An independent resource on Kashmir for researchers, journalists, academics, and the curious.
November 2003: jammukashmir.net is back on-line and will be updated. Apologies for the lapse over the summer.
| 2002 Archive |
Please note: due to time constraints and a new job with a London-based think-tank, I have been unable to update this archive recently. Hopefully the new editor, Jeffrey Kile, will be able to dedicate more time to the site than I have. Many thanks to the several thousand of you who have commented on or contributed to the site since it was set up in 1999. It has been a real delight finding so many people around the world who both care for and are interested in Kashmir. Alexander Evans. April, 2003
October 20, 2002: Editorial comment We still await the new state government in Jammu & Kashmir. While the PDP has done very well in the Kashmir Valley, Congress has swept Jammu. Neither party wants to cede a lead role in the new state government, and - as a direct result - Kashmir has been (temporarily, all hope) returned to President's rule (direct rule from Delhi). The governor of the state has indicated that there is no deadline for the formation of a fresh government, although whatever and whoever emerges must be able to defend a majority in the state assembly. Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan announce force reductions along their border - although the US continues to press for further de-escalation. The elections in Kashmir have wrought major change. Turnout was much higher than in previous elections, and while Pakistan has condemned the elections as farcical, independent observers have generally commented that these polls have been better than previous ones. As one left-leaning Indian observer group put it, the elections were 'fair but not free'. What else? In an interesting, and probably unrelated, development, Pakistan has announced that the Northern Areas (formally part of Jammu & Kashmir, as UN-defined in 1948) is to have its own chief executive - perhaps responding (in part) to repeated concerns about the lack of accountable representation in the region. Another major feature of Indian Kashmir's elections was the poor performance of the BJP in Jammu region. Its growing presence there was nearly wiped out in these polls - and analysts have now got to work out why. October 11, 2002: Editorial comment OK, I'm rather ashamed. I completely misread (as did most analysts) the Kashmir assembly elections, and didn't predict the near wipe-out of the ruling National Conference and the strong showing of the PDP. All change in Kashmir - and the Government of India has, once more, offered fresh talks with Kashmiris. More analysis here shortly. October 6, 2002: Editorial comment The Kashmir state assembly elections have (so far) been violence-ridden, but official turn-out figures have been surprisingly high - even once higher Jammu turn-out figures are disaggregated from the Kashmir Valley's lower participation rate. Omar Abdullah is poised to become chief minister (a development discussed in my piece in The World Today, October 2002) - and there could be a change of substance and style in the state government thereafter. 4 BSF jawans killed in Lolab explosion Outlookindia.com (Oct 4, 2002) India and Pakistan raise election tension with missiles tests Guardian (Oct 4, 2002) US reiterates support for J&K election Rediff, India (Oct 4, 2002) Militants kill 30 on bloodiest day of Kashmir polls The Independent (Oct 3, 2002) Violence mars third round of Kashmir elections Financial Times (Oct 1, 2002) Turnout in third round of Kashmir voting 41 percent Associated Press (Oct 1, 2002) In Kashmir, voters elect to sit out San Francisco Chronicle (Sep 25, 2002) Mixed response to Kashmir vote BBC (Sep 24, 2002) U.S. Sees Infiltration Rising in Kashmir Reuters (Sep 19, 2002) Separatists kill J&K law minister Mushtaq Lone, 15 others Reuters (Sep 11, 2002) Even PoK is ours, says Advani Indian Express (Sep 11, 2002) US envoy tries to cool tension over Kashmir The Independent (Aug 25, 2002)
August 18, 2002: Editorial comment There is a lot going on in Kashmir - and signs, however tentative, of possible shifts in the APHC position. On August 17 an APHC group met with representatives of the Indian Kashmir committee, led by Ram Jethmalani. This was the first time that the APHC has ever engaged in (open) discussions with a government of India sanctioned group. Where will it lead? In another dramatic development, Dr Farooq Abdullah, the chief minister of Indian Kashmir, reversed his previous position on standing down before the September polls. He did so while meeting the Indian prime minister, Atal Vajpayee, in Delhi on Saturday. Whether this offer is meant to build bridges (Farooq is sore about the Indian government not endorsing him as a possible presidential or vice-presidential candidate), or a rhetorical flourish to defend his position in Srinagar, remains to be seen. Farooq also offered to hold talks with the APHC direct - another major shift in stance. Three other minor developments: Saifuddin Soz has joined the Congress Party, G.M.Shah (a veteran Kashmiri politician) has retired from public life, and Yasin Malik, the detained JKL leader, is to be shifted to a Jammu jail. (Potentially, that means he could be included in talks, as and if they gather pace.) In another signal of easing Indian policy on Kashmir, it was announced on August 17 that mobile telephone services would be permitted in Kashmir (and the North-East) ending a previous de facto ban, justified on security grounds. However, this relaxation will only come into effect following the September/October polls. India's Vajpayee takes a swipe at Pakistan, Myra McDonald, Reuters (August 15, 2002) The usual to and fro of Independence day. The writer Arundhati Roy expressed her contempt for both governments on the Kashmir issue, arguing that people could solve the Kashmir issue - governments could not. Musharraf condemns Islamic militants, BBC (August 14, 202) He also condemned the forthcoming Indian assembly elections in Kashmir - but lambasted Islamists for destroying Pakistan.
