America’s Responsibility

Home | About Us | Media Kit | Contact Us | Subscribe | Help







Hi guys,

This is an article from islam on line. It is a rebuttal for people who believe only army is to blame.

Url:

``http://www.islamonline.net/Discussion/English/bbs.asp?aParID=6529&aTpID=&aGroupID=1066&action=move&aPathID=396&aSubject=Kashmir..%20the%20oppressed%20area!!``

``Beneath the veil: why J&K women are Bamiyan Buddhas

Rahul Pandita • Srinagar • October 23 • 5:30 PM IST







While the rest of the world is focused on the terrorism

fostered by Afghanistan`s ruling Taliban, the women of

Kashmir have been victims of a different kind of terror - a

terror that is not as apparent as September 11 but just as

cruel and violent.

Through their burkhas, the women of Kashmir are looking at

their mutilated world, silently watching each day the

destruction of their identity, freedom - whatever is left

of it. The women of Kashmir have become Bamiyan Buddhas.

There are no cannon balls being used to terrorise Kashmir`s

women. Acid attacks, rape, bullets in the legs are the

order of the day if the women fail to follow the diktats

issued by representatives of groups like the Lashkar-e-

Jabbar - the latest entrants on Kashmir`s terror avenue.

But nobody speaks about it even in hushed tones.

On August 8 this year, Lashkar-e-Jabbar representatives

entered the Girls School at Kothibagh in Srinagar. ``Adhere

to the dress code or face the music,`` the girls were told

bluntly. There was nothing that could have made the girls

disbelieve them.

Only a few hours earlier, acid was thrown on the faces of

two teachers of another High School in Srinagar, Gazala and

Rubia. Their cheeks turned black in a few seconds and both

of them are now in a critical condition - their face

requiring cosmetic surgery to be restored. Their crime -

they were not wearing the burkha advocated by the Lashkar-e-

Jabbar.

A few days prior to that Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists went to

the house of Habib Dar of Bulbul village, Nowgam and called

out his daughter Humera. The moment she came out, she was

shot at and critically injured. Her crime: she was not

adhering to the Islamic dress code. The young girl is

recuperating in the Bone and Joint hospital at Srinagar but

she can`t overcome the shock and trauma.

In downtown Srinagar, people are watching Pakistan

President General Pervez Musharraf on television.

``The war in Kashmir is a jihad by the people against Indian

oppression and we are politically, diplomatically and

morally supporting it``, says the General.

The father of 15-year-old Aasia watches Musharraf in the

dim light of the television. His eyes are blank - they lack

any emotion. Last year, Aasia was kidnapped by militants of

the Pak-based terror outfit, the Hizbul Mujahideen. She was

raped by foreign ``guests`` staying with local members of the

outfit.

The ninth standard student was kidnapped while she was on

her way to school. After being raped and tortured for 10

days, the militants abandoned her in the jungles.

The god of Aasia`s world has died. Having lost her

innocence, she no longer talks to her friends or plays with

them. School now is a distant dream for her. In the world

of the Hizbul Mujahideens, who have launched Musharraf`s

jihad for the ``freedom`` of Kashmiri people, Aasia has no

rights.

In November last year, a local daily published from Jammu

reported that some unidentified gunmen intruded into the

house of a civilian in a village at Tangmarg and called out

a female teacher Shameema and gunned her down.

Reports said that Shameema had been working as a teacher

after her husband was killed by militants in 1992.

Described as one of the prettiest women of the area,

militants had reportedly showed an interest in her. She had

rejected all such proposals. No politician, including the

vociferous All Party Hurriyat Conference, had the guts to

visit her house to pay their condolences and condemn the

beastly act.

Early evening, when the shops down their shutters and

people rush to the confines of their homes, the streets

become deserted and the only thing that is visible on the

roads are the sand bunkers in which security personnel keep

watch, still wearing their bullet proof jackets, in case a

hand grenade is tossed inside the bunker or bullets

showered on them.

In the homes, people have a prayer on their lips - that

nobody knocks their doors - a knock that would spell

disaster.

