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UN podium and Pakistan’s Kashmir raga

Column 

By Dr Shujaat Ali Quadri

Does anyone remember that any Pakistani Prime Minister, and in absence of one, which has been quite frequent in the history of the democracy-resistant nation, any Pakistani representative has not raised the question of Kashmir at the UN? Always with the same arrogance – we can’t be wrong, even if the annals of history keep building a case against us?

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on September 26 was a tad fuller of hubris when he tuned into the same raga of Kashmir at the UN podium which he thumped with pomposity while reminding a feeble audience that he had delivered a similar speech a year ago – which might have been forgotten.

Shehbaz mentioned the UNSC’s 1948 resolution on Kashmir that seeks to resolve the issue through well-defined and structured mechanism, but he forgot to mention what preceded that and what Kashmiris went through. In 1948, as even Pakistan’s most ardent supporter in Kashmir, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has written in his autobiography Wullar Kinare – Pakistani tribal leaders, in collusion with local politicians, would rape Kahmiri women to instil terror in the population.

Other accounts of the 1948 tribal invasion are equally horrifying.

Terror, the obvious manifestation of arrogance, has been the only roadblock in maintaining peace in the Valley and once this menace will be eliminated, the solution will appear as Rumi saw “a way appearing”.

1948 was immediately after partition of India, or rather Indians, and so India never blocked people-to-people and later government- to government interactions and flow across borders even after a war. That’s why India and Pakistan relations somewhat flourished till 1965 and people across the border could freely maintain familial and commercial links. But Pakistan launched a piercing attack into the back of India in 1965 when India was nursing similar wounds following the 1962 China war. The 1965 Pakistani aggression which, according to veteran journalist-author MJ Akbar, reconfigured the psyche of people and it went from bad to worse in coming years.

In his pretension of imperiousness, Shehbaz invoked genocide in Gaza to compare human rights violation in Kashmir. He didn’t cite any media report, least any credible info gathered from any official source to prove his imagination even 10 per cent. Because no evidence exist. After Pakistan’s Pahalgam horror, tourism is picking up pace. Kashmiris, if they have problems at all, they have only those kinds of problems as rest of Indians have grievances against governance which is a sign of a robust democracy.

Sharif felt no shame in supporting US President Donald Trump whose country has blocked a number of proposals to prevent genocide of Palestinians at the UNSC. He was full of grateful pride for recommending Trump for the Nobel Peace prize.

*Kashmir, Pakistan, Palestine*
Those who have travelled Kashmir in the last 10 years know that Kashmiris support Palestinians in almost as many hues as possible. They have had organisations supporting Palestinian Authority of Yasser Arafat (with his cutouts or poster adorning their walls), Hamas (its supporters certainly not on surface but they do support group’s right to resistance and have been active without any trouble), and Hezbollah and Iranian clerical leadership (these people have well-organised and very open in their support with their office in the heart of Srinagar).

The Indian government whether the central government and its various organs or the state government has never prevented these organisations from presenting their point of view. In fact, seminars in support of Palestinian cause have been as frequent as they might have been in any Indian academic institution.

Only after August 5, 2019, as a measure of precaution, active processions in any political cause were proscribed so that they don’t flare out of control. Once normalcy limped back to the Valley, these Palestinian-supporting organisations were also allowed to have their space. Yes, the government has ensured that there should not be any glorification of October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel as it has been the government’s official policy to deem them as “terror” and condemnable. However, the criticism of Israel and its genocide has been allowed in however harshest way possible.

Almost the same situation perhaps must be prevailing in Pakistan. Pakistan too has allowed public support in favour of Palestinian cause in a similar way. It would be different from India as much as the demography of Pakistan is different from that of India.

The Palestinian embassy in New Delhi is one of the most vibrant missions of Palestine in almost the whole globe. Its ambassador is adored like a most cherished friend. The events of the embassy are fervently attended by all sections of Indians and foreigners living in India.

The case of Pakistan vis a vis all Muslims of the world has been that of an opportunistic 20th and 21st century nation. It was very early in its infancy that Pakistan aligned with America. History will remind that it was used to foment the American cause in the Indian subcontinent and the Asia Pacific.

Late Pakistani bureaucrat-diplomat-author-sufi Qudratullah Shahab wrote in epic autobiography Shahabnama that even certain regime changes in Pakistan were effected by Washington and that like all other Muslim countries, Pakistani also looked otherwise when Palestinians were massacred and forced to live as refugees in geographies where, if not enough succour was available, they had to beg for survival.