Islamic militants kill nine Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir AFP (August 6, 2002) The annual Amarnath pilgrimage in Kashmir - popular with Hindus from across India - has been disturbed by a number of militant incidents. This attack is the latest. What does the future hold? Masood Hussain Economic Times (August 4, 2002) A useful piece on the trifurcation debate. Polls in IHK can't be
alternate plebiscite: Musharraf, Pakistan News Service (August 4, 2002)
Musharraf is not convinced by the Autumn 2002 elections in Indian Kashmir. Farooq rules out poll under Governor's rule Hindustan Times (August 4, 2002). This has been suggested as a means for imposing greater transparency (read combating possible National Conference rigging). It could still happen, particularly if separatist politicians took part in the polls. Dar appoints parallel Hizbul district commander PTI (August 4, 2002) Abdul Majid Dar, the former Valley commander of HM, appoints a parallel HM commander in Kupwara, a northern Valley district prone to militancy. Asgar Abdul Rehman, the previous commander, was shot dead by assailants unknown. He had been a key Dar ally, and had criticised Dar's expulsion from the HM.India Fixes Dates for Kashmir Elections Reuters (August 2, 2002) Assembly elections in four stages at the end of September and the beginning of October 2002 - despite (mild) speculation that they might be delayed to press for participation by opposition politicians like Shabir Shah. No international observers required, says a leading official: No need for foreign observers: Lyngdoh (The Hindu, August 2 2002)Powell Suggests India, Pakistan Are Stalled on Kashmir Issue Washington Post (July 29, 2002) Powell to seek talks on Kashmir The News (Pakistan, July 27, 2002). The US continues to believe that there is a situation between India and Pakistan that needs to be addressed. Richard Armitage is to visit both India and Pakistan in August. What Powell needs to know, Hassan Abbas (Dawn, July 27, 2002). Kashmir militants say camps closed, BBC (July 30, 2002). Indian Police Detain Kashmiri Separatist Leaders , Reuters (Jul 20, 2002) Amidst these detentions, major questions persist about the Autumn 2002 Kashmir Assembly elections. Who will stand - and will the elections be held under central rule?Straw Pakistan mission ends quietly, BBC (July 20, 2002). The British Foreign Secretary doesn't get to meet with either Vajpayee or Musharraf, but the Indian reponse to the latest militant attack (on July 13) suggests that international involvement is worthwhile. Gandhi visits Kashmir victims BBC (Jul 17, 2002) Congress cares about Kashmir too.India could discuss more autonomy for Kashmir , Financial Times (Jul 16, 2002) Another strong FT article on Kashmir (its coverage is pretty good). But the autonomy question is a tough one, bound up with debates over trifurcation (see Jun 30, 2002 below) and questions about whether it will help resolve or amplify Kashmir's problems.25 die in Kashmir attack, BBC (July 13, 2002). A major attack on a Jammu slum challenges US claims, made the same day, that militant infiltration in Kashmir is down. Richard Boucher, the State Department spokesman, had briefed journalists accordingly. Keep the mullahs and pundits away, let sensible people talk Renuka Narayanan, Indian Express (July 10, 2002). An interview with APHC chairman Abdul Ghani Bhat Jack Straw on Kashmir, BBC Q&A session (July 9, 2002). Britain is still keen to help reduce regional tensions. Kashmir's Muslim guerrillas turn to India's Bollywood for tips, AFP (July 7, 2002). Back in the early 1990s, I thought it was interesting that JKLF and HM militants often dressed like the Bollywood counterparts. Even in rejecting India, Kashmiri militants mimiced Indian film characters. Now, it seems, a captured militant claims the films offer helpful tips. Trifurcate Kashmir, RSS demands Indian Express (June 30, 2002) This is controversial, but important. The debate over whether the three components of Indian Jammu & Kashmir (the Kashmir Valley, Jammu region, and Ladakh) should be separated has been gathering pace for a couple of years. Hindu nationalists