Saturday 13 December———-26 December, 2008
Conference on ‘Cultural heritage of Kashmir’ held
By our correspondent
Brussels: An international conference on cultural heritage of Kashmiri people ended here Thursday night stressing that irrespective of their location, “All people of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir share a unique and ancient heritage”.The two-day conference organized by British Member of the European Parliament Baroness Emma Nicholson was attended by representatives of various groups and factions from both sides of the divided Kashmir. At the end of the gathering, the participants issued a declaration expressing their resolve to “forge a peaceful pathway through identifying and implementing a series of steps” that will lead to a prosperous and cohesive future for all Kashmiris wherever they may reside. Emma Nicholson, who authored the European Parliament’s report on Kashmir which was adopted by a vast majority of the EU Assembly in 2007, said the purpose of the conference was to tackle for the first time the creation of a path for peace and prosperity for the people of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir .My colleagues here said this is the best ever report (on Kashmir) so what we get next. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that the best offering I could make was to create an institution on the web. It is a club on the web,” she said. Nicholson said she hopes to launch the web within two weeks. “We will work step by step to get peace, prosperity, fundamental freedoms, rule of law,” she added.Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, chairman of the United Kashmir Peoples National Party, said the conference has formed working groups, which will deal with various issues like rule of law and judiciary reform. “It was a successful conference,” he said. Abdul Hamid Khan, chairman of the Balwaristan National Front, addressing the conference spoke about the “alarming situation of Chinese new design to occupy Gilgit Baltistan with the blessing of Pakistan”. Shabir Choudhury, spokesman of Kashmir National Party, said: “Kashmiri struggle in a view of nationalist Kashmiris is a struggle to get national independence for the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but this should not be done in name of any religion as Kashmir dispute is not religious in nature.”Meanwhile, the Kashmir Centre in Brussels Wednesday organized the fourth annual Human Rights Day celebration luncheon.
Conference on ‘Cultural heritage of Kashmir’ held
By our correspondent
Brussels: An international conference on cultural heritage of Kashmiri people ended here Thursday night stressing that irrespective of their location, “All people of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir share a unique and ancient heritage”.The two-day conference organized by British Member of the European Parliament Baroness Emma Nicholson was attended by representatives of various groups and factions from both sides of the divided Kashmir. At the end of the gathering, the participants issued a declaration expressing their resolve to “forge a peaceful pathway through identifying and implementing a series of steps” that will lead to a prosperous and cohesive future for all Kashmiris wherever they may reside. Emma Nicholson, who authored the European Parliament’s report on Kashmir which was adopted by a vast majority of the EU Assembly in 2007, said the purpose of the conference was to tackle for the first time the creation of a path for peace and prosperity for the people of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir .My colleagues here said this is the best ever report (on Kashmir) so what we get next. I thought about it and came to the conclusion that the best offering I could make was to create an institution on the web. It is a club on the web,” she said. Nicholson said she hopes to launch the web within two weeks. “We will work step by step to get peace, prosperity, fundamental freedoms, rule of law,” she added.Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, chairman of the United Kashmir Peoples National Party, said the conference has formed working groups, which will deal with various issues like rule of law and judiciary reform. “It was a successful conference,” he said. Abdul Hamid Khan, chairman of the Balwaristan National Front, addressing the conference spoke about the “alarming situation of Chinese new design to occupy Gilgit Baltistan with the blessing of Pakistan”. Shabir Choudhury, spokesman of Kashmir National Party, said: “Kashmiri struggle in a view of nationalist Kashmiris is a struggle to get national independence for the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but this should not be done in name of any religion as Kashmir dispute is not religious in nature.”Meanwhile, the Kashmir Centre in Brussels Wednesday organized the fourth annual Human Rights Day celebration luncheon.
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Volume-02 Issue-21
December 5, 2008 at 11:07 am (Uncategorized)
Mumbai carnage: time to test
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
(Editorial)
Mumbai carnage: time to testPak-India ties
The ever changing drastic and elastic foreign policy and back door diplomacy between Pakistan and India is once again lingering on the shoot signs of terrorists. Bombay bombings have mounted relations of both countries and hands forwarded for friendship are pulled back to traditional hatred and rivalry.The Indian accusation of presence of pro Pakistan elements in Mumbai carnage has put the newly elected Pakistani government in a fix putting a heavy load on its already weak shoulders. It seems from the reaction of Pakistan and India that both the countries are on the verge of war and seem to be preparing for war.Some unseen powers are not happy with President Zardari’s statements regarding Kashmir issue and opening of old routes and these powers bombed Mumbai right at the moment when foreign ministers of Pakistan and India penned down an agreement to reopen Skardu-Kargil route and Khokrapar-Mona Bao.The allegations of both the countries against each other after Mumbai carnage give the impression that both the countries are moving towards war ground from the negotiation tables. This is a universal truth that both Pakistan and India have never been independent in the true sense and the negotiations taking place too were on the behest of unseen hands and that unseen hand directs both countries sometimes to fight and at times to negotiate.As a mater of fact the ties between India and Pakistan seem to be tensed but keeping the ties in this condition of stress in neither in the interest of Pakistan nor India because the force fighting war of America against Taliban in the western border is not free to open another front on the eastern boarder. Even if it gets into war on the western boarder America will never want to let a force fight another war leaving behind America’s war and visit of American foreign secretary of Pakistan and India advocates this view.Pakistan and India never tried to learn any thing from history as the countries have fought bloody wars in the past resulting in no profit and only loss to the governments on both sides. Masses of both the countries were plunged into the ocean of poverty, ignorance and a bleak future.Kargil war is a live example in which the brave army of Gilgit-Baltistan was made to fight against the trained Indian troops and the Pakistani government was forced to go and bow in Washington to stop the ongoing war. After every war commissions are formed but these commissions always come up with nothing. It is either astonishing that neither the aim of war is known or its objectives.This time too the ongoing talks on Kashmir are halted for the time being due to Mumbai carnage and masses of Kashmir including Gilgit-Baltistan are once again drown in the oceans of fear.Every time the terrorist incidents in Pakistan and India are linked with Kashmir issue and heart ranching is the fact that each time so-called jihadi organizations of Kashmir are accused. Nationalist and intelligentsia of Kashmir are of the view that these so-called jihads, fighting for there freedom of Kashmir are the true enemies of impendence of Kashmir because jihad culture has sabotaged the peaceful environ of Kashmir.Masses of Gilgit-Baltistan were very happy with the news of opening of Skardu-Kargil route but Mumbai carnage shattered there dreams and put a full stop to the happiness of the people of the region. Pakistan and Indian governments need to assure the reopening of Skardu-Kargil route, if a blind eye is turned to the opening of the route masses of the region will be right in saying that terrorist are not enemies of Pakistan and India but of Gilgit-Baltistan which never want the divided families to meet.Analysts too are of the view that this region has boarders touching with many borders of the world and it is best known as gateway of Asia. Due to this reason Gilgit-Baltistan has gained attention from the international community and any decision regarding the region can become a part of international politics. Its bad luck of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir that the so-called leaders have always looked towards other people taking decision regarding the region and specially Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have always been under the trap of bureaucracy and people of these regions have always looked towards Islamabad for decisions and Islamabad itself cannot take any decision on its own it has to look towards Washington.What is needed is that people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir should make themselves capable of making there own decisions instead of looking towards Islamabad. When Sirinagar, Muzafarabad and Gilgit will be able to decide future of its people in their own cities only then the fate of the region will be changed.