The Pakistani quid pro quo-guided policy has continued to this day. MJ Akbar, now a regular columnist for the Open magazine, wrote in a recent piece that Pakistan provided its bases for American planes to attack Iranian nuclear sites in June. Beyond this, nothing remains to unveil Pakistan’s policy for its “brothers of faith”.

One more hypocrisy of Pakistani leaders is quoting from the Quran – the scripture for all faithful.

Sharif began his speech quoting a somewhat long verse of the Quran, ostensibly to prove a point of being holier than thou (India). He also emphatically recalled the Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos – the name of his military’s offensive against India in brief May flagration. He didn’t perfectly pronounce it though.

Barring Jinnah who perhaps lacked the ability to properly quote from the Quran – all Pakistani leaders quote from the Quran for sounding holy and those always on the right side of the fulcrum of righteousness.

But the Quran, like all scriptures, is people-agnostic. It recognises no claim. Its sole parameter is pushing people to an exalted position of character, and also nations those who are free of injustice (to others and to themselves) and thus know no fear. Beyond this threshold lie the solutions to all problems and a path to permanent peace. The earlier Pakistan realises this, the better. Only it will make Pakistan the Pakistan (pure).

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this Column are purely those of the Author who is the National Chairman of Muslim Students Organisation of India [MSO]. He writes on a wide range of issues, including, Sufism, Public Policy, Geopolitics and Information Warfare.)

Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir continues to be on boil because of local uprising

Scene at one of the venues of protest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir today

Muzaffarabad (POJK), Sep 30 (NVI) Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan continued to be on the boil today as locals held protests and demonstrations on the second day of their agitation against the Pakistani regime.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is spearheading the agitation launched yesterday, tonight gave a call for ‘long march to Muzaffarabad’, implying that people from all parts of the Pakistan-occupied territories should converge in the capital of POJK.

When the ‘campaign for rights’ agitation began yesterday, one young Kashmiri was shot dead and over 25 others sustained bullet injuries when Pakistani forces fired directly at the protesters.

This use of brutal force by the Pakistani military led to further anger among the Kashmiris, who chanted slogans against the Pakistani State and its institutions,  calling them “terrorists” and asking them to leave the occupied territories of Jammu Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan.

During the agitation today, lakhs of people participated in protests, whose main centres were Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli and Mirpur.

Addressing the mass gatherings, the leaders of the Awami Committee spoke about the 78 years of oppression, neglect and brutalities carried out by Pakistani forces on the people of the occupied Jammu Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan.

They declared that the patience of Kashmiris in Pakistan-occupied territories was over and they were now ready to fight for the liberation.

JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz said though Pakistan has named occupied Jammu and Kashmir as ‘Azad Kashmir’ (Independent Kashmir), there is no freedom in any part of the territories.

He said the people of the occupied territories have only suffered under the Pakistani State and now want the real freedom.

Nawaz said while their protest was non-violent, the Pakistani agencies were making all efforts to create trouble and violence.

As part of the protest, the Kohla point of entry into POJK from Pakistan was blocked by the locals by placing huge boulders and containers.

At some places, locals lay down on the ground to prevent Pakistanis from entering.

“It is like a storm,” said a local from Muzaffarabad while giving sense of the protests.

He said the Kashmiris are angry because Pakistan has been denying them even the basic rights.

Venting anger at the Pakistani regime and its military after firing on protesters last night, Shaukat Nawaz said, “It has been proven this time that the (Pakistani) State is a terrorist, its rulers are terrorists, its institutions are terrorists. The entire world saw their real face today.’

Pakistan has imposed an information blackout and shut down the Internet, which has severely hampered communication.

Nawaz said the mainstream Pakistani media was spreading lies regarding the agitation.

He said the agitation had been launched under compulsion because the Pakistani regime was in no mood to listen to the grievances of the people of occupied territories of J&K and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The people of PoJK have several serious grievances, particularly regarding efforts by Pakistan to change demography and character of occupied Jammu Kashmir Gilgit and Baltistan besides looting of the region’s resources and denial of their rights.

They have 38 demands, which include abolition of 12 seats in POJK Assembly reserved ostensibly for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan.

The local Kashmiris say these seats go to the puppets of the Pakistani regime and that, in turn, affects decision-making by the Assembly against the interests of the locals.