On one such fateful night, prayers failed to save Mohammed

Siddique of Gandarbal district. There was a knock on his

door and when he opened it, his worst fears were confirmed.

In the doorway stood a self styled ``district commander`` of

the Hizbul Mujahideen, demanding that his son Shabir, a

high school student join the militant outfit.

The boy was taken from his family at gunpoint and herded

across the border into a training camp. From Karachi, he

wrote to his father, ``Life is worse than hell here.``

Later, pushed back into India, Shabir`s father tried his

best to make Shabir surrender, but could not do so in the

wake of the threats from militants to wipe off his entire

family. Eventually, Shabir was killed in an encounter with

the Indian Army. A life senselessly snuffed out at 20.

Another young boy, Altaf Hussain, who was also forced to

join the training camp across the border, wrote to his

parents in Urdu:

My dear Maa, Daddy, Zarina and Ruhi,

I have reached safely here at Muzaffarabad. My dear boba

(Maa) I cannot live without you. I have reached here in

hell. Perhaps, it is the outcome of your curse. Now I

cannot live here without you. I will go mad. I have been

crying day and night and my condition has become miserable.

What should I do and where shall I go? Please Maa, Daddy,

Zarina and Ruhi, get me back from here by any means.

Your Son

Altaf Hussain

My address

Iftekhar General Studio

Husnabad, Bazar Boi

Abottabad (Pakistan)

PIN 22180

Indian army sources point out that the number of voluntary

entries into militant outfits have decreased remarkably,

with the youth of Kashmir realising the haqeeqat (the

reality) of jihad.

In the past month, 39 young boys in the age group of 14 to

18 years of age taken to Pakistan for training were rescued

by the security forces and handed over to their parents.

Earlier this year, the security forces, intercepted three

terrorists while they were forcibly taking 12 young boys to

induct them into subversive activities. As the young boys

ran for safety, the terrorists opened fire, killing one boy

and injuring other. Security forces killed all three

terrorists. Eleven boys including a boy who was injured was

rescued.

For every boy abducted ``pimps`` are paid Rs 10,000 by their

masters in Pakistan. As per reports, since January 1 this

year, nearly 400 boys have been abducted by terrorists and

taken to Pakistan. In Pakistan, these boys are mercilessly

beaten into subjugation and then trained, indoctrinated and

inducted into terrorism not only in Kashmir, but also in,

as intelligence sources point out - Chechnya, the Balkans,

Philippines and Afghanistan.

Adding to the problems is the Indian government with their

dilly-dallying and indecisiveness when it comes to Kashmir

issues.

One day, Home Minister L K Advani promises security forces

amnesty for illegal acts committed while fighting

insurgency. Then, in the absence of any solid plan of

action for the trouble-torn state, the Centre declares it a

disturbed area.

This means the Armed Forces Special Power Act shields those

who shoot suspects and their actions may result in the

destruction of property of citizens. The Supreme Court has

also cautioned that the prolonged and excessive use of the

power granted by the Act might result in almost complete

alienation of the people. And this is exactly what seems to

be happening in Kashmir.

The government should now take a cue from strategists like

Lt. Gen. Arjun Ray, general officer commanding the 14

corps. Even as the valley of Kashmir gropes for peace, the

Army, thanks to the initiatives taken by Ray, has found a

way to endear itself to hostile villagers in Ladakh`s

Turtuk area.

During the Kargil war, Turtuk residents had not only

refused to provide any kind of support to the Indian Army

they even guided Pakistani shelling. Now the scene is

totally different. The children have a primary school with

computers there is a poultry cooperative for women and all

of them have high quality medical care available free of

cost.

The government needs to show that the technique adopted for

countering insurgency is different from the ravaging and

plundering by the militants. This is the only way India`s

security forces can hope to win the hearts of the Kashmiri

people.

This is a game that cannot be won by brains or emotions

alone - it needs both.``

Sridhar

tahmed321 # 250

Is there any doubt at all that you are right on the mark? But as always, people who are under the greatest threat are always the last to see the enormity of that threat, or to do anything about it. We would rather fight our imaginary foes. Makes our silly, puny little hearts feel better.

