Daily Diary (DD) - Day 154 of 2023

2014hrs:

If the foundation is peaceful and ethical, the democracy and legality will flow like a river and reach the ocean of humanity.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 153 of 2023

2323hrs:

We can keep communicating and looking forward, while introspecting on the past. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 152 of 2023

1828hrs:

The train named #AJKReferendum2023 is gaining momentum.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 151 of 2023

2343hrs:

True........

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 150 of 2023

1237hrs:

Motoring on confidently and assuredly.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 149 of 2023

1243hrs:

Rolling on on Day 7 of #AJKReferendum2023 

All activists working on governance in AJK are having to pay for 76 years of negligence. We have to put in extra efforts to do all those tasks that over 110,000 governments servants in AJK have failed to do in all these years.

They've all been rewarded with wages, paid expenses and many have also benefitted from the many avenues of corruption. Meanwhile, activists have had to rely on their own sources or menial handouts from well wishers in the community. Government servants have accumulated assets over all these years, secured their children's future and enjoy pensions in retirement. Activists have to deal with extra oppression for struggling for people's rights, face immediate risks of poverty and also have to face criticism from their own families for putting the public's needs ahead of their own families.

Indeed, political activism in AJK has been guilty of bifurcating the freedom struggle from governance, hence this dichotomy mentioned above.

We are now deeply engaged in addressing this error of judgement.

#AJKReferendum2023 should prove to be the basis of modern day 21st century governance in AJK. Whereby the freedom struggle integrates itself with the day to day needs of governance.

....

So, it took less than 3 days for the Pakistani army to back down from its abduction policy in AJK. 

Israr Ahmed was released late in the afternoon today after activists had threatened to block the main highway between Mirpur & Kotli at Plaak, near Dadyaal. It is vivid that AJK is not Pakistan. It is also clear that if the people of AJK put their heads together, driving the Pakistani army out of this territory is not as difficult as many of us envisage:

....

Meanwhile, our evenings are becoming heavy engagements with the public. This evening was at Pir Jamaal:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 148 of 2023

1607hrs:

In the early hours of this morning we witnessed a footballing miracle complete its 31 year journey, from downfall in 1992 to a return to the premier league in 2023. Luton Town is my home town in the UK and they have inspired confidence in us, or rather reminded us that miracles do happen; if your efforts are consistent despite all hurdles thrown in your direction:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 147 of 2023

2036hrs:

A lot is cooking. One of our close aides and co-citizen extraordinaire Israr Ahmed s/o Muhammad Riyasat was picked up by 'some men' - accompanied by the local police - in the middle of the night (reported to be c. 0100hrs) from his home, while sleeping with his family.

It emerged that he was picked up for criticising or mocking the Pakistani army's attempts to generate public solidarity in Dadyaal yesterday.

Stiff reaction came in the morning from the public and from Israr Ahmed's political party - JKLF - in particular.

Consequently and post 'arrest' a document was circulated to the public via the district magistrate's office in Mirpur that Israr Ahmed had been arrested under 16 MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) and would be detained at Mirpur central jail for 30 days. Further, that the order could be judicially challenged.

It should be clear that - from past experience - if the public had not made a timely intervention on Israr's nocturnal abduction, he would probably be declared missing indefinitely. 

Public pressure ensured that the location of Israr's detention became clear and that legal remedy was available. 

The Pakistani military should not make the mistake of considering this territory to be like their own. They should also refrain from exporting Pakistan's political instability into this territory. It is ridiculous that they feel the need to force our public to come out onto the streets, in solidarity with them. 

The above are some of the concerns cited by our public.

The following is the public statement penned by myself in the morning, upon being notified about Israr Ahmed's abduction:

English:

In any society of humans the rule of law and due course of legality is inescapable. 

Roman Urdu:

Insaano ke kisi bhi ma-asharey me qanoon ki baala dasti aur qanooni tarteeb (due course of legality) na guzeer hay. 

E: 

Abducting any citizen of AJK from his or her home in the middle of the night is akin to declaring war on the public of AJK...

RU:

Kisi AJK ke shehri ko raat ko us ke ghar se aghwa karna yaha ki awaam se ilaan e jang ke mutaraadif hay...