Their demands also include implementation of reforms promised last year; renegotiation of hydropower rates so that locals benefit; strengthening of local governance/accountability; and assortment of political-administrative fixes.

They also want subsidised flour for PoK and reduction of power tariffs by linking these to the cost of generation done locally from Mangla Dam.

The locals say that electricity generated from Mangla Dam in POJK should be provided to the local population at the cost at which the generation takes place, instead of the high rates extracted by the Pakistani regime.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the locals are decrying the taxes collected by the Pakistani regime from them. They say it is against even the Constitution of Pakistan. (NVI)

Revolt in POJK, Gilgit-Baltistan: One killed, 25 injured in firing by Pakistani forces

Rawalakot/Muzaffarabad (POJK), Sep 29 (NVI) At least one Kashmiri was killed and 25injured today as people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan launched a virtual revolt against the Pakistani regime which has been denying them their rights and resources.

A complete shutdown was observed across the Pakistan-occupied territory and lakhs of people hit the streets, expressing their anger against Pakistan.

Pakistani forces resorted to brutality, including firing at the peaceful protesters, which resulted in the killing of one person, identified as Sadheer Awan of Neelum Valley.

At least 25 others were injured, each having bullet wounds, according to reliable sources from the ground.

“Our protest was peaceful. But in Neelum, government-sponsored people came to disrupt our protest…Then there was firing. They (Pakistani forces) fired directly at our protesters,” said Shaukat Nawaz, the leader of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) which is spearheading the agitation.

“One of our youth has been killed and over 25 are injured. Till now, post-mortem has not been conducted, nor has a case been registered against those who fired at the protesters,” he said as he visited the hospital tonight and vowed that “Until, post-mortem is done and FIR lodged, we are not going to move from here.”

Venting anger at the Pakistani regime and its military, the Kashmiri leader said, “It has been proven this time that the (Pakistani) State is a terrorist, its rulers are terrorists, its institutions are terrorists. The entire world saw their real face today.’

Information blackout and Internet shutdown imposed by the occupying regime are making percolation of news difficult.

The people of the occupied territories erupted under the banner of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to press a 38-point charter of demand.

Described as the ‘Azad Jammu Kashmir Rights Movement’, the protest campaign today was marked by total shutdown and processions where anti-Pakistan slogans were raised.

Major centres of the protest were Rawalakot, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and Baltistan.

Addressing a protest demonstration earlier in the day, Shaukat Nawaz said the agitation will resume tomorrow and continue until their demands are met.

He said the agitation had been launched under compulsion because the Pakistani regime was in no mood to listen to the grievances of the people of occupied territories of J&K and Gilgit-Baltistan.

As the sea of protesters cheered, Shaukat Nawaz said the protest had been successful on the first day today but exact details were still being obtained from various places as Internet shutdown had made communication extremely difficult.

The massive protests have unnerved the regime in Islamabad, which moved thousands of military troops into the occupied territory from Punjab Province with an aim of crushing the agitation.

But locals, who were able to pass on some information, said, ‘Azad Kashmir’ (the misnomer for POJK) is under siege and people are protesting for their rights. Forces are killing the protesters. There is total blackout and Internet is off. There is a huge lockdown.”

A local also said that the mainstream media of Pakistan was spreading lies regarding the agitation.

The people of PoJK have several grievances, particularly regarding efforts by Pakistan to change demography and character of occupied Jammu Kashmir Gilgit and Baltistan besides looting of the region’s resources and denial of their rights.

They have 38 demands, which include abolition of 12 seats in POJK Assembly reserved ostensibly for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan.

The local Kashmiris say these seats go to the puppets of the Pakistani regime and that, in turn, affects decision-making by the Assembly against the interests of the locals.

Their demands also include implementation of reforms promised last year; renegotiation of hydropower rates so that locals benefit; strengthening of local governance/accountability; and assortment of political-administrative fixes.

They also want subsidised flour for PoK and reduction of power tariffs by linking these to the cost of generation done locally from Mangla Dam.

The locals say that electricity generated from Mangla Dam in POJK should be provided to the local population at the cost at which the generation takes place, instead of the high rates extracted by the Pakistani regime.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the locals are decrying the taxes collected by the Pakistani regime from them. They say it is against even the Constitution of Pakistan. (NVI)

Huge revolt in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan

Sea of people in POJK on streets protesting against Pakistan today

Muzaffarabad (POJK), Sep 29 (NVI) A complete shutdown was observed today in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan where lakhs of people came onto the streets and demonstrated against the exploitation and denial of rights by the Pakistani regime.