(Editorial)
Mumbai carnage: time to testPak-India ties
The ever changing drastic and elastic foreign policy and back door diplomacy between Pakistan and India is once again lingering on the shoot signs of terrorists. Bombay bombings have mounted relations of both countries and hands forwarded for friendship are pulled back to traditional hatred and rivalry.The Indian accusation of presence of pro Pakistan elements in Mumbai carnage has put the newly elected Pakistani government in a fix putting a heavy load on its already weak shoulders. It seems from the reaction of Pakistan and India that both the countries are on the verge of war and seem to be preparing for war.Some unseen powers are not happy with President Zardari’s statements regarding Kashmir issue and opening of old routes and these powers bombed Mumbai right at the moment when foreign ministers of Pakistan and India penned down an agreement to reopen Skardu-Kargil route and Khokrapar-Mona Bao.The allegations of both the countries against each other after Mumbai carnage give the impression that both the countries are moving towards war ground from the negotiation tables. This is a universal truth that both Pakistan and India have never been independent in the true sense and the negotiations taking place too were on the behest of unseen hands and that unseen hand directs both countries sometimes to fight and at times to negotiate.As a mater of fact the ties between India and Pakistan seem to be tensed but keeping the ties in this condition of stress in neither in the interest of Pakistan nor India because the force fighting war of America against Taliban in the western border is not free to open another front on the eastern boarder. Even if it gets into war on the western boarder America will never want to let a force fight another war leaving behind America’s war and visit of American foreign secretary of Pakistan and India advocates this view.Pakistan and India never tried to learn any thing from history as the countries have fought bloody wars in the past resulting in no profit and only loss to the governments on both sides. Masses of both the countries were plunged into the ocean of poverty, ignorance and a bleak future.Kargil war is a live example in which the brave army of Gilgit-Baltistan was made to fight against the trained Indian troops and the Pakistani government was forced to go and bow in Washington to stop the ongoing war. After every war commissions are formed but these commissions always come up with nothing. It is either astonishing that neither the aim of war is known or its objectives.This time too the ongoing talks on Kashmir are halted for the time being due to Mumbai carnage and masses of Kashmir including Gilgit-Baltistan are once again drown in the oceans of fear.Every time the terrorist incidents in Pakistan and India are linked with Kashmir issue and heart ranching is the fact that each time so-called jihadi organizations of Kashmir are accused. Nationalist and intelligentsia of Kashmir are of the view that these so-called jihads, fighting for there freedom of Kashmir are the true enemies of impendence of Kashmir because jihad culture has sabotaged the peaceful environ of Kashmir.Masses of Gilgit-Baltistan were very happy with the news of opening of Skardu-Kargil route but Mumbai carnage shattered there dreams and put a full stop to the happiness of the people of the region. Pakistan and Indian governments need to assure the reopening of Skardu-Kargil route, if a blind eye is turned to the opening of the route masses of the region will be right in saying that terrorist are not enemies of Pakistan and India but of Gilgit-Baltistan which never want the divided families to meet.Analysts too are of the view that this region has boarders touching with many borders of the world and it is best known as gateway of Asia. Due to this reason Gilgit-Baltistan has gained attention from the international community and any decision regarding the region can become a part of international politics. Its bad luck of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir that the so-called leaders have always looked towards other people taking decision regarding the region and specially Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have always been under the trap of bureaucracy and people of these regions have always looked towards Islamabad for decisions and Islamabad itself cannot take any decision on its own it has to look towards Washington.What is needed is that people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir should make themselves capable of making there own decisions instead of looking towards Islamabad. When Sirinagar, Muzafarabad and Gilgit will be able to decide future of its people in their own cities only then the fate of the region will be changed.
Propagators against nationalist
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Propagators against nationalistMovements to be resisted: GBDA
By Our Correspondent
GILGIT: Nationalist movements of Gilgit-Baltistan have slammed Chairman Kashmir Committee Maulana Fazlur Rehaman’s disparaging of nationalist movements of Gilgit-Baltistan.Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA) strongly condemned the statement and expressed its concern over the issue terming it an act of Maulana’s “ideological terrorism”. They said both Israel and Pakistan have been created in the name of religion but both are failed states and added that unlike Israel the people of Gilgit-Baltistan do not belong to a special school of thought instead the people living here who speak Shina, Balti, Burushaski, Khuwar and Wakhi language share a common history and culture.They stressed the two million people dwelling here have a glorious geo-political past, a distinct identity and a unique national question on the basis of which our movements struggle for an independent state. They said conspirators are daunted by our movement so are propagating false allegations against us but we do not care and it is our firm belief that independence is the only solution to the problems of the region.They expressed there concern over silence of local leadership regarding the issue and demanded the local leadership to give a solid response to Maulana’s ideological terrorism. They said we want to make it clear that Pakistan not needs to advocate for us in accordance with the Kashmir dispute and the Kashmir committee is not capable of granting our rights.They said only the mass of the region has the right to advocate for and justify there independence so neither we need the analysts of Kashmir committee over our problems nor we want to start from zero after a lapse of sixty one years.”No doubt the progressive and nationalist movements of Gilgit-Baltistan are striving for an independent state and in today’s democratic world a state is not owned by the movements but by the public” they said and added that if the mass of Gilgit-Baltistan are Israelites than the state surely be called an Israelite state they observed.The chairman had alleged that nationalist movements were aimed at turning the region to a mini Israel on behest of the west while addressing a welcome gathering in NA house Islamabad.
Propagators against nationalistMovements to be resisted: GBDA
By Our Correspondent
GILGIT: Nationalist movements of Gilgit-Baltistan have slammed Chairman Kashmir Committee Maulana Fazlur Rehaman’s disparaging of nationalist movements of Gilgit-Baltistan.Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA) strongly condemned the statement and expressed its concern over the issue terming it an act of Maulana’s “ideological terrorism”. They said both Israel and Pakistan have been created in the name of religion but both are failed states and added that unlike Israel the people of Gilgit-Baltistan do not belong to a special school of thought instead the people living here who speak Shina, Balti, Burushaski, Khuwar and Wakhi language share a common history and culture.They stressed the two million people dwelling here have a glorious geo-political past, a distinct identity and a unique national question on the basis of which our movements struggle for an independent state. They said conspirators are daunted by our movement so are propagating false allegations against us but we do not care and it is our firm belief that independence is the only solution to the problems of the region.They expressed there concern over silence of local leadership regarding the issue and demanded the local leadership to give a solid response to Maulana’s ideological terrorism. They said we want to make it clear that Pakistan not needs to advocate for us in accordance with the Kashmir dispute and the Kashmir committee is not capable of granting our rights.They said only the mass of the region has the right to advocate for and justify there independence so neither we need the analysts of Kashmir committee over our problems nor we want to start from zero after a lapse of sixty one years.”No doubt the progressive and nationalist movements of Gilgit-Baltistan are striving for an independent state and in today’s democratic world a state is not owned by the movements but by the public” they said and added that if the mass of Gilgit-Baltistan are Israelites than the state surely be called an Israelite state they observed.The chairman had alleged that nationalist movements were aimed at turning the region to a mini Israel on behest of the west while addressing a welcome gathering in NA house Islamabad.