in Jammu region want it; but the BJP in power does not - because trifurcation could put Indian under greater pressure to consider a wider number of options for the Valley. In mid-July the new deputy Prime Minister of India, L K Advani, rejected this demand, arguing that BJP policy was to oppose trifurcation. This is a sign of the tension between state-level RSS cadres and national BJP policymaking - and perhaps a sign of things to come. June 30, 2002: Kashmir has cooled off, thanks to US diplomatic activity behind the scenes and further Pakistani concessions (an end to covert support for cross-LOC activities by militant groups) and Indian restraint. So what deal has been struck? It seems that it's along the lines of:
Pakistani ambivalence frustrates Kashmir hopes for peace, Washington Post (June 29, 2002). Has the Pakistani government and ISI really pulled the plug on militant groups? Is there still an active internal debate on the subject in Islamabad? We just don't know the answers yet. India, Pakistan situation still dangerous: US envoy - AFP (Jun 29, 2002) Which it is. Kashmir: the religious landscape (beliefnet, June 2002). Vajpayee rules out war with Pakistan BBC (June 28, 2002) Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee says there is "no possibility" of war over Kashmir. Pakistan Says India Troop Pullback Urgently Needed - Reuters (Jun 24, 2002) Pakistan continues to call for troop withdrawal in Kashmir: India, while promising war is not possible, plans to stick with its deployment until September. Kashmir violence highlights diplomatic minefield - Reuters (Jun 28, 2002) There is still the chance of a militant event from outfield returning the region to conflict. India considers direct rule ahead of Kashmir election - Financial Times (Jun 28, 2002) This is extremely interesting. It seems to be a seriously possible that Vajpayee will impose Presidential rule, and hold the Kashmir State Elections under its auspices. This would upset the local National Conference Party, but possibly open the way for India to present the elections as fairer than those before. Trusting Musharraf on Kashmir BBC (June 26, 2002) In a useful analysis, Owen Bennett-Jones explains that Pakistani villagers are supportive of President Musharraf, but any impression that he has given up on Kashmir could produce a backlash.Musharraf firm on Kashmir infiltration - BBC (Jun 25, 2002). A commitment is a commitment. India Rules Out Dialogue With Pakistan - Associated Press (Jun 16, 2002) No talks between India and Pakistan - yet.Kashmir Rebels Attack Chief Minister, Kill Children - Reuters (Jun 15, 2002) Militancy continues, despite the Pakistani change in policy.Rumsfeld: Al-Qaida Operating In Disputed Kashmir Region - Newsday (Jun 13, 2002) followed quickly by No proof that al-Qaeda is in Kashmir, Rumsfeld says - USA Today (Jun 14, 2002). The story here was another visit to the region - Rumsfeld's - and the need to satisfy both India and Pakistan. Rumsfeld miscalculated (was he ill-advised, one wonders, or did he strike out on his own?) by buying in so publicly to India's case. Delhi argues that Al Qaeda has strong links to Kashmiri militant groups - but other commentators seek to strike a balance between the AQ connections that exist (for example, with Jaish) and those that don't much exist (Hizbul Mujahadeen).Video: Brigid Kendall on whether war has been averted in Kashmir on the BBC's Talking Point (June 9, 2002). Click here to see the whole 50 minute programme on video (you need Realplayer to watch this). June 6, 2002: The situation continues to deteriorate. A lead story by Rahul Bedi in London's Daily Telegraph today concludes that we are just weeks away from Indian military strikes. (Click here to read the story; registration with the Telegraph required.) It does look as if India is limbering up for limited military action in the next two weeks, unless active diplomacy by the US can deliver further, visible concessions from Musharraf - and Indian de-escalation. Neither looks likely to happen, now. Instead, the situation oscillates between possible conflict and continuing stalemate. What do we need to know now?