E:

The Geneva Convention applies in a conflict zone and the Pakistani State has broken international law in this State.

RU:

Conflict zone me Geneva Convention apply karta hay aur Pakistan ki State ne international law ki khilaaf warzi ki hay is riyasat me. 

E:

We make an ethical request that they immediately produce Israr in Dadyaal courts and explain to the judge details of what allegations have been made.

RU:

Un se akhlaaqi quzaarish hay ke wo Israr ko filfor Dadyaal ki adaalat me pesh karey aur judge ke saamney wazaahat karey ke Israr ke khilaaf kya kya ilzamaat hain.

E:

Advice is being sought from international legal experts and diplomats.

RU:

Is case par bain ul aqwami qanooni maahireen aur sifaaratkaro se bhi mashaawarat jaari hay.

E:

If Israr is not produced in Dadyaal courts then we will advocate for sanctions against Pakistan.

RU:

Agar Israr Dadyaal ki adaalat me pesh nahi kiya gaya to hum Pakistan ke khilaaf sanctions ke liye advocacy karengey.

....

Here are a couple of relevant posts:

Israr Ahmed's party leader Toqeer Gilani also gave a statement of condemnation over his arrest:

However, most notable of all was the roadblock in Dadyaal conducted by Israr's JKLF colleagues at the bypass junction in Amb:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 146 of 2023

1049hrs:

Setting the most important precedent for 21st century governance, in Bhimber district of all places.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 145 of 2023

1811hrs:

Motoring along in the southernmost tehsil (subdivision) of AJK.

....

Some glimpses of public engagement today:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 144 of 2023

1034hrs:

Day 2 of #AJKReferendum2023

We returned to Mirpur yesterday evening to drop off our 93 year old asset of the nation, Abdul Jabbar Butt.

Interest and attention on this #DirectDemocracy exercise is spreading almost like wildfire throughout the territory. Responsibility will also flow down to the Dhok (sub-village) level in due course. Our first data centre will be set up at Moil.

....

Some glimpses of today's activity enroute to Moil:

 

In Bhimber city:

 

Enroute from Bhimber to Moil:

Further:

Encore:

We have more footage yet:

And more....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 143 of 2023

0613hrs:

As the sun begins to rise over #Jammu city, a 93 year old freedom fighter of the old multicultural #Mirpur begins his day's duty in #Chamb .

Abdul Jabbar Butt is as sprightly as a 16 year old and an inspiration spanning 2 centuries.#AJKReferendum2023 - Day 1 #23052023 pic.twitter.com/xlPQigatue

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) May 23, 2023

.... 

Here's our paperwork for the referendum, which we have 'hashtagged' as #AJKReferendum2023

Exhibit 1 (Main Sheet):

Exhibit 2 (Supplementary Sheet):

Exhibit 3 (Background Notes Page 1 of 2 - English):

Exhibit 4 (Background Notes Page 2 of 2 - English):

Exhibit 5 (Background Notes Page 1 of 2 - Urdu):

Exhibit 6 (Background Notes Page 2 of 2 - Urdu):

While the above 6 exhibits are related to #AJKReferendum2023 and thus part of an internal political process, the following 2 exhibits are our proposed stance in relation to our neighbours India and Pakistan:

(They are also highly relevant for developing a political consensus between the divided parts of JKA viz. AJK, Gilgit Baltistan, Ladakh, the Kashmir Valley and Jammu)

 

Exhibit 7 (JKA Citizen's Charter - Snapshot Version - English):

Exhibit 8 (JKA Citizen's Charter - Snapshot Version - Urdu):

....

The afternoon in Bhimber, whilst returning back to Mirpur to drop our veteran activist:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 142 of 2023

1232hrs:

Enroute to the southern tip of AJK....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 141 of 2023

0755hrs:

There has to be a twist in approach. Otherwise, data will just drown us.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 140 of 2023

1735hrs:

On it....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 139 of 2023

2037hrs:

Playing the fool with time....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 138 of 2023

2338hrs:

Behind schedule....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 137 of 2023

2320hrs:

Have reached Mirpur. One step closer to the start!