Diamer Bhasha to test mantle
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Diamer Bhasha to test mantleof new leadership
By Hub Ali Sani
Karachi: The most controversial water reservoir to be built in Gilgit Baltistan known as Diammer-Bhasha dam will test the mantle of new leadership and international analysts have regarded it the greatest challenge for the government.Despite all the technical difficulties and political pressure if the government succeeds in construction of the dam it will be ‘not less a miracle’. The government is facing risks squarely as on side stands political pressures from international community while on the other hand the technically engineered adventure in it self is enigma.According to international analysts, the financial barrier in it self is a great hurdle for as the initial construction requires demolishing of 110km long KKH (Karakurum Highway) and its replacement with an alternate road on the high mountains as height of the dam would be 270 meter and the total area will be 27500 acres.Construction of the dam initially requires up-gradation of the 325km long road from Havellian to the construction site besides 140km long road from Sazan to Rajkot needs to be reconstructed. Linking it with national power grid station Tarebella requires two circuits of 500kw and 250km long transmission lines, these lines will be installed on the dangerous high mountains where risk of landslide and other natural disasters put a no warranty stamp on the equipment and transmission lines. The feasibility report was prepared by a black listed company of Germany with aid from consortium of four other companies and the government has allocated a huge amount of 12.5 billion dollars.Besides causing heavy financial and environmental loss to the region, construction of the dam will have equally an adverse affect on the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Construction of the dam will demolish almost 95% remaining of Buddhism and Brahman stone carvings and other such historical memorials. In the past government had embarked upon a project to preserve the heritage and for this reason an initial fund of five million was granted to the tourism department. Sources say that 38000 stone carvings and ancient manuscript are embedded in the rocks of 90km long road from Darel Tangeer to Raikot and the construction of dam will deprive the region from these ancient manuscripts.Minister for water and power Raja Pervez Ashraf while talking to media men said the dam will provide electricity worth 1.5 billion dollars annually besides providing indirect benefit worth billions to the agriculture sector. He said royalty issue will be resolved on the basis of ‘give and take’ with the people of NWFP and Gilgit Baltistan and added that a comprehensive plan was been made for the settlement of the afectees.It is merit mentioning here that in 1950 when Pakistan decided to built dams Diamer dam was no where in the files of suitable sites besides the 1957 report of World Bank and the 1979 report of WAPDA reservation action plan too has no mention of the controversial dam which adds to controversy and guarantees the disputed nature of the dam. India too has expressed its reservation over the dam and clearly stated that construction of the dam will affect the ongoing Kashmir talks. History is witness that major controversies between Pakistan and India are based on water issues and the past and such issues have drastically changed the position of both countries on international chess board of politics. Pakistan people party had strongly opposed construction of the dam in the past but unlike the past it has taken a u turn on the dam issue and its subordinates in Gilgit Baltistan too are dumb and devoid of any clear cut vision road map.The people too have strong reservations and had demonstrated for there rights many a times but there vows were never heard in the corridors of power like ever but only time will tell in which direction the horse will mount.
Diamer Bhasha to test mantleof new leadership
By Hub Ali Sani
Karachi: The most controversial water reservoir to be built in Gilgit Baltistan known as Diammer-Bhasha dam will test the mantle of new leadership and international analysts have regarded it the greatest challenge for the government.Despite all the technical difficulties and political pressure if the government succeeds in construction of the dam it will be ‘not less a miracle’. The government is facing risks squarely as on side stands political pressures from international community while on the other hand the technically engineered adventure in it self is enigma.According to international analysts, the financial barrier in it self is a great hurdle for as the initial construction requires demolishing of 110km long KKH (Karakurum Highway) and its replacement with an alternate road on the high mountains as height of the dam would be 270 meter and the total area will be 27500 acres.Construction of the dam initially requires up-gradation of the 325km long road from Havellian to the construction site besides 140km long road from Sazan to Rajkot needs to be reconstructed. Linking it with national power grid station Tarebella requires two circuits of 500kw and 250km long transmission lines, these lines will be installed on the dangerous high mountains where risk of landslide and other natural disasters put a no warranty stamp on the equipment and transmission lines. The feasibility report was prepared by a black listed company of Germany with aid from consortium of four other companies and the government has allocated a huge amount of 12.5 billion dollars.Besides causing heavy financial and environmental loss to the region, construction of the dam will have equally an adverse affect on the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Construction of the dam will demolish almost 95% remaining of Buddhism and Brahman stone carvings and other such historical memorials. In the past government had embarked upon a project to preserve the heritage and for this reason an initial fund of five million was granted to the tourism department. Sources say that 38000 stone carvings and ancient manuscript are embedded in the rocks of 90km long road from Darel Tangeer to Raikot and the construction of dam will deprive the region from these ancient manuscripts.Minister for water and power Raja Pervez Ashraf while talking to media men said the dam will provide electricity worth 1.5 billion dollars annually besides providing indirect benefit worth billions to the agriculture sector. He said royalty issue will be resolved on the basis of ‘give and take’ with the people of NWFP and Gilgit Baltistan and added that a comprehensive plan was been made for the settlement of the afectees.It is merit mentioning here that in 1950 when Pakistan decided to built dams Diamer dam was no where in the files of suitable sites besides the 1957 report of World Bank and the 1979 report of WAPDA reservation action plan too has no mention of the controversial dam which adds to controversy and guarantees the disputed nature of the dam. India too has expressed its reservation over the dam and clearly stated that construction of the dam will affect the ongoing Kashmir talks. History is witness that major controversies between Pakistan and India are based on water issues and the past and such issues have drastically changed the position of both countries on international chess board of politics. Pakistan people party had strongly opposed construction of the dam in the past but unlike the past it has taken a u turn on the dam issue and its subordinates in Gilgit Baltistan too are dumb and devoid of any clear cut vision road map.The people too have strong reservations and had demonstrated for there rights many a times but there vows were never heard in the corridors of power like ever but only time will tell in which direction the horse will mount.
Judges appointment
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Judges appointmentLocals should be givenpriority
By Our Correspondent
Gilgit: Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Association (GBBA) has demanded of the federal government to appoint locals against the vacant posts of judges in the Supreme Appellate Court, Gilgit.In a meeting of the bar chaired by president High Court Bar Association Amjad Hussain advocate here the following day the bar passed a unanimous resolution for immediate filling of the vacant posts in the supreme appellate court.The bar said that people of the region were suffering due to absence of judges but government was doing nothing in this regard. They slammed the PCO judges saying that no PCO judge will be accepted in the supreme appellate court.”The government is benefiting from PCO judges and due to which the local judges and advocates of the region are facing lots of problems”, the deplored. They said that the likely appointment of controversial judge Nawaz Abbasi will ever be accepted and the bar will go the very limits to stop the retired judge’s appointment in the region. They criticized PPP government for nominating retired judges and said due to this act of the federal government the supports of PPP in Gilgit-Baltistan were embarrassed. Senior vice president High Court Bar Association Ateequr Rehman advocate said if any retired non local judge is nominated, the people and the lawyers’ forum will protest.
Judges appointmentLocals should be givenpriority
By Our Correspondent
Gilgit: Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Association (GBBA) has demanded of the federal government to appoint locals against the vacant posts of judges in the Supreme Appellate Court, Gilgit.In a meeting of the bar chaired by president High Court Bar Association Amjad Hussain advocate here the following day the bar passed a unanimous resolution for immediate filling of the vacant posts in the supreme appellate court.The bar said that people of the region were suffering due to absence of judges but government was doing nothing in this regard. They slammed the PCO judges saying that no PCO judge will be accepted in the supreme appellate court.”The government is benefiting from PCO judges and due to which the local judges and advocates of the region are facing lots of problems”, the deplored. They said that the likely appointment of controversial judge Nawaz Abbasi will ever be accepted and the bar will go the very limits to stop the retired judge’s appointment in the region. They criticized PPP government for nominating retired judges and said due to this act of the federal government the supports of PPP in Gilgit-Baltistan were embarrassed. Senior vice president High Court Bar Association Ateequr Rehman advocate said if any retired non local judge is nominated, the people and the lawyers’ forum will protest.
Put your own house in order first:
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Put your own house in order first:Fazal told
By Our Correspondent
Lahore: The newly elected president of Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO), Lahore Shams u Rehman has condemned chairman Kashmir committee Moulana Fazlur Rehman’s statement and regarded it result of a lack of knowledge.He said from the last sixty one years the people were struggling for there legitimate rights and nobody will be allowed a negative interpretation.’Maulana should first think of his motherland which is constituently a part of Pakistan but writ of the state is sabotaged at every step and the people are fighting with there own army’, he maintained.He said Maulana is habitual of dismantling the truth and when a leading journalist of Jang group, Ansar Abasi uncovered the story of land granted to Maulana in lieu of seventeenth amendment he accused him of spying for the Jews.He suggested that being chairman of Kashmir committee Maulana should visit Gilgit-Baltistan and try to understand depths of the issues. Expressing his concern over the contradictory statements regarding constitutional status and rights, he said there is no mention of Gilgit-Baltistan in the constitution of Pakistan and the judiciary of the country too has termed it a disputed region so government should think carefully before talking about fifth province or Azad Kashmir like set up.He said the political heavy weights of Islamabad talk about issues of Gilgit-Baltistan without bothering to understand the very basics of it and said the leadership of Gilgit- Baltistan to stop bowing before them because solution of the issue is not in the limits of these leaders in the corridors of power.
