From Mumtaz
Sep. 9th 2002
His Excellency,
Mr.George W.Bush
President of USA
Subject: Solidirity with your nation and agenda against terrorirsm, on the occasion of September 11th Anniversary
Dear Sir,
Let me take this opportunity of September 1tth’s Anniversary to express our solidirity and support for the People of United States of America and for your leadership that has demonstrated resolve to fight back the ugly and barbaric form of terrorism carried out against the American innocent people. Your determinations to fight terrorism and to save the democratic values have encouraged enlightened and democratic peoples around the world.
I know the occasion of Septmber 11 is painful and horrific is for all human being on this planet but victim’s families may confront to painful memories. We equally share grief and sorrow with victim’s familes who underwent a trauma at the loss of their love ones. The tragic barabric incident haunt conscience of every human being and impuls to every one to fight against the terrorists, who have no respect for human being, borders nations and color or creed. The Agenda of the terrorists is to take peoples freedom and peace of mind.
Sir,
We may only extend our moral and political support to your leadership since we have no resources to render any material support service to victim’s families and in your fight against the terrorism.
Sir,
As we have all along been struggling against these facist and extremist forces in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir being nationalist and secular Kashmiri. As you are aware of that our society and people are presently hostage of these government sponsored extremist militants who here in Pakistan held Kashmir and across the border in Indian held Kashmir carrying out violent and bloody activities in the name of Jihad (holy war) and religion. The opponents of Jihad and extremism have been consistently terget of these extremists who do not allow others to express their moderate views.
Sir,
The game of destruction and senseless killings have been going on for last 14 years in the name of Jihad and freedom, and if any moderate voice has ever demonstrated vision and courage to differ with them and yearned for peaceful solution eventually fell victim of their guns.
We, as political party and activists believing in free and independent Kashmir but has always advocated for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. But our pro-peace and progressive political philosophy has only invited government persecution and victimization against us. Unfortunately, Kashmir issue has becom a weapon in the hands of Pakistan military establishment, ISI and its all time ally’s religious forces, to use for political manouverings to capture the power.
Sir,
Today Pakistan Preseident Mushraf if subscribes anti-terrorism views under international pressure but its army and intellegence major segments are still sympatizer and supporter of these extremists in Pakistan. And under the pretext of Kashmir Jihad they offering these Pakistan and foreign extremists’ immunity and shelter in the disguise of kashmiri militants.
Sir,
As your nation and leadership are witness that how one barabaric terrorist attack has cuased trauma and insecurity to the People of North America, to which I, myself is witness too. But your excellency can imagin the situation to which people of Kashmir have been confrnted and going through for past 14 years where their every movement, every day and every breath is at the mercy of these extremist. While these religious extremist feel pride, and kind of certification to seek the heaven by killing non-muslims, and secular people, whome they call infidles. The ongoing bloody violence and senseless killings of innocents amuse and enthuse Pakistan’s intellegence agencies ISI, who reward them highly on carrying out communal and secular peoples killings. Thousands of people have fallen victim of these extremist militants and Indian Security forces.
Sir,
Since US being sole global power enjoys status to prevail politically and militarily on any country, and committed to democracy and freedom, may need to act to stop the violence in Kashmir and press both countries to resolve issue peacefully.
We people under Pakistan control Kashmir where Pakistan’s agency ruthlessness has never let any voice to be raised regarding the fundamental and emocratic rights of the people. The strigent control of Pakistan on its press further diminished any chance for people to get their grievences across the world.
While Gilgit Baltistan people for past 55 years have been deprived of all forms of fundamental and democratic rights.
Pakistan rulers that have been making hue and cry of Kashmiri’s right to self-determination but do not allow people to participate in the elections in so-called Azad Kashmir, who refuse to the sign declarance of allegiance with Pakistan, known as "state’s accession to Pakistan" under the so-called 1974 Constitutional Act. While Gilgit Baltistan people have no right to vote, and niether any Constitutional position.
Pakistan intellegence agencies have resorted to different tactics to margenalise the nationalist and secular political parties by promoting pro-Jihadi parties in the Area. Secondly, they are using Sectarian tactics to divide people along the sectarian lines and to mislead the international community.
The purpose of bringing this situation into your government notice is to enlighten about the political situation of Pakistan held Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan since You will be meeting Pakistan President Pervez Mushraf and may appropriate time to convey our legitimate grievences, and also India Prime Minister Mr.Vajpaee.