All too human, and all too stupid.

Re DRUMZ #: 239

{When I say most of them are sophisticated fools Itz no joke. Anny, check that word out. Its root word comes from the sophists who were greek pseudo intellectuals bent on making Illogical arguements appear ``right.``}

If `sophist` means `pseudo-intellectual` as opposed to `philosopher`, I have to change my handle after close to two years on Chowk.

Sigh....What do you recommend?

Re: semipreciousme

``...please don’t waste your time on jay...``

You are right, I shouldn`t, and for the most part, I don`t. However, sometimes he says such galling things, that I cannot resist putting in my own 2 cents.

stuka

``I`m sorry to burst your bubble but the only people who join EME are ones who are too soft to join infantry, and not competent enough to be in armor or artillery``

that is, with all due respect, absolute, unrefined, unadultered bull...i happen to have worked and then interacted socially with a great many of this kind of people and my judgement with regards to their talent and over active brains, stands. just curious- what makes u say what u do? have u known people from there in a professional capacity ya even just like that?

saxena:

i`ll answer your post calling me constipated in another lifetime..the isabgul is calling

re: prem

``Whatever the provocation be, I denounce Indian Army Chief S. Padmanabhan`s rather cavalier remarks regarding the use of nuclear weapons``

would you be so kind to tell us exactly what you are denouncing? the general made it very clear that nuclear weapons aren`t meant to be taken lightly and are certainly not meant to be used...he reiterated that india would never use them first...what exactly are you complaining about then?...to his response that if pakistan used them on india first, he would ensure that pakistan no longer existed?....you have a problem with that statement?...

in your attempts to appear balanced, you sometimes totally lose it...the general held a mere press conference highlighting india`s readiness to fight a war, nuclear otherwise...he did not hold a coup, move into the PMO`s house, take over the defence minister`s office, or make policy statements...he knew his place and deferred to the political leadership when he should have...what exactly did the guy do wrong?...

re glen 227

If your spelling, grammar, and syntax are any indication, I sure hope you`re not a physician who is writing too many detailed prescriptions. Or else that you have a good malpractice attorney on retainer.

Don`t go about questioning India`s secularism unless you`re prepared to honestly answer some very tough questions.

India is no paradise for religious minorities. But she is a far cry from a state that constitutionally affirms the constant precedence of one faith tradition over another. How many non-Muslim presidents, chief justices, cricket captains, airforce chiefs, provincial governors, and nuclear scientists has Pakistan had recently?

re: hobbyty and romair

{{If they escalate, they will impart with the good will and the international political capital they have accrued in the last three years - a loss that will register immediately and have long term implications for the potentital of India as a vibrant, enthusiastic political economy}}

you idiots were dancing up and down in your shalwars post-9/11, convinced that everything pakistan did would be supported to the hilt...what happened?...musharraf got a beating with a stick and far from pursuing his jehad in kashmir even more aggressively, he was forced to make a speech and back off from it...

...you people must think the international community consists of delusionary fools like yourselves...india`s position was strong post-9/11, was strong post-12/13, and will continue to be...b.c. india`s demand is right: end to cross-border terrorism...if that happens, india wins...and if it doesn`t, the proof will be there for all to see...and once again the international community will support whatever india decides to do if mooshrafs doesn`t deliver on his words...

building the respect and credibility india has in the international community takes consistency and commitment...india has always been a democracy...india has never sponsored terror in other countries...india has always shown restraint...pakistan has been none of those...b.c. mooshraf makes one speech, you think the world`s view of pakistan is going to change overnight, and that to to india`s detriment?...grow up...

“the Indians built their nukes themselves, and are a bit scared that they may not work. I heard some of the tests didn`t werre duds. The Pakistanis got a lot of help from China, and are thus quite sure ours work” (romair)

How pathetic. “My” nuke is better than theirs – because they built theirs -- and we couldn’t??

Is that what you’re saying romair mian?

Another gem:

“No need to be afraid, as long as you keep in mind, we did rule over those guys for one thousand years......” (romair)

So -- Now it’s the turn for “those guys” to rule over “we” for next one thousand years?? – is that what you want -- for parity?