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 136 of 2023

1428hrs:

Edging closer to the destination aspired for, by generations of my co-citizens.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 135 of 2023

2338hrs:

Floating along like a balloon. Flexible enough to harness the wind and steering generally in the right direction.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 134 of 2023

2019hrs:

Decisions are made everyday but some decisions on some days can affect a whole century and sometimes even a millennium.

#AJKReferendum2023 is one such decision.

It will begin on Thursday 18 May 2023 at our southern-most tip #Chamb .

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 133 of 2023

2347hrs:

Leaving it late once again, amongst bouts of amnesia.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 132 of 2023

1400hrs:

Today is the 4th day of us needlessly sacrificing our lives for the sake of Pakistan.

Apparently, the ego of the Pakistani military dictates that they want all embarrassing footage of theirs deleted from social media before they restore normal internet connectivity!

Make of that what you will.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 131 of 2023

2141hrs:

I didn't think I would be able to log a daily entry today, given the darkness present in our neighbourhood. We are paying heavily for Pakistan's crimes. The price is getting heavier by the day.

Our de jure status is that of an independent, neutral, sovereign State. We are needlessly dragged into every conflict in our midst, all of which are without merit.

The enslaved have the answers. 

#WaterManagement

#PublicPolicy

....

The territory of AJK and Gilgit Baltistan are stuck in a different century through little fault of their own.

We have been plunged into an internet lockdown since 0500hrs yesterday (over 40 hours and still counting - I've just used an 'alternative' means) because there is a tussle between a politician and the army next door in Pakistan.  

As much as we have our own security policy in AJK, we also have solutions for the internet as well as all other aspects of governance. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 130 of 2023

1157hrs:

Once again, we the people of AJK are paying for the sins of Pakistan. Our internet connectivity has been restricted since soon after Imran Khan's arrest yesterday. 

The volatility and instability of that country is a permanent feature of its existence. We have a much clearer path to governance and public policy and Pakistan's occupation of our territory is an unwarranted hindrance.

They were born out of hatred for Hindus and thus a denial of their past. They have a very narrow outlook for the future. We want to embrace the world with all its diversity, while securing our own territory, which we believe to be the most precious in the world.

The time for change is nigh. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 129 of 2023

1048hrs:

Even better.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 128 of 2023

1400hrs:

Incremental improvements....even then our public has to be spoon fed to ensure public interest is maintained.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 127 of 2023

1406hrs:

Every improvement is a bonus and a step closer to where we want to reach.

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 126 of 2023

1605hrs:

Getting sharper....

....

 

There are some notable points in your written analysis of JKA and there are very few who have worked in the AJK governing structure who can speak and write with such fluidity, as your good self.

Nevertheless, there are some parts of your argument that could be described as 'subjective assumptions' and which leave a lot of room for alternative interpretation. 

Examples:

1) That this is a Kashmir Valley centric problem when it is far more complex than that. The fundamental rights of people throughout AJK, Gilgit Baltistan, Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh have been severely limited or compromised since the entry of Indian and Pakistani troops within the territory in October 1947.

2) Without being partial to any particular era it is clear that the level of parity in official documents between the Dogra State and the British Indian colonial set-up was objectively more visible under autocratic constitutionalism than the so-called democratic constitutionalism undertaken by India and Pakistan in JKA. Compare the 1904 Upper Jhelum Water Agreement and the 1935 Gilgit Lease Agreement with any post 1947 document e.g. Karachi Agreement 1949 or Delhi Agreement 1952....the lack of parity between parties became even more acute subsequently.

3) It would be presumptuous to argue that Gilgit had no historic link to the Valley, Jammu or what is today AJK when there are divided families and divided cultures criss-crossing each part of the geographic divide. It would be absurd to expect them to be totally in sync with each other, when they have been deliberately divided since 1947. One can also compare modern day India and Pakistan which are not internally divided like we are...yet how strong are the bonds between Quetta and Karachi or the latter with Peshawar or Lahore? What is the affinity between someone living in Simla with someone living in Chennai or between Trivandrum and Patna? 

4) Until India and Pakistan do not treat the people of JKA as equals in humanity, concerns and aspirations we will continue facing an uphill task and while India will continue to economically rise, Pakistan's economy will dwindle further below 0.4% share of global GDP.