According to unverified claims by some locals, the Pakistani forces are “killing” protesters but the actual details are not coming because of total blackout of information, including shutdown of Internet, imposed by the occupying regime.

There are claims about Pakistani forces firing at protesters at some places, which have resulted in casualties. But confirmation is awaited.

Described as the ‘Azad Jammu Kashmir Rights Movement’, the protest campaign was marked by anti-Pakistan slogans which roared and echoed across the occupied territory today.

 

Spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), the massive protests have unnerved the regime in Islamabad, which shut down Internet and imposed information blackout besides moving thousands of military troops into the occupied territory from Punjab Province with an aim of crushing the agitation.

Due to the clampdown on information, much details were not immediately available.

But locals, who were able to pass on some information, said, ‘Azad Kashmir’ (the misnomer for POJK) is under siege and people are protesting for their rights. Forces are killing the protesters. There is total blackout and Internet is off. There is a huge lockdown.”

A local also said that the mainstream media of Pakistan was spreading lies regarding the agitation.

The people of PoJK have several grievances, particularly regarding efforts by Pakistan to change demography and character of occupied Jammu Kashmir Gilgit and Baltistan besides looting of the region’s resources and denial of their rights.

They have 38 demands, which include abolition of 12 seats in POJK Assembly reserved ostensibly for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan.

The local Kashmiris say these seats go to the puppets of the Pakistani regime and that, in turn, affects decision-making by the Assembly against the interests of the locals.

Their demands also include implementation of reforms promised last year; renegotiation of hydropower rates so that locals benefit; strengthening of local governance/accountability; and assortment of political-administrative fixes.

They also want subsidised flour for PoK and reduction of power tariffs by linking these to the cost of generation done locally from Mangla Dam.

The locals say that electricity generated from Mangla Dam in POJK should be provided to the local population at the cost at which the generation takes place, instead of the high rates extracted by the Pakistani regime.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the locals are decrying the taxes collected by the Pakistani regime from them. They say it is against even the Constitution of Pakistan. (NVI)

POJK braces for massive protests against Pakistani regime

Muzaffarabad, Sep 29 (NVI) Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is bracing for massive protests by locals against the Pakistani regime and its deep State which are tormenting the original inhabitants and denying them their rightful dues.

A total shutdown and street protests have been called by the Joint Awami Action Committee for today (September 29).

It may be continued indefinitely from September 29 if demands are not met by the Pakistani regime.

Pakistan has moved thousands of troops from Punjab into POJK, clearly to crush the agitation by force.

Internet has already been shut down from midnight in PoJK.

The people of PoJK, spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee, have a number of grievances, particularly regarding looting of the region’s resources by Pakistan and denial of their rights.

The demands include abolition of 12 seats in POJK Assembly reserved ostensibly for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan.

The local Kashmiris say these seats go to the puppets of the Pakistani regime and this affects decision-making by the Assembly against the locals.

Their demands also include implementation of reforms promised last year; renegotiation of hydropower rates so that locals benefit; strengthening of local governance/accountability; and assortment of political-administrative fixes.

They also want subsidised flour for PoK and reduction of power tariffs by linking these to the cost of generation done locally from Mangla Dam. (NVI)

Pakistan’s ISIS gameplan in Afghanistan

Taliban
Taliban leaders (File pic)

Kabul, Sep 28 (NVI) Failing to disturb the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Pakistani military is reportedly trying to push ISIS terrorists into the neighbouring country to cause bloodshed and mayhem.

The reports mention that Pakistan is pushing ISIS terrorists into Afghanistan in the garb of Afghan refugees.

It is believed that some ISIS terrorists may have already been infiltrated into Afghanistan and the Taliban regime is alert to this threat.

Commenting on this, the Afghan Interior Ministry has asserted that it will never allow ISIS to enter Afghanistan.

The ministry spokesman has told reporters that ISIS is controlled from outside the country’s borders and acts under the direction of foreign puppeteers, implying Pakistan.

The spokesman added that Afghan security forces are on high alert and intensively monitoring the borders to prevent such movements.

Pakistan has adopted animostic approach towards the Taliban regime, which seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, and has been making efforts to destabalise and dislodge it.