Put your own house in order first:Fazal told
By Our Correspondent
Lahore: The newly elected president of Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO), Lahore Shams u Rehman has condemned chairman Kashmir committee Moulana Fazlur Rehman’s statement and regarded it result of a lack of knowledge.He said from the last sixty one years the people were struggling for there legitimate rights and nobody will be allowed a negative interpretation.’Maulana should first think of his motherland which is constituently a part of Pakistan but writ of the state is sabotaged at every step and the people are fighting with there own army’, he maintained.He said Maulana is habitual of dismantling the truth and when a leading journalist of Jang group, Ansar Abasi uncovered the story of land granted to Maulana in lieu of seventeenth amendment he accused him of spying for the Jews.He suggested that being chairman of Kashmir committee Maulana should visit Gilgit-Baltistan and try to understand depths of the issues. Expressing his concern over the contradictory statements regarding constitutional status and rights, he said there is no mention of Gilgit-Baltistan in the constitution of Pakistan and the judiciary of the country too has termed it a disputed region so government should think carefully before talking about fifth province or Azad Kashmir like set up.He said the political heavy weights of Islamabad talk about issues of Gilgit-Baltistan without bothering to understand the very basics of it and said the leadership of Gilgit- Baltistan to stop bowing before them because solution of the issue is not in the limits of these leaders in the corridors of power.
Thousands protest against police high-handedness
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Thousands protest against police high-handedness
By Our Reporter
Rawalpindi: Thousands of activists belonging to various political, nationalist and religious parties of Gilgit-Baltistan protested against police highhandedness, arrest and implicating of innocent people in a kidnapping for ransom case by police.Thirteen people belonging to Gilgit Baltistan and Kohistan were arrested in Rawalpindi against charges of kidnapping for ransom case but no information was found against the arrested persons in any policy station of the city.The protestors were holding placards inscribed with the slogans of police high-handedness and demanded the immediate release of convicted and suspension of the police personnel uninvolved.Addressing the gathering member northern areas legislative assembly Muhammad Akhter said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are peace loving but that dose not mean that any one can do any thing to them, he appealed president of Pakistan to probe into the matter and said we have always been deprived and facing injustices but this wont go long.Leader Balawaristan National Front (BNF) Shafqat Ali Enqilabi while addressing the gathering said we are exploited since last sixty one years but it won’t last long. He appealed the demonstrators to get united and said it dose not mater that to which particular religious or political party you belong but you should remember that you belong to Gilgit Baltistan and for that you have to forget your political and ideological affiliations and struggle for the region. He said if the convicted are not released within 48 hours Sost boarder and KKH will be blocked.Demonstrators belonged to Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO), Baltistan Students Federation (BSF), Peoples Students Federation (PSF), Karakurum Students Organisation (KSO) and other regional and federal political parties.
Thousands protest against police high-handedness
By Our Reporter
Rawalpindi: Thousands of activists belonging to various political, nationalist and religious parties of Gilgit-Baltistan protested against police highhandedness, arrest and implicating of innocent people in a kidnapping for ransom case by police.Thirteen people belonging to Gilgit Baltistan and Kohistan were arrested in Rawalpindi against charges of kidnapping for ransom case but no information was found against the arrested persons in any policy station of the city.The protestors were holding placards inscribed with the slogans of police high-handedness and demanded the immediate release of convicted and suspension of the police personnel uninvolved.Addressing the gathering member northern areas legislative assembly Muhammad Akhter said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are peace loving but that dose not mean that any one can do any thing to them, he appealed president of Pakistan to probe into the matter and said we have always been deprived and facing injustices but this wont go long.Leader Balawaristan National Front (BNF) Shafqat Ali Enqilabi while addressing the gathering said we are exploited since last sixty one years but it won’t last long. He appealed the demonstrators to get united and said it dose not mater that to which particular religious or political party you belong but you should remember that you belong to Gilgit Baltistan and for that you have to forget your political and ideological affiliations and struggle for the region. He said if the convicted are not released within 48 hours Sost boarder and KKH will be blocked.Demonstrators belonged to Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO), Baltistan Students Federation (BSF), Peoples Students Federation (PSF), Karakurum Students Organisation (KSO) and other regional and federal political parties.
Bureaucrats must start packing up their luggage soon: Akbar
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Bureaucrats must start packing up their luggage soon: Akbar
By Our Special Correspondent
KARACHI: Giglit-Baltistan suffered a lot under bureaucratic rule but the days of the rulers from the centre are numbered now, as a democratic society has emerged due to untiring struggle of the sons of the soil, who were able to highlight this issue at international level.These views were expressed by Khan Akbar Khan, ex-member District Council Ghizer while talking to journalists here the other day. He demanded the government to restore the political and constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan. He lauded the sacrifices and role of BNF’s exiled Chairman Abdul Hamid Khan.The issue of Gilgit-Baltistan is now well addressed at international level, he said, adding that it is not easy to suppress the region like past. Highlighting the historical struggle of nationalists, he maintained that when the nationalists raised voice against the access and injustices done to the region in 1997 they were brutally tortured by bureaucracy which is an undeniable example of state-terrorism and since then BNF’s exiled chairman played a vital role in uniting the nationalist movements and brining the issue to lame light of the united nation which is praise worthy.He further said it was due to efforts of Mr Khan, the world came to know about the reality of Gilgit-Baltistan issue. “Now it is not the issue of Gilgit-Baltistan only but international community has also been involved in it”, he added.”This success of the exiled chairman has burnt the nights of the illegal conquerors of Gilgit-Baltistan and they are propagating hard to blackmail his party but it is the good luck of the nation and the undaunted struggle of Mr Khan that the international community is closely monitoring the injustices done to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan”, he opined.He demanded the government to accept the previous political and constitutional status of Republic of Gilgit-Baltistan and allow the exiled chairman to return back to continue his struggle in a democratic way. He warned the government to stop the propaganda against the exiled chairman otherwise a nation-wide protest will be initiated against the government.
Bureaucrats must start packing up their luggage soon: Akbar
By Our Special Correspondent
KARACHI: Giglit-Baltistan suffered a lot under bureaucratic rule but the days of the rulers from the centre are numbered now, as a democratic society has emerged due to untiring struggle of the sons of the soil, who were able to highlight this issue at international level.These views were expressed by Khan Akbar Khan, ex-member District Council Ghizer while talking to journalists here the other day. He demanded the government to restore the political and constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan. He lauded the sacrifices and role of BNF’s exiled Chairman Abdul Hamid Khan.The issue of Gilgit-Baltistan is now well addressed at international level, he said, adding that it is not easy to suppress the region like past. Highlighting the historical struggle of nationalists, he maintained that when the nationalists raised voice against the access and injustices done to the region in 1997 they were brutally tortured by bureaucracy which is an undeniable example of state-terrorism and since then BNF’s exiled chairman played a vital role in uniting the nationalist movements and brining the issue to lame light of the united nation which is praise worthy.He further said it was due to efforts of Mr Khan, the world came to know about the reality of Gilgit-Baltistan issue. “Now it is not the issue of Gilgit-Baltistan only but international community has also been involved in it”, he added.”This success of the exiled chairman has burnt the nights of the illegal conquerors of Gilgit-Baltistan and they are propagating hard to blackmail his party but it is the good luck of the nation and the undaunted struggle of Mr Khan that the international community is closely monitoring the injustices done to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan”, he opined.He demanded the government to accept the previous political and constitutional status of Republic of Gilgit-Baltistan and allow the exiled chairman to return back to continue his struggle in a democratic way. He warned the government to stop the propaganda against the exiled chairman otherwise a nation-wide protest will be initiated against the government.