Modern politics must be that of inclusivity of all political narratives in JKA rather than cruelly expecting the people here to adopt a singular Indian or Pakistani nationalist narrative.

Neither can the people's reference in JKA be wished away by India and Pakistan, under the cloak of IndoPak Bilateralism.

That is insulting, putrid and reminiscent of human slavery.

#GeopoliticalNeutralityJKA

#JKASovereignty

..

Reference: 

The above note was written in response to an Urdu article on Facebook by Former Chief Justice of the AJK Supreme Court Syed Manzoor Gilani

Link

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #002006052023

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 125 of 2023

2056hrs:

Tortoise like but with bursts of hare energy has been our trajectory.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 124 of 2023

2351hrs:

Time is ticking away....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 123 of 2023

2316hrs:

Plugging away, though mindful of the all the opportunity cost involved in developing genuine public interest.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 122 of 2023

2350hrs:

Have left it late again today. So much so that I almost nearly forgot.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 121 of 2023

0917hrs:

Reverting almost to the daily routine that will maximise my output once again. This is usually the case when adjusting after a month of fasting.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 120 of 2023

2349hrs:

Should never leave it so late.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 119 of 2023

2315hrs:

On the precipice. We have been here a few times before.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 118 of 2023

1457hrs:

A different routine accompanies different targets and ultimately different results.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 117 of 2023

2025hrs:

Tortoise like but moving ahead we are.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 116 of 2023

2335hrs:

Working hard in the background....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 115 of 2023

1923hrs:

.....  

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 114 of 2023

0616hrs:

An even better time to log our daily entry. We have been giving more than usual time in the past 3 days to tackling hypocrisy in our society. We consider it a prudent investment. When one hypocrite falls they all fall.

....  

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 113 of 2023

0727hrs:

This would be about the right time to input our daily diary entry.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 112 of 2023

1251hrs:

Its another day of Eid, which has its own meaning for those who are occupied.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 111 of 2023

1436hrs:

Getting earlier by the day. 

Meanwhile, 30 days of Ramadhan are welcome - as opposed to the 29 that we usually have - as Muslims always seeking shortcuts to paradise.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 110 of 2023

2007hrs:

Inputting an entry earlier than yesterday....

Every improvement in punctuality is a boost

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 109 of 2023

2313hrs:

Leaving this entry for the 11th hour (or rather the 23rd hour to be more precise) is also not good practice. We hope to change that from tomorrow.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 108 of 2023

1707hrs:

No more slips ups in 2023 hopefully.

....

We considered it newsworthy to present the following 'development' at the UN headquarters in New York, courtesy one of the more experienced members of our AJK diaspora, now living in political exile in the USA:

Dear friends, 

I have very recently had the opportunity to attend the 56th session of the United Nation's Commission on Population and Development (CPD56), at their headquarters in New York between the 10th to the 14th of April (2023).

This session was attended by many nation States (members of the UN), civil society organisations and NGOs. Each government and organisation in attendance presented their respective policies on the domain in which they operate.  

Each country and organisation had been allotted a desk with their nameplate to identify them. I found it astonishing that the Pakistani desk was totally absent throughout the session. Hailing from a Pakistani-controlled territory - namely AJK - I had been keen to find out who was representing Pakistan.

Everyone was seated in alphabetical order and thus after O, I began searching for Pakistan amongst the P's. Alas, despite searching thrice I couldn't find the name of Pakistan anywhere.

Most member States of the United Nations were present and representing their countries' policies regarding population, education and sustainable development. Cuba, India, Serbia, China, Russia, Germany, Egypt and many other countries narrated robust policies on health, education, gender equality, technical education and capacity building of youth amongst other subjects.

One country who's absence was conspicuous was Pakistan.

  

I then tried to find out why the Pakistani desk was absent in this annual session of the UN Commission on Population and Development. I learned or was rather reminded of the bitter reality that throughout the UN and its affiliated organisations, it is usually former Pakistani army officers or retired diplomats that are hired to represent Pakistan.

In such an apathetic scenario dear friends, what can be expected from these old lethargic self-centric beings?