What a juvenile general -– “ my nuke is better than your nuke” -- because I did NOT make mine --and this is an Air Marshall – who wants to go back – flying Enola Bay – no wonder.

General Padmanabhan`s press conference

was brilliant. You can see for yourself at

www.ndtv.com.

Here is my transcript of what he said about

nuclear weapons. It lacks pauses, emphasis,

etc., which add to the meaning, but again, you

can see the video for yourself. Or else, you

can believe the BA-failed reporters of the

various Indian newspapers.

-Arun Gupta

Rajiv Sharma, Tribune : (indistinct) Are you

prepared for nuclear war with Pakistan in case

they strike first ? and do you have any

information whether Pakistani side has

moved strategic weapons to the front ?

(/indistinct)

General Padmanabhan :

Nuclear weapons are not meant for war

fighting. I think it is a very foolish thing for us to

even think in terms of war fighting with nuclear

weapons.

We have a very clearly enunciated nuclear

policy in which we have declared the

no-first-use principle that we shall not use the

nuclear weapon first.

Pakistan on the other hand has actually stated

that they would be the first to use it should it

become necessary for them.

These are all statements. A person may have

no desire to use a nuclear weapon yet may be

compelled to use it.

A person who intends to use it may use it

(prematurely ??? indistinct) may use it at the

wrong target, may use it in many other ways.

In all cases of employment of nuclear

weapons - now I am going into the realm of

the unknown - because after second world

war nobody has handled these weapons in

this world. In all these matters relating to the

use of nuclear weapons we have got to

remember that India and Pakistan are not

alone in this world. There are many countries

which will be affected.

A nuclear exchange between two countries of

the South Asian continent I think will be

disastrous for the whole region. There are

huge interests starting from the western oil

interests to the eastern oil interests to the

interests of people in Central Asia to those of

the subcontinent itself all these are involved.

There will be what is called a hue and cry.

Now this kind of a hue and cry is something

which a nation or a national leader, if he is

planning to use this weapon has to take into

account. If he is mad enough to even override

international opinion on that scale, correction I

should say if he is mad enough then surely he

must use it.

And I can assure you of one thing as surely as

I am alive. Should any nuclear weapon be

used against India, Indian forces, Indian

assets at sea, India`s economic, human or

other targets the perpetrator of that particular

outrage shall be punished, shall be punished

so severely that their continuation thereafter in

any form of fray will be doubtful.

(later) (indistinct question) General P : We are

ready for a second strike, yes. (continuation of

indistinct question) I would not like to go into

details of this. You are asking too many

questions which are too close to the heart

(missed) for me to reply. But I would like to

reassure you on one thing. When you talk of a

triad, and when you talk of a sufficiency of

nuclear weapons, take it from me that we have

enough.

hamidm: I think you, like Ayaz Amir, are now a closet Musharraf-lover. Ayaz has come out of the closet, somewhat. But, like a girl in love, you are playing hard to get. I think you can come out and show your affection openly. The, ``clown in khaki`` has outsmarted everyone, and is now easily the most popular person in Pakistan, the 19th most influential person in the world (according to Newsweek), with a knack for upstaging the saffron brigade, whenever it thinks it has him cornered. While it was politically correct to criticize him two years ago, it is now internationally politically incorrect to do so. So get with the program. Even Bill Clinton will spend more than 10 minutes in Pakistan, on his next visit.

May God save Pakistan from Benazir and Nawaz, and our lovable feudals. Ameen.

The rumor goes that the Indians built their nukes themselves, and are a bit scared that they may not work. I heard some of the tests didn`t werre duds. The Pakistanis got a lot of help from China, and are thus quite sure ours work. The Indians need to learn that if you cannot build something yourselves (like LCA fighters, tanks, missiles and most importantly nukes), don`t keep banging your head against it; just cheat like the Pakistanis do. The EME was busy translating the documents from Chinese to English, and not in building the bombs.

And if Pakistan has around 40, then they will kill a lot more than 20 million Indians. I am assuming one will be enough to knock out each big city. So everything is alright on the nuclear end.