We also ask your Excellency to press Pervez Musharaf to shut down the training cmps in the Pakistan controlled Kashmir where these thugs openly attack pro-peace political parties and cadres. We also seek your attention to ask Musharaf to bring the religious schools and groups under the descipline. The religious schools are the root cause of spreading extremist views and culture. We believe that since State department is working on the Kashmir issue, may not disregard us on the behalf of pro-Pakistan elements.
I believe that whenever any decsion was made or opnion be sought we will not be disregarded in this process of finding any lasting solution. We believe your resolve and determination to fight against terrorism will not disregard the violence stricken Kashmiris in despodency. And I believe the best way to pay the tributes to the victim of terrorism to renew the commitment to fight against terrorists and its sponsors relentlessly.
Yours truly,
M.mumtaz Khan
1113-7 Glamorgan Ave Toronto
M1P 2N1 Canada
Ph:(416) 293 5306
Email:[email protected]
................................
1 Nov 2003 19:59:06 -0800 (PST)
From: "mumtaz khan"
Subject: appeal
To: [email protected]
Appeal for urgent action
An immediate action is warranted to secure the safe release of Mr.Bashrat Shafi, a student activist Balawaristan National students Front resident village Hoodor, Tehsil Yasin district Ghezar of Gilgit Baltsiatn, a disputed terrirtory under Pakistan’s direct control.
Mr. Basharat shafi is student and human rights activist only 17 years old who has been engaged in the peaceful struggle to secure the fundamental and democratic rights of the people of Gilgit Baltistan.
As Gilgit Baltistan is a disputed terrirtory recognized by UN resolutions, under Pakistan control and is ruled by the Islamabad directly where people have no fundamental and democratic rights. The Area is ruled without any Constitution and voice for basic rights attracts adverse response from Pakistan authorities.
The people of Gilgit Baltistan have been struggling to get their constitutional and basic rights but Islamabad suppress every such effort that leads to the people’s basic rights.
There are two major nationalist political parties those are often fell victim of Pakistan’s authorities due to their demand to restore people’s fundamental and democratic rights, and define its constitutional control over the area. These two parties are Balawaristan National Front BNF, and Karakarom National Movement KNM.
Mr.Bashrat had participated in the protest rally that had been organized on August 14, 2003 on Pakistan independence day, which is observed as black day by the nationalist political parties of Gilgit Baltistan, BNSF to protest against the Pakistan’s unconstitutional rule and to secure the fundamental rights of the people. But police arrested him under the sedition charges and tortured him physically and mentally due to which he has been suffering from kidney disease and was transferred to Gilgit hospital. As the Lower Court has turned down his bail, and now his bail application is in the Chief Court where chances of his bail are very slim as one member of the Chief Court is known for anti-nationalist views. While health condition of Mr.Basharat shafi is deteriorating day by day since he has been suffering from kidney problem, which is believed to be result of the physical torture he has undergone.
If an immediate action was not taken and outside pressure was not mounted on the authorities, the health of Mr.Basharat Shafi will be at risk.
While another political leader of Karakoram National Movement has somewhere has approached me through the email where he sought help, as he is wanted in sedition charges and went underground to save his life.
The recent report I have received that a political nationalist leader from Pakistan controlled Azad Kashmir Qari Naseer son of Sardar Khan village Phulhari District Sudhnuti, city Trar Khel, politically associated with Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Amanullah, has been kidnapped by the Pakistan ISI, along with two other people whose hereabouts are yet unknown. His abandoned vehicle was found near military camp Hajira Azad Kashmir.
The moves of ISI are intended to stop the voices to raise against the human rights violations taking place in its controlled Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
We urge governments, UNHRC, Amnesty and other NGO’s to raise their concern and press Islamabad to release detained political activists and stop suppression of the nationalist voices in its controlled parts.
M.Mumtaz Khan
.....................................