The geographical scale and scope of the conflict in Kashmir, Dana Allen (Mediamonitors.net). A paper on Kashmir. Rebel group chief killed in Indian Kashmir, Reuters (June 6, 2002). The Indians kill an important militant leader in Kashmir. Many more remain, however, showing that military force alone is unlikely to end militancy. Analysis: Kashmir War Scenarios (June 6, 2002) The ubitquitous defence analyst, Brian Cloughley, assesses possible developments for the BBC. Pakistani dictators, Tariq Ali The Frontier Post (June 6, 2002) The socialist commentator suggests that shared sovereignty is the answer to the Kashmir problem. Not much chance of that, right now. U.S. Citizens Strongly Urged to Leave India, Pakistan , Reuters (Jun 5, 2002) A diplomatic signal to India ... or a policy designed simply to protect US citizens? Suspect a bit of both.India proposes joint Kashmir patrols , BBC (Jun 5, 2002) Which Pakistan refuses. Pakistan suggests bolstering a third-party force to monitor the Line of Control. Which India refuses. (And which may have been a part of the UK's offering when Jack Straw visited the region.)Rebels Also Pose Threat to Musharraf , Washington Post (Jun 4, 2002). The point that Kashmiri groups, once abandoned by Pakistan, can wreak havoc in the region - and attack Musharraf's regime - is not heard enough. It's not a sufficient argument to do nothing, but it is an element that all parties ought to be factoring in.June 1, 2002: US Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, is off to India and Pakistan next week. This major visit, in the wake of visits by UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and (in a few days) US Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, shows just how concerned the international community is about the threat of war. See BBC analysis on US policy here. The UK and US governments, along with the UN, have already advised their citizens to leave India and Pakistan. This may reflect a desire to stress the dangers for Delhi in heading for conflict, rather than imminent expectations of war. However, it is a sobering measure. I pray that India, Pakistan will go to war: Dar Outlook magazine, June 3, 2002. Majid Dar, the former Valley commander of the Hizbul Mujahadeen and now believed to be living under Indian protective custody, gives a rare interview to Michael Krepon of the Stimson Center.
Musharraf: Nuclear war is unthinkable, BBC (June 1, 2002) The Pakistani leader plays down concerns, primarily from outside South Asia, that the nuclear option might be used swiftly in the event of major Indo-Pak hostilities. India, Pakistan trade kidnap accusations, BBC (June 1, 2002) Astonishingly, both countries treat their respective diplomatic staff very poorly. While the usual accusation is that purported diplomats are in fact spies, the lack of observation of diplomatic niceties further amplifies the dangers of misperception in a crisis. Diplomats lack the extensive contacts that would help in a crisis situation. Colin Powell interview on Kashmir crisis (May 31, 2002) For Musharraf, being decisive is not an option, The Guardian (May 31, 2002) Kashmiri civilians no longer feel safe, BBC (May 31, 2002) The human fallout in Kashmir continues, with thousands of ordinary Kashmiris displaced and future generations subject to the horrors of mines, which have been extensively laid in areas near to the line of control on both sides. Amnesty International condemns the fact that civilians bear the brunt of the present Indo-Pakistani conflict. To read their press release, click here. (May 30, 2002) Monday May 27, 2002: President Musharraf speaks to the Pakistani nation. In a blunt speech he defiantly states that Pakistan will defend its sovereignty in the face of Indian threats, but does offer a commitment on ending 'cross-border' activity in Kashmir. For extracts, click here. On Sunday Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee asks how long India is expected to wait for action against cross-border terrorism. For extracts, click here. Militant 'admits Pakistani backing' BBC (May 26, 2002) Kashmir photo gallery, The Guardian
Video: BBC World television interview on the crisis, BBC News (May 25, 2002) You need Windows media to watch this. May 24, 2002: India looks poised to take some form of military action against Pakistan, unless Pakistan ends (alleged) support to militant groups in Kashmir, once and for all. Pakistan, though restrained, may not yet have done so - particularly in the case of the Hizbul Mujahadeen. India wants more action to be taken, and equates its role with that of the US in the war on terror. But India is taking a big gamble. Will Musharraf give way? Probably not. Even if he does commit to end all support (a more explicit statement than in his speech of January 12), the tap has been on since 1988. Turning off (covert) support overnight will not end militancy right away. There will still be dripping ... And the radical tail will attempt to do everything in their power to bring down Musharraf as well. Kashmir and terrorism aren't the problem, it's the bomb, Martin Wollacott, The Guardian (May 24, 2002) Pakistan pressured over Kashmir, BBC (May 23, 2002) The US and UN try to press Pakistan into taking more concilatory steps. Nuclear rivals talk tough over Kashmir , BBC (May 22, 2002) The crisis deepens.
