Kashmir

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PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES MR. BARACK OBAMA
FROM THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

October 24th 2010.

Honorable President Obama,

We, the undersigned, want to bring to your notice that in 1947, India and Pakistan got their independence from British rule. Simultaneously, this led to the realignment of princely states between the two countries. It was at that time in 1947,that India, following its military intervention in Kashmir made a solemn commitment, promise and pledge to the people of Kashmir that they would be allowed to determine their political future through a free and fair referendum. India, Pakistan and the international community reaffirmed this pledge through the UNCIP resolution Aug 13, 1948 and Jan 5, 1949.

It is regrettable that for the last 63 years India has blatantly reneged on this commitment; while systematically consolidating its control over the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir through brute military power Five generations of Kashmir have suffered immensely under the brunt of this large-scale militarization.

The last two decades in particular have seen massive deployment of forces not only on the borders but also in every street and town square, every village and hamlet in Kashmir. Protected by highly repressive measures like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Public Safety Act, National Security Act, which provide legal immunity to armed forces against prosecution, these forces have been committing widespread and systematic human rights violations with impunity.

However, inspite of this brutal oppression the people of Kashmir remain steadfast in their struggle for self-determination. This has been amply demonstrated by the ongoing non-violent agitation against Indian rule waged by our youth. To throttle our peaceful movement the Indian state in total defiance of its claim to be the worlds largest democracy has unleashed the lethal capacity of its high-powered arsenal stationed here on an entire population. The valley of Kashmir has been converted into an armed garrison where prolonged brutal curfew and militarized surveillance has become a norm. From June this year the Indian forces have shot dead more than 110 unarmed protestors and bystanders, mostly children and teenagers, many more lie injured, maimed and blinded. Almost every day unaccounted numbers are being illegally detained, tortured and humiliated.

We fear that this jackboot response and vengeful assault on our life and dignity is taking our next generation to the abyss of despair and anger. It is compounded by the silence and indifference of the world community. More than anything Kashmir is a humanitarian issue, and needs a humane course of action. The future of 14 million people remains at stake. How can we even begin to imagine a peaceful and stable South Asia?

It has been our sincere endeavor to engage in a meaningful process with the Indian State for the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. In fact many of us took great risks to tread the path of peacemaking and participated in multiple rounds of talks with the Indian government. However, the Indian State remains resilient in its resolve to tread the path of intransigence. Successive governments in India have failed to evolve a substantive and meaningful discourse on Kashmir. For them dialogue is about procrastination and crises management. This cavalier attitude on their part has severely damaged the credibility of the institution of dialogue. As of now it remains shrouded in skepticism and cynicism, as we continue to grapple with unfulfilled promises, false hopes and deception. India to us is not a democracy but a stratocracy seeking our surrender and submission

On the occasion of your scheduled visit to India as president of the United States of America, we wish to remind you Mr. President that during your election campaign you had stated that on assuming office you would make positive efforts towards the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Mr. President, the Kashmir struggle for self-determination is at a critical juncture. It is vital that the international community responds and has an informed and substantive engagement with it. Prolonging this long standing conflict can only extract increasing human cost not only from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but also from the people of South Asia. Kashmir conflict has dire consequences for the 1.2 billion people living in the entire region.

Mr. President, it is our ardent hope that during your visit you will use your influence to urge and prevail upon India to take steps for a peaceful and permanent resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Kashmir is a political problem and it can be resolved only through political means. We have for long been advocating a meaningful result oriented dialogue between India Pakistan and the people of Kashmir. To facilitate this process we seek the appointment of a special rapporteur of international stature. The facilitation of a special rapporteur is indispensable to help rebuild trust amongst the stakeholders and reinstate their confidence in the processes of dialogue.

Mr. President, in the interim it is imperative that international efforts are accelerated to stress upon India to put an end to its policy of ruthless persecution and repression in Jammu and Kashmir and initiate practical measures which can help bring some relief to the hapless people living here.

Withdrawal of armed forces from civilian areas.
Release of political detunes, activists, and students
Repeal of all repressive and draconian laws.
Setting up credible and time bound processes of accountability to identify and punish those guilty of gross human rights violations.
Restoration of the right to peaceful assembly, association and demonstrations.

With profound regards,