Rulers warned to stop propaganda against
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Rulers warned to stop propaganda againstBNF chief
By Our Special Correspondent
Karachi: Giglit-Baltistan has been made a no-man’s land by the bureaucracy but the issue has been raised at the international level and the bureaucracy’s days in the region are numbered.These views were expressed by Khan Akbar Khan, ex-member District Council Ghizer, while talking to journalists here. He demanded that the political and constitutional status of the former republic of Gilgit-Baltisan should be accepted. He also applauded the sacrifice and role of BNF exiled Chairman Abdul Hamid Khan.He said the issue of Gilgit-Baltistan has been highlighted at the international level and it is not easy to suppress the region like in the past. Highlighting the historical struggle of nationalists, he said when the nationalists raised voice against the excesses and injustices done with the region in 1997 they were tortured by the bureaucracy which was an example of state terrorism.He said since then, BNF’s exiled chairman has played a vital role in uniting the nationalists and brining the issue to limelight at the world forums including the United Nations. He said it was due to Abdul Hamid Khan that the world came to know about the reality of the Gilgit-Baltistan issue.
Rulers warned to stop propaganda againstBNF chief
By Our Special Correspondent
Karachi: Giglit-Baltistan has been made a no-man’s land by the bureaucracy but the issue has been raised at the international level and the bureaucracy’s days in the region are numbered.These views were expressed by Khan Akbar Khan, ex-member District Council Ghizer, while talking to journalists here. He demanded that the political and constitutional status of the former republic of Gilgit-Baltisan should be accepted. He also applauded the sacrifice and role of BNF exiled Chairman Abdul Hamid Khan.He said the issue of Gilgit-Baltistan has been highlighted at the international level and it is not easy to suppress the region like in the past. Highlighting the historical struggle of nationalists, he said when the nationalists raised voice against the excesses and injustices done with the region in 1997 they were tortured by the bureaucracy which was an example of state terrorism.He said since then, BNF’s exiled chairman has played a vital role in uniting the nationalists and brining the issue to limelight at the world forums including the United Nations. He said it was due to Abdul Hamid Khan that the world came to know about the reality of the Gilgit-Baltistan issue.
Failed state not acceptable: KNM
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Failed state not acceptable: KNM
Chilas: Leader Karakurum National Movement (KNM) Ghufran Batukhel has said that religious, military and political troika’s controversial statements have embarrassed the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.Talking to Bange Sahar here, he said troika has plunged the country into an ocean of poverty, ignorance and deprivation. He accused the establishment for looting the ruling party and said whenever Pakistan felt a danger it turned face from Kashmir issue.He said people of Gilgit-Baltistan should get united to struggle for the national cause. He said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will never want to be part of a failed state.
Failed state not acceptable: KNM
Chilas: Leader Karakurum National Movement (KNM) Ghufran Batukhel has said that religious, military and political troika’s controversial statements have embarrassed the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.Talking to Bange Sahar here, he said troika has plunged the country into an ocean of poverty, ignorance and deprivation. He accused the establishment for looting the ruling party and said whenever Pakistan felt a danger it turned face from Kashmir issue.He said people of Gilgit-Baltistan should get united to struggle for the national cause. He said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will never want to be part of a failed state.
Renaming NAs not to change its destiny: Ali
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Renaming NAs not to change its destiny: Ali
By Our Correspondent
Gilgit: Renowned nationalist and progressive activist of Gilgit-Baltistan Sher Ali, a senior advocate has said that problems of the region cannot be solved by changing its name, however, the unanimous resolution of renaming the region as Gilgit-Baltistan by the so-called northern areas legislative assembly is not less than a miracle.Talking to journalists here he said that a number of resolutions were approved by the assembly in the past but not a single one was implemented practically. He slammed the local political leadership saying that despite knowing their capacity, the members of legislative assembly are befooling people.He accused the KANA division and federal government for depriving the region of its legitimate rights and said whenever any step is taken by local leadership regarding constitutional status they announce packages which only benefits the members of legislative assembly.He maintained that people of the region are living very miserable lives but KANA division cares only for the members of legislative assembly.
Renaming NAs not to change its destiny: Ali
By Our Correspondent
Gilgit: Renowned nationalist and progressive activist of Gilgit-Baltistan Sher Ali, a senior advocate has said that problems of the region cannot be solved by changing its name, however, the unanimous resolution of renaming the region as Gilgit-Baltistan by the so-called northern areas legislative assembly is not less than a miracle.Talking to journalists here he said that a number of resolutions were approved by the assembly in the past but not a single one was implemented practically. He slammed the local political leadership saying that despite knowing their capacity, the members of legislative assembly are befooling people.He accused the KANA division and federal government for depriving the region of its legitimate rights and said whenever any step is taken by local leadership regarding constitutional status they announce packages which only benefits the members of legislative assembly.He maintained that people of the region are living very miserable lives but KANA division cares only for the members of legislative assembly.
No compromise on dam royalty, NALA told
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
No compromise on dam royalty, NALA told
By Our Correspondent
GILGIT: Northern Areas Chief Executive Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan told the legislative assembly on Thursday that he had made it clear to the federal government that there would be no compromise on the rights of Diamer-Bhasha dam’s royalty, adding the centre had agreed in principal to give the people of Gilgit-Baltistan the right.He said during a meeting with the prime minister, he had demanded that the rights of the region should be ensured.The house witnessed a heated debate on a resolution tabled by Fida Mohammad Nahshad regarding creation of new districts in Skardu comprising Kharmang and Shigar subdivisions. The resolution was, however, passed despite demand by Haider Khan and Ali Murad to also make Yasin and Gupis as well as Darel and Tangir subdivisions as new districts.The house endorsed the resolution of Amna Ansari demanding formation of Gilgit-Baltistan Education Foundation, but Haider Khan opposed the name Gilgit-Baltistan and said it was not approved by the government so this could not be called as an official name.Adviser on food and information Sikandar Ali told the house that the food department did not issue licences for establishment of mills rather it was the department of industries which had the power.
No compromise on dam royalty, NALA told
By Our Correspondent
GILGIT: Northern Areas Chief Executive Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan told the legislative assembly on Thursday that he had made it clear to the federal government that there would be no compromise on the rights of Diamer-Bhasha dam’s royalty, adding the centre had agreed in principal to give the people of Gilgit-Baltistan the right.He said during a meeting with the prime minister, he had demanded that the rights of the region should be ensured.The house witnessed a heated debate on a resolution tabled by Fida Mohammad Nahshad regarding creation of new districts in Skardu comprising Kharmang and Shigar subdivisions. The resolution was, however, passed despite demand by Haider Khan and Ali Murad to also make Yasin and Gupis as well as Darel and Tangir subdivisions as new districts.The house endorsed the resolution of Amna Ansari demanding formation of Gilgit-Baltistan Education Foundation, but Haider Khan opposed the name Gilgit-Baltistan and said it was not approved by the government so this could not be called as an official name.Adviser on food and information Sikandar Ali told the house that the food department did not issue licences for establishment of mills rather it was the department of industries which had the power.
Hunza hit by food and power shortage
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Hunza hit by food and power shortage
By Zulfiqar Ali Khan
HUNZA-NAGAR: The people of Hunza-Gojal are facing hardships due to electricity outages and shortage of wheat supply. The power situation is worsening, as winter is getting harsher. The unchecked increase in the prices of gas, wood and other energy sources has further aggravated the problems of the local people. Despite protests and demonstrations, authorities are unable to solve the problem. The NAPWD has further increased the load shedding duration in central and lower Hunza while the people of upper Hunza-Gojal are facing unannounced outages. People are also complaining about irregularities in supply and distribution of subsidised wheat and flour in the valley. According to sources, the Civil Supply depot in Aliabad, Hunza has storage of only 150 bags of wheat, which is not enough, even for one day. The General Secretary of All Hunza Union Council in a statement said that Amir Khan, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Hunza, had announced an increase in quota of 5,144 bags of wheat for Hunza bit it was simply to end the shutter down strike. He said Hunza was receiving the wheat quota according to 1998 population census. He demanded to ensure storage of wheat for three months as the region was totally dependent on KKH for supply.Aziz Jan, Chairman Union Council Gojal-1charged that officials were distributing local quota among the non-local government employees and favourites. He said these officials were also involved in smuggling the wheat out of the union council.He said the Union Council has not received 700 bags of wheat from the quota. He called upon the local administration to develop proper mechanism for the equal distribution of wheat and flour among the people. He said AC Hunza had assured him to investigate this issue and avoid such incidents in future. He complained that the employees at Khyber Power station were not properly fulfilling their duties and were violating the load-shedding schedule in different villages.The owner of the Hunza Flour Mill Hassanabad also complained regarding delays in supply of wheat, which ultimately resulted in delay of supply of flour to local dealers. Talking to this correspondent, Socrat Aman Rana, Assistant Commissioner, Hunza, said that with the onset of winter the demand for electricity had increased forcing NAPWD to increase the load shedding hours. He said the Hassanabad Power station had the capacity to produce only 1100 KW while the actual demand was for 3300 KW. He said the diesel generators were not functional as fund was not available for fuel.Regarding the wheat shortage, he said that he would hold a meeting with the Civil Supply Organization officials soon in order to discuss the problem. He said Hunza had a little shortfall in wheat quota till October but the quota for November was not received. He said the situation would get better after the opening of newly constructed bridge on KKH. He said NATCO had assured trucks for timely transportation of wheat.