Narrated by Dr Akhlaq Barlas of Ser Kakuta, tehsil Hajeera, district Poonch AJK and now living in political exile in the USA after the Pakistani army extrajudicially hanged his son, by falsely implicating the latter in an assassination attempt on the then president (military dictator Parvez Musharraf) in 2003.

..one can also read his thoughts in Urdu via the image below:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 107 of 2023

 0004hrs:

I missed out on yesterday's diary (Day 106 of 2023) just because of deep engagement in our daily Twitter Space, despite setting up to write my entry about half an hour before midnight (c. 30 minutes ago).

It is painful. 

The 4 days missed last year (2022) were totally unavoidable because I was in Kotli jail for 4 full days of the 6 spent there between the 10th and 15th of March 2022.

Viz.

Day 70 of 2022

Day 71 of 2022

Day 72 of 2022

Day 73 of 2022

This year (2023) has produced 4 lapses so far, of which all were totally avoidable and a result of absent-mindedness.   

Viz.

Day 82 of 2023

Day 94 of 2023

Day 103 of 2023

Day 106 of 2023

We must at least equal last years record of 361 daily diary entries. We have no more room to slip up. Excellence in any field is likewise. We must equal our record if we cannot excel it. Life permitting, we will try and achieve the maximum of 365 daily diary entries in 2024.

We can now move on to work at hand.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 105 of 2023

2311hrs:

The learning curve for our people is still steep. 'Direct Democracy' and 'Popular Sovereignty' are such terms that are on the other side of the hill.

....

Amongst the various and multiple activities that we carry out in public interest are such as editing and advising on the following letter drafted for all our immediate neighbours by Quayyum Raja, founder of the recently initiated 'Centre for Jammu Kashmir Public Diplomacy':

A Joint Letter to Jammu Kashmir's Neighbours:

Afghanistan, China, India and Pakistan 

Respected Excellencies

Having been involved in the struggle for the reunification of Jammu Kashmir for decades, we recently founded the Centre for Jammu Kashmir Public Diplomacy (CJKPD) in Mirpur, AJK. The Centre doesn't want to confine its outreach to within Jammu Kashmir’s borders, as it is equally concerned with the stability and prosperity of the wider region in its midst, with a view to designing sustainable peace with all our neighbours.

Evidently, at this juncture there is no need to delve into the history of confrontation within the region, though we sense that one of the causes of this region’s vulnerability to conflict is our over-reliance on materialistic influences, at the cost of humanistic imperatives. This has made us vulnerable to policies undertaken by imperialist forces.

We suggest that unless confrontation is not replaced with co-operation for the betterment of humanity, we are unlikely to change the fortunes of this region.

We would like to concentrate on discussing solutions as opposed to reiterating problems that have dogged us, particularly since European colonialism came to the ascendency in this region. Their legacy is evident from the geographic mapping of our respective territories. We are clear that this has stunted our collective growth and hampered the revival of this region as the centre of the world’s economy.

Realistically speaking, it is not an easy task but it has to start from somewhere.  

Initially, in our opinion, we suggest people-to-people contact through research organisations or ‘think tanks’, to share concerns and aspirations. Our respective populations deserve a much better future and therefore we hope we can elicit a positive response from each of our neighbours, without prejudice to any of our respective stances on politics, geography or any other subject for that matter. 

Yours faithfully, 

Quayyum Raja - Chairman CJKPD

Edited by: 

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY 

15 April 2023

..end of letter

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 104 of 2023

0001hrs:

Missed out on Day 103 of 2023 by just about a minute.

I will publish notes related to this belated day below:

Work on a #Referendum in #AJK began on the 10th of April 2023, after seeking renowned legal opinion from our diaspora; to research, verify, authenticate, manage and execute public policy in AJK, via public opinion.

Interim research findings:

1) The 5 yearly AJK election process can be commended for its continuity since 1985 and for reaching out to as much as 60% of the population of AJK but its affinity to material inducement and blackmailing fear in the people: are at least 2 of its deficiencies that disallow it from being the sole arbiter of public opinion in AJK.