May 21, 2002: Abdul Gani Lone, a leading moderate separatist in Indian Kashmir, is assassinated by persons unknown. India blames Pakistani militants; militant groups blame Indian intelligence agencies. Both could gain by Lone's death - as could Hindu fundamentalists. All three have been accused of previous attempts to murder Lone. For a profile of Lone, see Kashmir's voice of moderation (BBC). India expels Pakistani envoy BBC (May 18, 2002) A move by Delhi: Islamabad responds in muted fashion. India says Pakistan responsible for attack, BBC (May 15, 2002). The statement that predicts the turbulent weeks ahead. Militants storm Kashmir army camp BBC (May 14, 2002). Around 35 killed in an attack on an army base near Jammu. Initial reports claim that most of the victims are military; later reports show that most are wives and children of Indian soldiers. Pakistan condemns the attack - somewhat surprisingly.Bin Laden planning to cross over to Kashmir, Kashmir Times (April 20) Reports a Turkish newspaper story claiming the same. It continues to be unlikely, though, as J&K has a relatively strong security grid. Pakistani (or other) territory offers Bin Laden, if he survives, greater prospects for concealment. PAK CRACKDOWN ON MILITANT OUTFITS HAS STRENGTHENED “KASHMIR MOVEMENT”, LONE Kashmir Times (April 19) This report is one of several following intra-Kashmiri talks in Dubai. There may be more going on under the surface than official reports suggest: while not an incipient peace process, at least multiple feelers towards fresh contacts. Earlier this month "Top leaders from the Indian and Pakistani side of Kashmir, and Kashmiri leaders from several countries, held rare and extensive meetings in Dubai on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the overall situation in Kashmir and the peaceful settlement of the dispute. Present at the meetings were Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, chairman of the National Kashmir Committee of Pakistan, Abdul Ghani Lone, leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a conglomerate of 23 parties and Mir Waiz Omar Farooq, also a leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference". See also 'Hurriyat B-Team to visit Pak with poll balloon', Indian Express (April 3, 2002) - another possible low-level contact between the APHC and Pakistani counterparts.3 dead, 27 hurt in Kashmir blast Reuters (April 16, 2002). An explosion in Awantipora's main market demonstrates that political violence in the state continues. Talks with India not in sight: FO Dawn (April 9, 2002). No news here. Kashmir unit of BJP dissolved Times of India (April 3, 2002) Fallout from the communal violence in Gujarat; the BJP's tiny unit in the Kashmir Valley implodes. Hindu hardliners call strike in Kashmir (BBC, March 31, 2002) On Saturday, March 30, ten people were killed in a militant attack on a temple in the mainly Hindu city of Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir. This attack, designed to provoke communal discord, did just that. A major strike and agitation inspired by right-wing Hindu groups in Jammu followed. Geelani rejects polls, harps on UN decrees - Hindustan Times (Mar 27, 2002) Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the Jamaat heavyweight, leaves no room for ambiguity in laying out his position on forthcoming elections in Kashmir. No, no and no. UN resolutions still apply, he insists, and these - for him - are the only way out. Release Yasin Malik, Pakistan tells India - Times of India (Mar 27, 2002) Yasin Malik, the JKLF leader, was arrested on March 25 by Indian authorities following the detention of a woman carrying $100,000 - allegedly illicit funding for him. A forthcoming study on diaspora support to the JKLF points to its dependence on diaspora contributions. Apparently the usual format in the past was hawala payments, but since September 11 hawala to Valley recipients has proven difficult, particularly if there's