Hunza hit by food and power shortage
By Zulfiqar Ali Khan
HUNZA-NAGAR: The people of Hunza-Gojal are facing hardships due to electricity outages and shortage of wheat supply. The power situation is worsening, as winter is getting harsher. The unchecked increase in the prices of gas, wood and other energy sources has further aggravated the problems of the local people. Despite protests and demonstrations, authorities are unable to solve the problem. The NAPWD has further increased the load shedding duration in central and lower Hunza while the people of upper Hunza-Gojal are facing unannounced outages. People are also complaining about irregularities in supply and distribution of subsidised wheat and flour in the valley. According to sources, the Civil Supply depot in Aliabad, Hunza has storage of only 150 bags of wheat, which is not enough, even for one day. The General Secretary of All Hunza Union Council in a statement said that Amir Khan, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Hunza, had announced an increase in quota of 5,144 bags of wheat for Hunza bit it was simply to end the shutter down strike. He said Hunza was receiving the wheat quota according to 1998 population census. He demanded to ensure storage of wheat for three months as the region was totally dependent on KKH for supply.Aziz Jan, Chairman Union Council Gojal-1charged that officials were distributing local quota among the non-local government employees and favourites. He said these officials were also involved in smuggling the wheat out of the union council.He said the Union Council has not received 700 bags of wheat from the quota. He called upon the local administration to develop proper mechanism for the equal distribution of wheat and flour among the people. He said AC Hunza had assured him to investigate this issue and avoid such incidents in future. He complained that the employees at Khyber Power station were not properly fulfilling their duties and were violating the load-shedding schedule in different villages.The owner of the Hunza Flour Mill Hassanabad also complained regarding delays in supply of wheat, which ultimately resulted in delay of supply of flour to local dealers. Talking to this correspondent, Socrat Aman Rana, Assistant Commissioner, Hunza, said that with the onset of winter the demand for electricity had increased forcing NAPWD to increase the load shedding hours. He said the Hassanabad Power station had the capacity to produce only 1100 KW while the actual demand was for 3300 KW. He said the diesel generators were not functional as fund was not available for fuel.Regarding the wheat shortage, he said that he would hold a meeting with the Civil Supply Organization officials soon in order to discuss the problem. He said Hunza had a little shortfall in wheat quota till October but the quota for November was not received. He said the situation would get better after the opening of newly constructed bridge on KKH. He said NATCO had assured trucks for timely transportation of wheat.
The musician tribes of Gilgit Baltistan
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
The musician tribes of Gilgit Baltistan
By Noor Muhammad
Our beautiful valleys reverberate with ecstatic sounds of the drum and melodious voice of the pipe, as the hypnotic human yells echo, synchronized with the sounds of clapping and laughter, and we dance, celebrating this or that event. Very few people notice the three, or six or nine musicians, depending on the ’status’ of the party thrower, that are producing these wonderful rhythms of sound.They play the instruments, we dance. They enhance our happiness and we enhance their sufferings. We consider them inferior, even if their art is the nectar of our happiness and their mastery of the art the solace of pride.All rhetoric about the teachings of Islam and humanity come trembling down, as one looks at the plight of the thousands of musicians – by inheritance in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The ancient societies have systematically discriminated against these artists, their families and always considered them as the other, the inferiors, practically, the creatures of a lesser God!The ancient and existing social systems of hatred, ridicule, neglect and discrimination directed at them have affected these fellow human beings to the extent that not only they refuse to share their language with rest of us, they also don’t communicate in the language of their ancestors, inside their homes. Seldom have groups of human beings suffered so much at the hands of their fellow human beings.Such attitude towards the master musicians who have not only given us wonderful music but are also custodians of a language that is unique to them, but part of our region’s collective cultural heritage!!Many people argue that there has been a slight shift in attitudes towards the profession of musicians over the past decade. They cite the example of KADO’s efforts for de-casting the profession of musicians, by encouraging and facilitating youth from tribes other than the Bayris, to learn the skills for playing traditional musical instruments and, more importantly, use their mastery of the instruments for earning their livelihood. This, definitely, is tantamount to hammering the chains of stigmatization and exclusion. Thanks to the efforts of KADO, today, playing traditional musical instruments is no more a hereditary profession.However, we, the youth, need to reflect on how much has our attitude changed towards the musicians and what strategies and steps need to be devised, further, to bring the musician tribes into the social mainstream.One step in this regard can be launching of initiatives, at individual and organizational levels, where the elders and youth belonging to the traditional musician tribes are able to express themselves, artistically, through music, dance, poetry and photographs, telling us more and more about their feelings, their conditions, their language and other elements of cultural heritage.Taking such a step is important because the elder generation of the traditional musician tribes is decreasing, with every passing day. The younger generation, gradually modernizing their modes of livelihood and integrating with rest of the region’s community might not be fully aware of the rich traditions that are unique to them. One of these examples is the Domaki language.While the musicians have successfully kept their language to themselves, they have been expressing themselves – their hatred, love, affection, distrust and resentment, through music, it is commonly believed in Hunza.The musicians in Hunza, at least, were required to play music for the rulers of the fiefdom, as they prepared to sleep. In Wakhi this particular tune is known as “Eynuk-e-Soz” (The tune of sleep). The tune, many believe, is full of abuses for the ancient rulers, who would make the musicians play – not caring for their sleep needs, while attempting to enter the valley of dreams themselves, riding on the beats of Dadang, Damal and the voice of Surinai.But such expressions might not be confined to the ruling elite, only, because they were not the only discriminators against the musicians. The entire society, rich or poor, ruler or subject, men or women and young or old discriminated against the musicians so we can expect that there might be some other musical tunes or “Hareeps” directed at rest of the society, as well.Decoding such rare and creative expression of human feelings, if they exist, against social injustice could be a proof that human beings don’t enjoy ‘disempowerment’, be that political, economic or cultural. Besides, it will also help preservation of the unique heritage of the musicians.It is impossible to expect such a step from a careless government that has not been able to provide adequate food, health, education and water to its citizens. Resourceful and relevant local NGOs can create such projects, with or without the help of national and international organizations.
