KASHMIR and IDPs

By K.N. Pandit

A year and a half ago I wrote a piece on what I wished our community ought to be in times to come. My ideas appeared outlandish to many community members. I received many brickbats, not unexpectedly.

However, there were some well- meaning friends who thought that my ideas needed to be considered with seriousness. I would like to reflect on one or two aspects once again in the hope that it helps community members in making some realistic introspection.

Much is said about Kashmiri Hindu culture. In most of community meetings allusion is made to our past heritage, rich cultural manifestations, specific life style, language etc. Often running commentaries on these subjects are made generally by those who have had not the opportunity of either studying any authentic book of Kashmir history and civilization or having interacted with academia in all seriousness on the subject.  Continue Reading…

prepared for the HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL in GENEVA

Linked with Paul Beersmans – Belgium,  with the Belgian Association for Solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir BASJAK, and with our today’s other excerpt: JAMMU AND KASHMIR – A SUCCESS STORY, on our blog Economy and Society.

Excerpt of a 25 pages report, December 2008:

… 4. CONCLUSIONS ON THE MEETINGS AND THE INTERVIEWS

a. J&K, as it was before partition in 1947, is at present under the rule of three countries:

• (1) China: Aksai Chin and a territory of 5.180 km2 ceded by Pakistan to China;
• (2) India: J&K State comprising Jammu Region, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh;
• (3) Pakistan: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas).   Continue Reading…

By K.N. Pandita

Fundamental Rights are enshrined in the Constitution of India.  They guarantee that all citizens of India will lead their life in peace as long as they live in Indian democracy. In common language these rights are called civil liberties and they have precedence over all other laws of the land.

Unable to lead a life in peace despite prevalence of constitutional democracy is negation of the aforementioned guarantee promised by fundamental rights. Therefore, in the first place, the forcible exodus of a small religious minority from its original place of living shows that their fundamental right of leading a life of peace has been violated. In other words, it means that the state has failed to provide such pre-requisites as are necessary to promote an atmosphere conducive to lead a life of peace. In legal language a government that fails to provide and protect the fundaments rights is an illegitimate government. Continue Reading…