2) Elections are never an arbiter of questions that are of national or international significance. The examples of Brexit and Scotland make it clear that even political parties with a majority in parliament (ref. Conservative Party in the UK) cannot decide matters that ultimately impact popular sovereignty.

3) JKA PUBLIC AGENCY has produced an accurate representation of public opinion in AJK by conducting a public opinion survey between 2011 and 2016. This produced a sample that was twice the standard of international public opinion survey practice. We are working on obtaining the rich academic eye of the London School of Economics to interrogate, critique and verify our survey's representative character and establish confounding variables, if any.

4) An on the ground referendum is the missing gap in public policy to authenticate the people's sovereignty, which is academically described as 'popular sovereignty'. Pre 1947, we have merely been in transition from 'titular sovereignty' to 'popular sovereignty', just as we have been transitioning from 'autocratic constitutionalism' to 'democratic constitutionalism'.

The king and his subjects were both deprived of sovereignty while India & Pakistan began developing their claims under the guise of an international dispute, minus the king and his subjects.

We have been duped in order to be deprived. We now have the perfect opportunity to democratically address this deprivation.

In the spirit of the word 'Azad' or 'Free' (the A in AJK) referendums have been conducted in this territory in the past by various political parties, so this is not a new phenomenon or a 'ruse'. It is to clarify what Robert Wirsing described as the "calculated constitutional ambiguity of AJK".

The late Abdul Majeed Malik of Mirpur and Dr Nazir Gilani of Baramulla have noted and clarified the legal and constitutional status of AJK and the rest of JKA in their works.

(Instead of the lazy approach to ask for citations I would urge all those unfamiliar with Wirsing, Malik and N Gilani to begin taking their work seriously. 

I'll leave you with a clue: all references are available at ajkpublicagency.org)

As always, we need the public's assistance to reinstate popular sovereignty in AJK and by extension to the rest of JKA, subject to the people's will in those territories including but not necessarily restricted to Gilgit Baltistan, Ladakh, Kashmir Valley and Jammu. 

They all have a default right to unconditionally secede from this political reunion of the erstwhile princely State but that also requires:

1) Consultation between all the divided parts of the State. Agreeing to disagree where necessary.

2) Unwinding the Indo-Pak bilateral process and the UN template on this territory preceding that or running concurrent to that.

As advised, the referendum question should be confined to 1 sentence with 4 options:

1) Yes

2) No

3) Don't know

4) Explanation of your answer (optional)

The question I put to the people of AJK (people from the rest of JKA can also provide their suggestions) is:

What should that sentence be?

#AJKReferendum2023

#PopularSovereignty

#PublicOpinion 

#PublicPolicy

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #093013042023

..

The above note has also been translated into Urdu below:

Page 1 of 3

Page 2 of 3

Page 3 of 3

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 102 of 2023

2348hrs:

It is not easy to explain concepts that have different meanings for different people. Especially in the most fiercely contested territory in the world.

....

The state of Maqbool Bhat Martyr's Square Dadyaal, about 2 weeks after the invasion by the local municipality (Baldiya):

....

Arang Kel is amongst the most stupendously beautiful villages of AJK. The Pakistani army is keen to take control of it and build tourist lodges under their own custody, to milk the tourist trade that is increasing year by year, to this hitherto almost hidden destination. 

The Pakistani army has been ransacking the buildings built by the locals and showing very aggressive intent to them. The locals are not taking this daylight robbery lightly and are resisting this with all their might. Support for them is also emerging from all parts of AJK:

 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 101 of 2023

2245hrs:

We are engaging meaningfully with all our co-citizens from all backgrounds and regions from almost all parts of Jammu Kashmir & Allied areas.

This is a good omen.

....

Meanwhile, there is diplomatic activity conducted from AJK that should gradually assist in clarifying our sovereign status. On a personal level, I do not subscribe to pan-Islamism and have always maintained a strictly neutral stance in reference to the geopolitics of the world but it is important to highlight the concerns and aspirations of our people and how they engage with the world.