The musician tribes of Gilgit Baltistan
By Noor Muhammad
Our beautiful valleys reverberate with ecstatic sounds of the drum and melodious voice of the pipe, as the hypnotic human yells echo, synchronized with the sounds of clapping and laughter, and we dance, celebrating this or that event. Very few people notice the three, or six or nine musicians, depending on the ’status’ of the party thrower, that are producing these wonderful rhythms of sound.They play the instruments, we dance. They enhance our happiness and we enhance their sufferings. We consider them inferior, even if their art is the nectar of our happiness and their mastery of the art the solace of pride.All rhetoric about the teachings of Islam and humanity come trembling down, as one looks at the plight of the thousands of musicians – by inheritance in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The ancient societies have systematically discriminated against these artists, their families and always considered them as the other, the inferiors, practically, the creatures of a lesser God!The ancient and existing social systems of hatred, ridicule, neglect and discrimination directed at them have affected these fellow human beings to the extent that not only they refuse to share their language with rest of us, they also don’t communicate in the language of their ancestors, inside their homes. Seldom have groups of human beings suffered so much at the hands of their fellow human beings.Such attitude towards the master musicians who have not only given us wonderful music but are also custodians of a language that is unique to them, but part of our region’s collective cultural heritage!!Many people argue that there has been a slight shift in attitudes towards the profession of musicians over the past decade. They cite the example of KADO’s efforts for de-casting the profession of musicians, by encouraging and facilitating youth from tribes other than the Bayris, to learn the skills for playing traditional musical instruments and, more importantly, use their mastery of the instruments for earning their livelihood. This, definitely, is tantamount to hammering the chains of stigmatization and exclusion. Thanks to the efforts of KADO, today, playing traditional musical instruments is no more a hereditary profession.However, we, the youth, need to reflect on how much has our attitude changed towards the musicians and what strategies and steps need to be devised, further, to bring the musician tribes into the social mainstream.One step in this regard can be launching of initiatives, at individual and organizational levels, where the elders and youth belonging to the traditional musician tribes are able to express themselves, artistically, through music, dance, poetry and photographs, telling us more and more about their feelings, their conditions, their language and other elements of cultural heritage.Taking such a step is important because the elder generation of the traditional musician tribes is decreasing, with every passing day. The younger generation, gradually modernizing their modes of livelihood and integrating with rest of the region’s community might not be fully aware of the rich traditions that are unique to them. One of these examples is the Domaki language.While the musicians have successfully kept their language to themselves, they have been expressing themselves – their hatred, love, affection, distrust and resentment, through music, it is commonly believed in Hunza.The musicians in Hunza, at least, were required to play music for the rulers of the fiefdom, as they prepared to sleep. In Wakhi this particular tune is known as “Eynuk-e-Soz” (The tune of sleep). The tune, many believe, is full of abuses for the ancient rulers, who would make the musicians play – not caring for their sleep needs, while attempting to enter the valley of dreams themselves, riding on the beats of Dadang, Damal and the voice of Surinai.But such expressions might not be confined to the ruling elite, only, because they were not the only discriminators against the musicians. The entire society, rich or poor, ruler or subject, men or women and young or old discriminated against the musicians so we can expect that there might be some other musical tunes or “Hareeps” directed at rest of the society, as well.Decoding such rare and creative expression of human feelings, if they exist, against social injustice could be a proof that human beings don’t enjoy ‘disempowerment’, be that political, economic or cultural. Besides, it will also help preservation of the unique heritage of the musicians.It is impossible to expect such a step from a careless government that has not been able to provide adequate food, health, education and water to its citizens. Resourceful and relevant local NGOs can create such projects, with or without the help of national and international organizations.
Gilgit second largest potato producer after Bolochistan
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Gilgit second largest potato producer after Bolochistan
By Tika Khan
Northern Areas by virtue of its geography and climate offer heavenly conditions to several vegetables and fruits. Northern Areas stand parallel to Balouchistan province in potato production and its sale is around 30,000 metric tones-MT per year.Sindh is lagging far behind in this regard and produces only 2712 MT, however, Punjab and NWFP are the leaders in this respect and produce 2407483 and 129529MT respectively.Farmer community across Northern Areas and down country in general and Hunza/Nagar particularly witnessed 2008 very cruel and risky.Inflated rates of chemical fertilizers and transportation critically anguished the poor farmer community across the regions.In 2006 fertilizers was available for around Rs800, which soared to Rs2200 in 2007-8. Most of the poor farmers across the regions did not use Nitrophos, which is important to reclaim fertility in the fields because farmers do not practice crop rotation methods.Inaccessibility to chemical fertilizers was observed as a major cause of meager potato production. Farmer communities in the regions of Hunza/Nagar sold only 12250 MT which is almost 25% less than the previous year-2007.In terms of cash earning from potato sale, farmers remained fluky for selling 100KG bag for Rs1500 (average) as compared to Rs800 in 2007. During 2007 farmers from the region had earned Rs122.5 million rupees which increased up to Rs183.75m in 2008 with a net increase of 61m. Inflated fertilizer prices throughout the year impacted negatively on an overall production of potato but were fortunate for having reasonable sale price. Bridge accident at Gilgit took off more than 20m from farmers as potato contractors paid extra pennies for potato transportation across the suspension bridge Chinar Bagh Gilgit at a rate of Rs150-200 per bag. Contractors charged this amount directly from the poor farmers.Another reason for decreased production was the low price in 2007 i.e. Rs.800 in an average, whereas in some cases farmers had bitter experience of selling potatoes just for 300-400 rupees per bag. This type of astringent experiences equally influenced the farmers’ psyche to think beyond potato resulting in poor production.2009 production depends on the subsidies by the government on chemical fertilizers, however, wheat and flour crisis in the area for the last several months has compelled the farmer community to think towards wheat cropping. In rest of the country, farmers will enjoy the facility of crop insurances that can encourage farmer community to work hard in their fields but there is no such a service/facility introduced in the northern areas and farmer community is looking towards their masters to decide their fate.According to the estimates and predictions by the Economist Intelligent Unit-UK, agricultural production growth in the country will rise by 2.7 percent in 2009 but this seems to be a dream in Northern Areas’ context, where multiple factors decide the entire process. Agriculture bank limited has not yet written off small loans valuing upto Rs.50,000 which was announced by the then president, Musharaf. Subsidies on agriculture commodities, field to market access, proviso of irrigation water, agriculture financing and provision of crop insurance can help thousands of farmers across the regions in Gilgit-Baltistan to contribute into national income and self sufficiency level.
Gilgit second largest potato producer after Bolochistan
By Tika Khan
Northern Areas by virtue of its geography and climate offer heavenly conditions to several vegetables and fruits. Northern Areas stand parallel to Balouchistan province in potato production and its sale is around 30,000 metric tones-MT per year.Sindh is lagging far behind in this regard and produces only 2712 MT, however, Punjab and NWFP are the leaders in this respect and produce 2407483 and 129529MT respectively.Farmer community across Northern Areas and down country in general and Hunza/Nagar particularly witnessed 2008 very cruel and risky.Inflated rates of chemical fertilizers and transportation critically anguished the poor farmer community across the regions.In 2006 fertilizers was available for around Rs800, which soared to Rs2200 in 2007-8. Most of the poor farmers across the regions did not use Nitrophos, which is important to reclaim fertility in the fields because farmers do not practice crop rotation methods.Inaccessibility to chemical fertilizers was observed as a major cause of meager potato production. Farmer communities in the regions of Hunza/Nagar sold only 12250 MT which is almost 25% less than the previous year-2007.In terms of cash earning from potato sale, farmers remained fluky for selling 100KG bag for Rs1500 (average) as compared to Rs800 in 2007. During 2007 farmers from the region had earned Rs122.5 million rupees which increased up to Rs183.75m in 2008 with a net increase of 61m. Inflated fertilizer prices throughout the year impacted negatively on an overall production of potato but were fortunate for having reasonable sale price. Bridge accident at Gilgit took off more than 20m from farmers as potato contractors paid extra pennies for potato transportation across the suspension bridge Chinar Bagh Gilgit at a rate of Rs150-200 per bag. Contractors charged this amount directly from the poor farmers.Another reason for decreased production was the low price in 2007 i.e. Rs.800 in an average, whereas in some cases farmers had bitter experience of selling potatoes just for 300-400 rupees per bag. This type of astringent experiences equally influenced the farmers’ psyche to think beyond potato resulting in poor production.2009 production depends on the subsidies by the government on chemical fertilizers, however, wheat and flour crisis in the area for the last several months has compelled the farmer community to think towards wheat cropping. In rest of the country, farmers will enjoy the facility of crop insurances that can encourage farmer community to work hard in their fields but there is no such a service/facility introduced in the northern areas and farmer community is looking towards their masters to decide their fate.According to the estimates and predictions by the Economist Intelligent Unit-UK, agricultural production growth in the country will rise by 2.7 percent in 2009 but this seems to be a dream in Northern Areas’ context, where multiple factors decide the entire process. Agriculture bank limited has not yet written off small loans valuing upto Rs.50,000 which was announced by the then president, Musharaf. Subsidies on agriculture commodities, field to market access, proviso of irrigation water, agriculture financing and provision of crop insurance can help thousands of farmers across the regions in Gilgit-Baltistan to contribute into national income and self sufficiency level.