TERROR IN US
TERRIRISM AGAINST USA
Mumtaz Khan 28 Sep 2001
Dilemma of terrorism needs to respond comprehensively
The long anticipated terrorist attack eventually, took
place on World Trade Center and Pentagon, has rightly
proved the concerns of US policy makers and
government, who for long time has been predicting and
writing that rouge states and elements are becoming
increasing threat to the free world. Though, many
analysts and writers particularly from Muslim
countries had tried to trivialize the potentiality of
terrorist threat by calling it exaggeration or Western
propaganda against the Muslim world, and dismiss all
American concerns and claims regarding terrorism. But
they may not call September 11th terrorist attack as
US government's conspiracy against their people and
country, though such culture widely exist in many
Muslim countries where rulers can go to any extent in
order to stick to the powers. But in developed
countries governments are fairly committed to their
national interests and people.
The recent attack has brought new dimension of
terrorism, which c! an pose potential threat to any
targeted country without carrying much weapons or
explosives, and seem to be enormously difficult to
control these elements. Because, those who are
carrying out such terrorist suicidal attacks are not
motivated by any material gains except the
brainwashing and religious hatred, which is instilled
in their minds against the non-Muslim countries by the
religious zealots. And only non-Muslim countries are
not their target but also Muslim countries and
individuals, subscribe secular views, are equally
target of these forces. As they have succeeded to
carry out massive attacks country like America, which
has enormously increased security measures, and has
potential to respond these terrorists including the
countries involved in harboring them, militarily,
politically and economically. And if they did not
hesitate to target America and its people where
indiscriminately people of all faiths and cultures
have been living peacefully, who fell victim of!
terrorist attacks, and what about the velnurability of
countries those are lacking resources to counter
terrorism .
And it is ample proof that terrorists has no respect
for any religion, nationality, borders, country and
culture . Similarly, countries harboring or sheltering
them have no respect for any color, creed, culture,
border and humanity. Although, they may have many
justifications and interpretations to motivate and
exploit the religious sentiments of the people to
involve them in their terrorist network in the name of
Islam, though no religious teachings permits to kill
innocent people. And question is that why only Muslims
are predominantly involved in terrorist attacks,
whether their target is their own people or any other
nation. As many people not only from Muslims but many
Americans and Western writers argue that attacks
against US is result of US policies toward Muslims,
and its blind support to the Israel, to which majority
of Muslims believe occupying thei! r holy place and
carrying out policy of persecution against
Palestinians. While many other cite the instances of
Iraq where their cities were bombarded and due to the
sanctions children are dying and people are starving.
Presence of Americans troops in Saudi Arabia may is
mentioned another fueling factor. Whereas, American
support to fundamentalists including Osama Bin Laden
in Afghanistan against former USSR, but abruptly
pulled out after withdrawal of USSR from Afghanistan,
leaving Afghanistan in political chaos, which
ultimately torn the country apart over power struggle,
and left it at the mercy of Pakistan ISI, which
installed its supported Talibans against the Rubbani
moderate government, is also believed to be result of
US policy, which ultimately contributed to strengthen
fundamentalism in Afghanistan. And it is further
argued that if US wanted to contain the influence of
fundamentalists in Afghanistan, could have managed but
US deliberately let Taliban consolidate t! heir power.
While US knew Pakistan designs and reasons to aid and
abeit Taliban, to expand its influence into the newly
independent Central Asian States through pan-Islamism,
by using Taliban. Taliban,s and Pakistan's indirect
support to Chechnian Muslim uprising, and US policy of
appeasement to Chechnian uprising further encouraged
Talibans, and helped Pakistan ISI to carry out its
agenda in that Region. While, US concern that its
opposition to Talibans may help to Russian and Iranian
forces to win victory over Taliban where US regional
interests may be marginalized, due to which US
refrained to take clear position on Talibans, and
Pakistan's support to Taliban. Otherwise, there was no
ambiguity that Talibans could not have sustained long
if the military and economical help from Pakistan and
Saudi Arabia had been stopped.
And if US wanted to bring about any political change
in Afghanistan, was in position to do so since it has
had enormous influence on both countries politi! cally
and economically. But US policy was viewed as
endorsement to Pakistan's support to Talibans. Though,
despite above stated situation, which helped the
fundamentalists to grow in Pakistan and Afghanistan,
US has failed deal issue of Taliban seriously. But
Talibans with passage of time began to harbor and
sponsor all terrorists openly in Afghanistan where
Talibans and Osama Bin Laden gradually became source
of inspiration for religious Muslim extremists around
the world. And first time since Soviets invasion in
Afghanistan, all Madaras of Pakistan and Afghanistan
began preaching violent Islamic theology and opened
training camps, by which they Challenged the world
peace and freedom. If US authorities had seriously
decided to combat emerging dangerous trends , Talibans
and Osama were not able to mislead and exploite
religious sentiments of the people. But what needs to
ponder that why extremism and violent trends are
readily being embraced by the Muslim youth, and who is
behind to promote and sponsor such trends, and what
they want to achieve.