any kind of political link.European-Atlantic Group dinner on Kashmir, London. Sir David Goodall, GCMG, former British High Commissioner to India, spoke to an audience of about 100 people on 'India and Pakistan: Flashpoint Kashmir'. Senior British officials, retired diplomats, and diplomats from the US, Russia, the Asia-Pacific, India and Pakistan attended. India says no to troop withdrawal - BBC (Mar 25, 2002) No de-escalation yet. There is ample scope for renewed tensions in April and May 2002. Dozens injured in Kashmir blasts - BBC (Mar 22, 2002) More violence. Pakistan 'backs Kashmiri militancy' - BBC (Mar 20, 2002) General Javed Ashraf Qazi, a former ISI chief but currently Pakistan's Communications Minister, claims that the ISI has not run down its Kashmir directorate, claiming that it needs to monitor what is happening in Kashmir. Very mixed messages coming from the Pakistani government: what exactly is the state of play? Vajpayee says Kashmir 'improved' - BBC (Mar 19, 2002) A significant statement from Vajpayee - and one not much reported. To say, in public, that the situation in the state has improved since January is quite something, particularly in the face of domestic political set-backs, and continuing tension with Pakistan. This set off a little speculation among Kashmir watchers in London that a major announcement might be imminent. However, there has been little progress (so I am told) in the Habibullah talks process with separatists and militants.Lashkar strikes again, hits but misses BSF HQ - IndianExpress (Mar 19, 2002) The Lashkar-e-Toiba may be banned by both Pakistan, India, the US and the UK, but it still appears capable of attacks in the Kashmir Valley. Does this type of attack prove Musharraf's commitment to end their actions wrong, or does it show the relative inability of the Government of Pakistan and the ISI to restrict militant groups?Heavy Fire as India, Pakistan End Kashmir Lull - Reuters (Mar 17, 2002) The Line of Control erupts with shelling, again. No chance that thousands of displaced civilians on both sides will make it back to their homes for a while. On March 28, the BBC carried a story that the Indian army would compensate border farmers in the Punjab and Rajasthan, but will they do the same in Kashmir? Kashmir strike over holy hair row - BBC (Mar 15, 2002) On March 14, a BJP politician in Delhi was alleged to have claimed that the hair of the Prophet kept in Srinagar's Hazratbal mosque was not real. Immediately, strikes and demonstrations took place in the Kashmir Valley. Kashmir resonates to events, issues and incidents outside the Valley that have Muslim significance. Interestingly, relics like the hair would be considered unorthodox by Islamist elements within Kashmir.Rebels Threaten to Attack Unveiled Women in Kashmir - Reuters (Mar 14, 2002) The Lashkar-e-Jabbar returns .... After a brief campaign to force women to wear the Burqa last August, including two alleged acid attacks, the Lashkar-e-Jabbar has been quiet. Many analysts are cautious about the supposed group, given it appears to have no Kashmiri political background. (It did gather a little support from the extremist Asiya Andrabi last year, but that's something else). Indian officer wandered into Pakistani air space and nearly started major war - Irish Times (Mar 12, 2002) Accidents happen. This is an astounding story from the well-connected Indian defence journalist, Rahul Bedi. Apparently an Antonov 32, piloted by an Indian officer, got lost after taking off from the newly extended airfield at Kargil. As a result, it strayed into Pakistani territory for 11 minutes. Although fired upon, and damaged, the Indian pilot managed to make it back to Indian territory. Misperception and accident, suggest US analysts of Indo-Pak relations, are some of the most likely causes of conflict between India and Pakistan. Had this aircraft been shot down, could it have precipitated direct conflict between the two countries?