Will things change..?
Weekly Bang-e-Sahar Karachi Saturday, December 6——–December 12, 2008
Will things change..?
By Rubab Ruby
The chain of events taking place in the forsaken land of ours had given me the notion that something is going to change but I was mistaken. I had really not understood the very basis of our politics. Granting of Azad Kashmir like set up, reopening of Skardu Kargil route, nationalist’s successful rallies and seminars and renaming of the region but than came the sad Mumbai carnage which gave every thing a U-turns. Every move regarding resolution of Kashmir dispute and good ties between Pakistan and India is alleged to conspire against the carnage and once more we are back in the early nineties. Isn’t it folly????We seem to be like that enthusiastic child who starts running and runs tremendously but when the childhood stamina speaks, the child falls down and remains where he was at the start of the race. Mumbai carnage revealed that we were slaves, we are slaves and if beurocracy and religious puppets are given this freehand we will remain slave. my phrases should not be taken as the extreme negativity or state of low esteem instead one should ponder upon the system that we dwell in. A state where beurocray and uniforms rule, where religion is taken not as a cod of ethics but a tool to conspire and religious leaders are not scholars or those with a scholastic approach but mere illiterates paid by the intelligence agencies to work for underground cause. Where legislators are criminals involved in heinous crimes against women in the name of cultural and where those making laws make it for the ‘public minus themselves’ where press is but a mere puppet or loud speaker of one particular group or school of thought, where news and opinions have no worth but to fill the space of a newspaper, where a successful journalist is one who can write to length in favor of every ruler.Can one expect any true movement to gain grounds in such conditions? The answer would of course be a big no! The way in which the Azad Kashmir like set up was propagated by the local leadership of PPP reminds me of my childhood tale. The story called sleeping beauty. it seemed as if the political heavy weights of Gilgit Baltistan are finally awaken but no they never will wake no matter the nation sinks in an occasion of deprivations they will remain in the state of comma as long as they get there monthly salaries from the federal capital. A political leader alleged some unseen hands for conspiring to make Gilgit Baltistan a mini Israel. That was not all but he went a step forward and explained the conspiracy theory in the light of his own limited negative knowledge but our local leadership cheered instead of uttering any justification or clarity. To rub salt into the wounds that bearded man is no one else but chairman Kashmir committee. Will we get the very bite of what we deserve if such leaders are given the reins of our future? Will we get anything like independence or rights and last but not the least has Mr. Moulana got any slightest idea of the ever repeated word called rights? A man for whom female is nothing but a child producing machine, a child is bred for nothing but to fight in the name of God and education means nothing but rot learning of the holy Quran and every thing that deviates from his idea is forbidden. Every person who disagrees with him is an infidel. Any one pointing out his mistakes is a spy of Jews and Jews… well the very word irritates this man. They are alive and this is forbidden as Mr. Chairman Calls they are alive because to provide the Muslims with the key to heaven.This as every one knows is the killing of Jews. Anything that is made by Jews is haraam according to this man but he feels comfortable with Pepsi, nokia and all other technological machines made by Jews.Granting such a person with such sensitive position makes any sense? Will this man resolve Kashmir issue? Is anyone from both sides of Kashmir prepared to talk to this man? Will such conservative extremists in the corridors of power do any good to the Kashmir cause than top sabotage it? It is not that Mr. Zardari found Moulana the best option but he bestowed Moulana just to make his dangling position in the coalition. Every politico plays the Kashmir cause just to elongate his days in office. People of Gilgit Baltistan and both sides of Kashmir need to struggle on there own. They need to make there own decisions they need to take there rights not beg there rights. Other wise people like Moulana will come and o and the people of Jamu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will get nothing but allegations of plying for incidents like the sad Mumbai carnage. We need to assure the world that we believe in a peaceful struggle and we struggle on own powers for our own rights and should save our movement from the dirty eyes of paid politicians.
Will things change..?
By Rubab Ruby
The chain of events taking place in the forsaken land of ours had given me the notion that something is going to change but I was mistaken. I had really not understood the very basis of our politics. Granting of Azad Kashmir like set up, reopening of Skardu Kargil route, nationalist’s successful rallies and seminars and renaming of the region but than came the sad Mumbai carnage which gave every thing a U-turns. Every move regarding resolution of Kashmir dispute and good ties between Pakistan and India is alleged to conspire against the carnage and once more we are back in the early nineties. Isn’t it folly????We seem to be like that enthusiastic child who starts running and runs tremendously but when the childhood stamina speaks, the child falls down and remains where he was at the start of the race. Mumbai carnage revealed that we were slaves, we are slaves and if beurocracy and religious puppets are given this freehand we will remain slave. my phrases should not be taken as the extreme negativity or state of low esteem instead one should ponder upon the system that we dwell in. A state where beurocray and uniforms rule, where religion is taken not as a cod of ethics but a tool to conspire and religious leaders are not scholars or those with a scholastic approach but mere illiterates paid by the intelligence agencies to work for underground cause. Where legislators are criminals involved in heinous crimes against women in the name of cultural and where those making laws make it for the ‘public minus themselves’ where press is but a mere puppet or loud speaker of one particular group or school of thought, where news and opinions have no worth but to fill the space of a newspaper, where a successful journalist is one who can write to length in favor of every ruler.Can one expect any true movement to gain grounds in such conditions? The answer would of course be a big no! The way in which the Azad Kashmir like set up was propagated by the local leadership of PPP reminds me of my childhood tale. The story called sleeping beauty. it seemed as if the political heavy weights of Gilgit Baltistan are finally awaken but no they never will wake no matter the nation sinks in an occasion of deprivations they will remain in the state of comma as long as they get there monthly salaries from the federal capital. A political leader alleged some unseen hands for conspiring to make Gilgit Baltistan a mini Israel. That was not all but he went a step forward and explained the conspiracy theory in the light of his own limited negative knowledge but our local leadership cheered instead of uttering any justification or clarity. To rub salt into the wounds that bearded man is no one else but chairman Kashmir committee. Will we get the very bite of what we deserve if such leaders are given the reins of our future? Will we get anything like independence or rights and last but not the least has Mr. Moulana got any slightest idea of the ever repeated word called rights? A man for whom female is nothing but a child producing machine, a child is bred for nothing but to fight in the name of God and education means nothing but rot learning of the holy Quran and every thing that deviates from his idea is forbidden. Every person who disagrees with him is an infidel. Any one pointing out his mistakes is a spy of Jews and Jews… well the very word irritates this man. They are alive and this is forbidden as Mr. Chairman Calls they are alive because to provide the Muslims with the key to heaven.This as every one knows is the killing of Jews. Anything that is made by Jews is haraam according to this man but he feels comfortable with Pepsi, nokia and all other technological machines made by Jews.Granting such a person with such sensitive position makes any sense? Will this man resolve Kashmir issue? Is anyone from both sides of Kashmir prepared to talk to this man? Will such conservative extremists in the corridors of power do any good to the Kashmir cause than top sabotage it? It is not that Mr. Zardari found Moulana the best option but he bestowed Moulana just to make his dangling position in the coalition. Every politico plays the Kashmir cause just to elongate his days in office. People of Gilgit Baltistan and both sides of Kashmir need to struggle on there own. They need to make there own decisions they need to take there rights not beg there rights. Other wise people like Moulana will come and o and the people of Jamu Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will get nothing but allegations of plying for incidents like the sad Mumbai carnage. We need to assure the world that we believe in a peaceful struggle and we struggle on own powers for our own rights and should save our movement from the dirty eyes of paid politicians.
Bang–21