But terrorism can not survive or sustain unless it has
any state political and financial support. Individuals
are only tools of the whole network, like Osama Bin
Laden would not be able to muster support or means
unless he had support and protection of Afghanistan.
Similarly Talibans were not able to replace Rabbani
moderate government or sustain international pressure
as well as internal opposition if they were not
receiving support from Pakistan. While Pakistan itself
would not be able to support Talibans since its
internal and external political and economical
constraints were not allowing it to risk its own
integrity unless US flexible policy let Pakistani
regimes to lend support to Talibans. While internally,
Pakistan fundamentalist organizations have
successfully expanded their political influence in the
name of Jihad against India, which keep issuing
threats to US and Israel, to still Washington
intentionally overlook in order to seek cooperation of
Pakistani regim! es against anticipated action against
Afghanistan. While military rule in Pakistan has
proved to be fertile soil for religious fanaticism
since military found them as subservient to vested
interests against the pro-democracy forces.
But if US government had made its policy clear and
stopped Pakistan government from sponsoring Taliban,
terrorist threat could have substantially been reduced
. And when Indian plane had been hijacked few months
ago, to which Talibans supported, and Pakistan
governments had planned and facilitated ,if world
community had demonstrated any strong reaction
terrorist elements or its sponsor states would have
been bit demoralised. But due to what reasons US and
West failed to respond growing terrorism which
inspired them.
Now that world is inching toward the global compaign
against the terrorist network and its sponsor states,
it must have clear objectives and agenda where once
again no other priorities should prevail.
If Washington will view terrorism with its own angle
and refrain to address the concerns of other states
which are directly or indirectly effected from the
terrorism or fundamentalism, will partly resolve the
issue. As currently US has frozen assets of 27
organizations and left many fundamentalist
organizations out of that list. All fundamentalist
organizations must be stream lined because
fundamentalism and terrorism, is the two sides of same
coin. If world community wishes sincerely to respond
the issue of terrorism comprehensively it must not
overlook the reality that terrorism is being nurtured
and bred by the fundamentalist organizations who has
religious theology and stimulate hatred against the
other religion to expand their sphere of influence and
sieze the power. Th! erefore, a genuine commitment is
strongly reqiured to combat against terrorism. And
Washington should not forget that Afghanistan and Osam
Bin Laden is not only Areas of trouble or only source
of terrorism, since there are many other Areas and
soils, playing pivotal role in sheltering terrorism.
Washington should have clear agenda regarding the
governments allowing seminaries to promote such
violent ideology, and religious hatred on their soil.
It is no longer secret that Pakistani soil has been
active base camp to breed fundamentalism where its
dreaded fundamentalist organizations Lashker-e-
Tayaba, Jaish-e-mohammad and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen,
whose leaders publicly vow to destroy the US, Israel
and India. While Pakistani madarsas (religious
schools) are being used by the religious zealots to
equip Muslim youth with violent and destructive
ideology against the US, West and India, which
according to them are infidel states. While Pakistan
every military regime and its agencies patronise
them.. As world should not forget that Talibans are
product of Pakistani madarsas and ISI, and Pakistan,
despite its willingness to cooperate with Washington,
still declines to break its diplomatic ties with
Afghanistan.While presence of ISI contigent in
Afghanistan, are not against the Taliban rather still
protecting them.Question arises who Talibans are, and
why Pakistani regime restraint to end its ties with
Talibans if it does n! ot support them. And World
community should not overlook this fact that Pakistani
madrsas (religious schools) are extensively involved
in promoting and sponsoring fundamentalism in the
region, where they equip youth with violent Islamic
ideology, and train them to destroy the infidle states
in these schools.
If network of madarsas from Pakistan to anywhere in
the world remains intact and respective countries are
not compelled to close such Institutions, which
promote religious hatred, roots of terrorism will
remain there. Because, terrorism is nurtured and bred
in these madarsas in the name of Jihad against
infidels. And if comprehensive strategy and solution
will not be evolved to respond the terrorists threat,
innocent people will pay the price.