Just heard that China sent one hundred aircraft to Pakistan three days ago. The biggest shipment ever. So now we are at 440 to 750 ratio in the air. 250 of those 750 are old mig-21s for India, with one of the highest rates of crashes in the world. Assuming our gunners will shoot down some, and our pilots will shoot down some, we are alright in the air to defend.

This leaves the Army. Half of the Indian army is in Kashmir, while 1/3rd of ours is there, I assume. So on Sind and Punjab, the ratio is around 2:1, in India`s favor. Not too bad, and good enough to defend, for quite a while (until we have our nukes armed). Eventually, India will make it into Punjab and Sind, while Pakistan will make it into Kashmir (and Indians will be surprised to find out that their Kashmiris don`t really love India). I say we let India keep all of Sind upto, but not including, Karachi. And we take all of Kashmir. Dal Lake is a lot prettier than Run of Kutch.

The Navy, I do not know much about.

So things aren`t as bad as it seems. I think if India keeps up with the BS even after today`s speech, it is time for Pakistan to say, ``Bring it on.``

By the way, one only has a right to criticize the EME, if one is willing to do the job better. Ayaz is volunteering to join Air Defence. I am thinking of going back to the Air Force. Which branch will you be joining if Advani comes charging in, with or without the dhoti? No need to be afraid, as long as you keep in mind, we did rule over those guys for one thousand years......

``Whatever the provocation be, I denounce Indian Army Chief S. Padmanabhan`s rather cavalier remarks regarding the use of nuclear weapons``(Prem)

FIRE -- that stupid, irresponsible, insubordinate Army Chief -- General Padmanabhan -- who wants to play a Pakistani Generalissimo in India -- muzzling him wouldn`t be enough.

How did such an undisplined moron become the Army Chief -- no wonder the Indian army is running amuck in Kashmir.

Humsab #61 you write ``But are followers of other religions/so called unbelievers included in this equality principle? Are believers and unbelievers equal?``

Yes to both questions. The Quran EXPLICITLY says that ALL individuals, be they muslim or christian or jew or sabian (a religion considered akin to hinduism) or any other religion, will be judged by God on the Judgement Day, after which they will either become Companions of the Right Hand (i.e. destined to heaven) or of the Left Hand (i.e. destined to hell). And the basic guideline in order to have nothing to fear on the Judgement Day is to have done good deeds in this life. Thus, as a hindu you may go to heaven and as a muslim I may go to hell, depending on how well I tried to distinguish between right and wrong, and how well I reflected this in my deeds during this life.

And this is fully consistent with the overall spirit of the Quran, which emphasizes individual responsibility in maintaining certain core values (kindness, fairness, honesty and so on) rather than adherence to the dogma of one religion or another.

I regret that muslim chauvinists throughout history have often ignored this fundamental teaching of the Quran. This is of course not always the case, and there have been shining examples of respect for all religions throughout history, including in muslim Spain, in Ottomon Turkey, under the Saladin the Great, and in India under Akbar, and among ordinary muslims all over the world. But they are violating the basic message of the Quran when they make this distinction between muslim and nonmuslim.

hamidm #55 You write ``..... i could live with your interpretation of islam but, unfortunately, that is not how most true believers interpret gabriel`s garbled message ...``

I see the mighty hamidm beginning to weaken on this point. Between you and me, why do you give a flying you-know-what what you think ``most true believers`` interpret? Speaking for myself, I could not care less how other people interpret Islam as long as common sense tells me otherwise. And in any case, take away the military-mullah axis of evil in Pakistan, and you will find most people are indeed perfectly sensible and tolerant in matters of religion (your daughter knows what she is talking about).

dear solitude:

Your views on Islam say -- `Islam is bad` -- are commendable -- why bring `bad sex` into it? -- do you think MOST problems Islam faces today ARE due to `Bad sex`?

Urstruly, check out the front page of the Jang. The url is www.jang.com.pk and they have the speech in RealAudio.

BTW, the speech is terrific. However, I suspect that you may get terribly depressed given your political inclinations.