India Riots Taper Off; Toll Hits 485 AP (March 3, 2002) Communal riots cost many lives; but they haven't spread into Kashmir. India rules out Pakistan talks BBC (Feb 25, 2002) Following BJP losses in four state elections, expect a harder central government line on Kashmir. Can the Habibullah process continue apace?SAS joins Kashmir hunt for Bin Laden, Michael Smith, Daily Telegraph, London (February 23, 2002). Lead front-page story in the Telegraph claims that Bin Laden may be in Indian Kashmir, harboured by members of the Harkat ul Mujahadeen. It reports US satellites and other resources being used to locate Bin Laden. It also claims a British SAS team is on the ground, operating with Indian armed forces [this would not be the first time - an SAS force was deployed, briefly, in 1996]. If substantiated, it further emphasises the dangers posed by radical militant groups operating in Kashmir. It will also, inevitably, make it more difficult for Kashmiri civilians and militants to promote their claims. Pakistan Cutting Its Spy Unit's Ties to Some Militants - NY Times (registration req'd) (Feb 20, 2002)Asian Lake Mirrrors Kashmir's sorrows, Sheikh Mushtaq, Reuters (February 20, 2002). The once lovely Wular Lake in northern Kashmir stands neglected today. Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl has been murdered. The United States condemns his murder and Pakistani President Musharraf promises to track down his killers (February 22, 2002). 'Nobody is handing the state over to me', Priya Saghal Outlook (February 25, 2002). Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah's (prodigal) son. If this man isn't chief minister in Kashmir by 2003, then all us comment-merchants have it wrong. It is widely sensed that Farooq Abdullah is preparing to hand over state power to Abdullah junior - and, for all his protesting, Abdullah is likely to want the post. Terrorists massacre eight persons in Rajouri Rediff.com (February 17, 2002). The depressing communal war of massacre and counter-massacre continues in Jammu region. Musharraf: countries need mediation Sally Busbee, AP (February 12, 2002). Reporting Musharraf's speech to the Carnegie Foundation, in which he said that bilateralism had failed to solve the Indo-Pakistani dispute over Kashmir. Audio and video clips are available here. Kashmir separatists announce poll move, BBC (February 12, 2002). The full text of the APHC announcement is linked here in a Word document. This has been promoted hard by APHC representatives at home and abroad, but it is difficult to see how a parallel election commission consisting of Indian and Pakistani members can meet with Indian approval - or even be permitted to operate. Russia backs India over Kashmir BBC (February 7, 2002). No surprises here. UN offers to kick-start Kashmir talks CNN (February 7, 2002). Unlikely to go anywhere - UN involvement is anathema to India. February 6, 2002: There now seems to be a Kashmir connection in the kidnapping of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal's South Asia correspondent. According to the BBC, Pakistani sources are now claiming that a British ex-LSE student involved in a previous kidnap of Westerners in 1994 may be involved. (See Key suspect named in reporter's kidnap, BBC, February 6, 2002). Omar Sheikh (various spellings/versions of his name abound) had direct connections to the Harkat-ul-Ansar in Kashmir, and probably has continuing links with the Harkat ul Mujahadeen and Jaish e Muhammad. A BBC profile of Sheikh is linked here. If Sheikh is involved it raises concerns about Kashmiri militant groups banned by President Musharraf. Now spurned by Pakistan, they may become more aggressively anti-Western. Pak must pay the cost, Rediff.com B.Raman, India's best known former intelligence officer, gives his views. Jaish-e-Muhammad Too Changes Tack Will confine itself to Kashmir, recalls activists from India, Riyaz Ahmad (Srinagar, February 4, 2002). This interesting news story (not linked), based on a Jaish news release, makes several points.