Pakistan adopted the adverserial attitude towards the Taliban regime after the latter rebuffed attempts to patronise and control it. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA claims to have killed 15 Pakistani soldiers, thwarted bid to retake Zehri

Remains of a Pakistani military vehicle after being ambushed by BLA fighters

Quetta, Sep 28 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed at least 15 Pakistani soldiers while thwarting an attempt of the military to reclaim Zehri town of Khuzdar district of Balochistan which has been under the control of the freedom fighters since August 11.

BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said the freedom fighters ambushed a convoy of the Pakistani troops which was advancing towards Zehri, the second largest town of Khuzdar district, triggering a fierce battle on the night of September 26 and 27 (Friday-Saturday).

The Pakistani military contingent faced humiliating defeat and was forced to retreat, like several times earlier in the past 47 days.

A convoy of 10 enemy vehicles was ambushed by freedom fighters in Aanjira, with four vehicles coming under direct attack, the spokesman said about the latest incident.

“Baloch Liberation Army freedom fighters engaged advancing Pakistani troops in Aanjira and Ghazan areas of Zehri in a fierce battle,” the spokesman said.

Two military vehicles were completely destroyed and over 15 enemy personnel were eliminated in these attacks, he said.

Zehri has been under the control of Baloch freedom fighters since August 11. For the past 47 days, repeated enemy advances have been repelled and the forces forced to retreat, Jeeyand Baloch said. (NVI)

Balochistan: BNM chief says Zubair’s martyrdom won’t go in vain

Quetta, Sep 27 (NVI) Naseem Baloch, Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM), has condemned in the strongest terms the killing of Zubair Baloch, the courageous young freedom-seeking leader by the Pakistan army, and vowed that his martyrdom won’t go in vain.

Dr. Naseem said Zubair, former chief of Baloch Student Organization (BSO)-Pajjar, was not only a political activist and human rights advocate but also a powerful voice for Baloch survival and national freedom.

Admired for his principled positions and fearless leadership in student and public politics, Zubair had rejected the parliamentary system as ineffective for securing rights and instead committed himself to ideological politics, he said.

“Where others found it impossible or too dangerous to speak, Zubair spoke boldly. For this reason, people from across Balochistan’s political spectrum are united in condemning the Pakistani state for his death,” the BNM chief said.

Zubair Baloch left a will that, after his death, the nation be told about his lifelong commitment to the struggle for freedom.

Dr. Naseem explained that the branch of the Baloch Students Organization (BSO) with which Zubair had been associated traditionally channels members into a parliamentary party.

“Many student activists follow that route after finishing student politics. But Zubair broke with this tradition: rather than join a parliamentary party, he sought out the leadership of the Baloch National Movement and attached himself to an ideological party — a commitment he maintained until the end.

“His instruction was clear: whether by natural death or martyrdom, the nation must know that Zubair Baloch was a soldier of national freedom, and that his life’s purpose was the liberation of the Baloch nation and its service.”

Although he kept his party ties secret, his actions exposed him to the military — and he was killed.

Dr. Naseem noted that Pakistan has made it nearly impossible to openly affiliate with a revolutionary, pro-freedom party like the BNM.

Whenever a member’s identity is revealed, the Pakistan army has shown no reluctance to eliminate them; targeting political activists has become routine, he said.

“Although Zubair attempted to conceal his affiliation in line with party policy, his public action made him visible to the authorities,” Dr Naseem said.

On Wednesday, 24 September 2025, Pakistani forces raided his home and shot Zubair and his friend Nisar dead.

“Today, in Balochistan there is little respect for the sanctity of the home: army raids frequently lead to illegal abductions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arson. Often these violations occur together — and that is exactly what happened to Zubair,” BNM chief said.

He said that conscious young leaders like Zubair Baloch are unbearable to the Pakistan army and its secret agencies, because it is the struggle of such leaders that has exposed the atrocities of the army and the state to the Baloch Nation.

This awareness has made the relationship between the Baloch Nation and the Pakistani forces completely clear, exposing the army’s role as an occupying force, Dr Naseem said.

“The Baloch are the rightful heirs of their land, while the Pakistan army is merely a vast occupying death squad, whose every action is both detestable and resistible,” he added.

“We take pride that Martyr Zubair Baloch chose resistance, struggle, and speaking truth over silence and compromise. He was a dignified, committed member and a supporter of the party,” he said.

“The Baloch National Movement solemnly vows that Zubair’s sacrifice will not be in vain,” the chief said.