 

We haven't left this domain to Pakistan to freely manoeuvre as it pleases or as its interests dictate. The Pakistanis have deferred to the will of the people of Jammu Kashmir & Allied areas (JKA) in their constitution (ref. Article 257). They need to uphold their constitution in practice:

The following is a statement released by Quayyum Raja, founding chairman of the Centre for Jammu Kashmir Public Diplomacy:

Iran's embassies all over the world hold an Al Quds Conference on the 21st of Ramadhan every year, as announced by the spiritual leader of the Islamic Revolution, to mark both solidarity with Palestine as well as to renew their commitment to free Palestine from Israeli occupation. 

This year however, the conference was organised jointly by the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad and the National Press Club of Islamabad. Senator Talha represented the Pakistani State. 

The Iranian ambassador to Islamabad urged the Muslims to unite themselves against oppression, while Iran's cultural counsellor Agha Khazai reiterated Iran's commitment to stand for Palestine. 

I was invited to speak both on Al Quds and Jammu Kashmir. Thanking Iran and all the other speakers who spoke for Kashmir as well, I have made the following recommendations to the ambassador, in writing: 

1) The OIC must review its policies and relationships among its members. Why its counterparts like the European Union, African Union and Russian Federation as well as NATO have progressed; promoted and consolidated themselves but not the OIC? 

2) The Turkiye Government under Recep Tayyip Erdogan had announced a zero conflict policy with its neighbours over a decade back - but instead - all the Muslim states in the region are in conflict with each other. We urge an immediate review of the situation. 

3) Palestine, Jammu Kashmir, Libya and Syria are bleeding; while Iran and Afghanistan are suffering from unfair and unjustifiable economic sanctions. 

4) The Kurd and Yemen issue should be negotiated too for a lasting peaceful solution or it will always be exploited by imperialistic powers. 

There are two major causes of all of the above problems, in my opinion:

First, prevalent disunity and confrontation between Muslim states. Second, our acceptance of an undemocratic, discriminatory, monopolistic and manipulative United Nations Security Council; that has five permanent members using the UN to their advantage. 

In order to bring about a positive change in the Muslim World and protection, we recommend an active role of the OIC, a joint Islamic think tank, a separate independent Islamic Court of Justice, a joint defence force and a common Islamic economic market. This may sound difficult but it has to be initiated if the resources of the Muslim World and its human rights are to be protected from the forces of exploitation. 

We hope Your Excellency will support our recommendations and kindly forward them to your  government. 

Wassalam

Abdul Quayyum Raja

Founding Chairman

Centre for Jammu Kashmir Public Diplomacy

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More important than the news item itself, its encouraging to see the global news agency Reuters in action in AJK. We hope it maintains its alertness for the rocky road to freedom ahead:

 

Pakistan-administered Kashmir's PM sacked by court in contempt case - Reuters #Pakistan https://t.co/OUk33hQZwq

— SOUTH ASIA NEWS ALERTS (@Hoosierland02) April 11, 2023

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 100 of 2023

2043hrs:

Momentum continues and swivels towards a referendum on 'freedom of movement'.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 99 of 2023

1919hrs:

Accounting....

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 98 of 2023

2350hrs:

Motoring on but the tragedy at Maqbool Bhat Martyr's Square in Dadyaal is unfolding. What we repaired in 297 days has been almost overturned in 10 days.

297 days of good defeated by 10 days of bad.

Further examples below:

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Many thanks to Ravinder Pandita for highlighting these notes. I think it is ultimately a battle between positive and negative forces. Between enlightenment and doom. Returning the knowledge of the world to this territory or taking away what little remains here.

#ShardaCorridor2023

Well articulated ! Civil society on both sides of LoC needs to view cross LoC heritage and religious tourism in proper perspective 🍁 pic.twitter.com/O6VRlJdFQw

— Ravinder Pandita(Save Sharda) (@panditaAPMCC63) April 7, 2023

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 97 of 2023

1601hrs:

I'm now almost ready to give attention to the Public Policy Analysis Course that I'm doing at the London School of Economics. I am almost 5 weeks behind and may not receive much more time to catch up. It's a pity as I was scoring above average marks till many other public interest priorities merited my attention and application.

Most of our people do not fully understand how time consuming on the ground public activism is.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 96 of 2023

1618hrs:

Ab aaya oont pahaar ke neechay!

The camel has now been eclipsed by the mountain!

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