- Jaish will
henceforth limit its activities within the confines of Jammu and Kashmir and recall its
activists spread across India. "From now on, Jaish will only fight the freedom
struggle inside Kashmir. All mujahideen active across India have been ordered to report
back to commander-in-chief Abu Hijrat in Kashmir" Hurriyat rules out participation in J&K polls, Indian Express, February 5, 2002. Not unexpected - but the parallel APHC initiative to hold alternative elections is unlikely to impress the Americans. The APHC are caught between a domestic constituency and regional realpolitic. Bandh in Valley to mark Kashmir day, Indian Express February 5, 2002. In Pakistan, Kashmir Day is celebrated as an official way of attracting attention to the Kashmir issue. In Indian Kashmir, it consists of a general strike. February 2002: Fresh developments in Kashmir itself. Wajahat Habibullah, a former (Muslim) Indian official in Kashmir and later Indian diplomat in Washington, is engaging in (not very) secret talks with Kashmiri separatists. Habibullah, widely viewed as a man of integrity by many participants in the Kashmir conflict, appears to have been brought in by New Delhi to kick-start another process of engagement with moderate elements in the APHC. The APHC, meanwhile, has announced that it plans to hold elections itself - forming an alternative election commission to find 'representatives' for Kashmiris. While an interesting step, much depends on the US reaction - if any - to what could be seen as a half-way house to participation in state assembly elections later this year. Alternately, it could be seen as an attempt to offer an alternate way forward - though Delhi is unlikely to respond. Even so, these are interesting times in the Valley. On the militant front, the (US and Pakistan-banned) Jaish e Muhammad have announced that they intend to become mainly Kashmiri in future. Kashmir-watchers are well-advised to keep an eye on the Kashmir Times, Kashmir Observer, and Greater Kashmir. One dead in Kashmir gunfight, BBC (January 29, 2002)
Kashmir as general fodder,
Anand K Sahay Hindustan Times (January 29, 2002)
Human rights in Kashmir,
Brian Cloughley The Nation (January 27, 2002) Indian nuclear missile tests fuel border fears, Daily Telegraph, London (January 26, 2002) Annan meets Pakistan government, wants South Asia talks Reuters (January 24, 2002)
Key commander was shifted
at US behest Hindustan Times (January 21, 2002)
The stand-off on the roof of the world The Economist (January 17, 2002). This incisive analysis piece from the Economist offers an excellent account of where the Kashmir problem is right now. February 2002 Kashmir event: Kashmir seminar, U.C. Berkeley Good line up of leading specialists.
More firing as India questions Pakistan's effort Reuters (January 20, 2002) Musharraf plays down war threat BBC (January 18, 2002) Powell tiptoes into Indo-Pak divide Robert Marquand Christian Science Monitor (January 18, 2002) Indians agree to Kashmir summit Chicago Tribune (January 18, 2002) Kashmir's forgotten plebiscite Victoria Schofield BBC (January 17, 2002) Video: US Secretary of State Colin Powell on steps Pakistan is taking BBC (January 17, 2002) You need RealPlayer to watch this. Kashmir: the origins of the dispute Victoria Schofield BBC (January 16, 2002) Pakistan enforces ban on militants BBC (January 13, 2002). Musharraf's speech was welcomed by President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell, both aiming to defuse Indo-Pak tension. (January 12-13, 2002)
Aim for peace, or the exit
door Stephen P. Cohen, LA Times (January 11, 2002) Dangerous Manoevres, Far Eastern Economic Review (January 10, 2002) Video: Excerpt from Musharraf's speech to the nation, BBC (January 9, 2002) You need RealPlayer to watch this. A state of war Trevor Fishlock The Times (January 9, 2002) Pakistan 'formally' detains militant leader (BBC, January 8, 2002) Video: Victoria Schofield on the present crisis (BBC, January 8, 2002) You need RealPlayer to watch this.
Frontline Kashmiri Village Weary of
War, Reuters (January 8, 2002)
Tony Blair's press conference in
Islamabad (No.10 Downing Street, January 7, 2002) Tony Blair's press conference in Delhi (No.10 Downing Street, 7 January, 2002) Your role is over, Lone tells foreign militants Indian Express A strongly worded interview by one of the APHC's leading moderates. Analysis: Musharraf on a tightrope (BBC, January 7, 2002)
UK-Indian declaration
(Foreign & Commonwealth Office, January 6, 2002) Britain and India Tony Blair's speech in Bangalore (January 5, 2002)
Autonomy for Kashmir
is the answer, Martin Woolacott, The Guardian (January 4, 2002) On the Kashmiri Language, Professor Omkar Kaul. An excellent introductory essay on the Kashmiri language, spoken mainly in the Kashmir Valley. The ethnologue site also has a shorter, but useful, summary of Kashmiri (click here).
India continues troop build-up (BBC, January 1, 2002) |