“We call on the international community, human-rights organizations, and press bodies to speak out against the killing of peaceful leaders like Zubair Baloch and to hold the Pakistan army to account,” he said. (NVI)

Widespread violence in Ladakh, role of activist Sonam Wangchuk under scrutiny

Leh (Ladakh), Sep 24 (NVI) Leh, the capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh, erupted into large scale violence and arson on Wednesday (September 24) over the demands for Statehood and certain Constitutional guarantees to Ladakhis, marking shocking and questionable developments in the region known for peace.

At least 4 people were reportedly killed and over 60, including 30 police and paramilitary personnel, were injured in the violence and clashes between agitators and securitymen who resorted to force in self defence.

Protesters resorted to stone-pelting and arson, setting ablaze the BJP office and some government buildings.

Incidentally, the violence erupted on the 14th day of ‘hunger strike’ by influential activist Sonam Wangchuk who is pressing for Statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th schedule of the Constitution for certain guarantees.

The developments in Ladakh are really heartwrenching as the region is known for peace and non-violent people but questions arise as to who really gained from such chaos and lawlessness.

It was at around 11.30 am that a mob instigated by the provocative speeches of Sonam Wangchuk left the venue of his hunger strike and attacked the office of a political party as well as Government office of the CEC Leh.

They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle.

The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police/CRPF personnel were injured.

The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police haad to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported.

The situation was brought under control by 4PM.

“It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements,” said a statement by the Union Home Ministry.

“Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation,” it said.

“It is well known that Government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance on same issues. Series of meetings were held with them through formal channel of High-Powered Committee as well as Sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders,” the Home  Ministry statement said.

“The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages,” it said.

With this process for recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced, it added.

“However, certain politically-motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC and have been trying to sabotage the dialogue process,” the  statement said.

The government said it was already engaged with the leaders of Ladakh and the next meeting of High-Powered Committee had been scheduled on 6th October while meetings are also planned on 25th and 26th September (tomorrow and day after) with the leaders from Ladakh.

The Home Ministry said the demands on which Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in HPC.

“In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal,” the statement said.

According to sources, the government had already conveyed its readiness to have an informal dialogue tomorrow and day after, advancing the schedule from the earlier slated date of October 6.

So, it is being asked why the violence was instigated when the engagement with the government was already going on.

The Government has been expressing willingness to have sincere talks with High Powered Committee (HPC) of Ladakh.

⁠Earlier, it had offered dates in last week of July but no positive response was received from HPC, sources said.

The government has asserted that ⁠protecting and providing abundant safeguards for land, employment, culture and all such sensitive issues has been always a priority and governemnt is keen to discuss the same with open mind.

The government also underlined that ⁠safeguarding interests of Ladakhis has been always a priority. This is reflected through various measures such as increasing reservation to 85 percent and such other decision.

⁠The discussion should be with an open mind and held in a friendly manner and not as adversial relations.

People of Ladakh will be the focal point for all policy decisions.

It may be noted that Sonam Wangchuck, who started his hunger strike on September 10, had recently admired the Gen Z of Nepal after the  neighbouring country was engulfed in widespread violence and protests against the goverenment, finally dislodging it.

Questions are being raised whether Sonam Wangchuk instigated the youth of Ladakh to divert attention from something.

Because, it is believed that the violence was not a natural outburs but a pre-scripted act and Ladakhi youth were exploited emotionally.

The blame doesn’t lie with them, but with those who used them as pawns.

The Congress Party had also started talking about stone pelting on Government offices, threatening action, pushing youth towards confrontation. (NVI)

Pakistan closes crucial trade route with Afghanistan, hurts its economy

Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Kabul, Sep 23 (NVI) Pakistani military demonstrates its hate for Afghans in a number of ways, one of which is to hurt its economy.

An example of this is the closure of Torkhan border by Pakistan during the fruit season in Afghanistan to disrupt supplies and spoil the products.

Pakistan has done it in the past and it has done it again now, according to sources.

Torkham is a major trade route between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistan has closed the Torkham crossing point without any justification, rendering hundreds of trucks carrying fresh fruits from Afghanistan stranded.

It is well known that fresh fruits get spoiled and become useless if there is a delay in delivering these to the market.

Pakistan, therefore, seems to be deliberately closing the trading route, a move that hurts Afghanistan’s economy.

Moreover, Pakistani authorities ill-treat Afghan drivers and others at this border, often beating them and extorting money.

Because of such actions of Pakistani authorities, there is growing anger in Afghanistan towards Pakistan. (NVI)

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