Today, when world has realized the potential threat of
terrorism after the attack on US, and ready to go at
any length to deal with this issue must be dealt with
all forms and manifestations. And great responsibility
lies on US not to let any other thing influence over
the top priority of elimination of terrorist threat.
All terrorists and fundamentalist camps and
institutions must be dismantled wherever they are
operating and exist, whether they are in Afghanistan
or Pakistan or within US. But US efforts of seeking
cooperation from Pakistan, raise doubts and concerns
amongst different minds whether US really want to
eradicate terrorism in its totality or partially.
Because Pakistan is a territory where fundamentalists
are running training camps, raising funds in the name
of jihad which is being used to promote terrorism in
and around the region. While their open association
with Osama Bin Laden is an open secret but US
authorities showing no signs of dealing with them. A!
ll Afghan supports come from Pakistan officially and
un-officially to which American government avoids to
talk about. And if fundamentalists manage to survive
at this juncture in Pakistan or anywhere else,
humanity and freedom will remain hostage of
terrorists.
Mohammad Mumtaz Khan
1113-7 Glamorgan Ave
Toronto M1P 2N1 Canada
Ph:(416) 293 5306
..................................
FROM MUMTAZ
His Excellency,
Mr.Kofi Annan
Secretary General Of UNO
Dear Sir,
I would like to draw your attention about the Kashmir
issue which has been experiencing a ongoing violence
for last 11 years where innocent people have been
becoming target of Indian Security Forces and Foreign
Militants. Kashmir where three wars both rival
neighbours have fought in last 53 years and now both
Countries possess nuclear weapons which has moved
South Asia to flashpoint.Both Countries keep blaming
each other and offering different interpretations for
their illegitimate occupation of territory.While
Kashmiris struggle has become hostage of foreign
Militants who now vow to plant flag on Red Fort.
Militancy in Kashmir has made common population
hostage of gun fear and people neither support to
militancy nor reject openly due to the fear of gun.
Pakistan project it as movement of Right of
self-determination of Kashmiris but movement is
launched, controlled by the Pakistani Fundamentalist
Organizations.These Fundamentalist Organizations are
openly recruiting, training and sending their
Religious cadres into Indian held Kashmir.Where these
Organizations are openly targeting non-muslim
population and secular Kashmiris. And such activities
cannot be carried out without the consent of Pakistani
government and neither governemnt of pakistan has ever
brought them to the Justice. Now, because of growing
fundamentalist presence in the Indian held Kashmir,
Pakistan has projected it as Hindu-Muslim issue in
order to depict it as pro-Pakistan militancy. While
non-Muslim population has either left the miltants
stricken Areas while other non-Muslim population
including other Region are totally isolated from
Pakistan based militancy.
People from Pakistani occupied Kashmir did not join
the movement volunteerily except those Kashmiris who
were studying in Pakistani Religious Institutions
where they were forcibly sent to fight against India.
While people of Gilgit Baltistan did not show any sign
of support to the militancy who are confronted with
the Afghan presence in the Area. While Jammu, Ladakh
are already opposed to the militancy from the
beginning. Whereas different sect like shie'ts do not
support the militancy as well, in the Valley.
Pro-Independence Organizations from Pakistani occupied
Kashmir, except JKLF which had started militancy with
the collabration of ISI, opposed militancy from the
very beginning. And reason to oppose was clear
involvement of Pakistani Agencies in it which wanted
to avenge India for Bengladesh defeat. Now 11 years
ongoing violence has proved that militants are not
Kashmiri and they do not want to see peace therer.
Recently, announced Indian PM unilateral ceasfire had
created some hopes for peace but increasing militant
attacks are meant to thawrt these efforts where
consent of Pakistani military Regime seems involved.
Because, if Pakistan was sincere it must had stopped
the militants from carrying out any attacks.Whilel all
other parties had welcomed the Peace initiatives. But
Pakistan,s cosmetic steps, of partial pull out of
forces, sound just to mislead the opinion, since all
the militants are operating from Pakistan whose
acivities are not hidden. And if Pakistani Regime was
not pressed to control its militants or any solution
based on communal lines was imposed,Kashmir may
another future Afghnistan. Therefore, I ask your
excellency that in order to seek any solution,
militancy must be stopped first so that common people
may live without fear and think freely.
Yours truly,
M. Mumtaz Khan
Organizer of United Kashmir Peoples National Party
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