Daily Diary (DD) - Day 336 of 2023

2324hrs:

Luton have faltered today....I was actually looking forward to them earning their second away win of the season.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 335 of 2023

1247hrs:

We have received a reference number for the letter written to the AJK administration on the 29th of November (Day 333 of 2023):

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 334 of 2023

2322hrs:

We have our own 'Red Lines'. They are:

1) Geopolitical neutrality

2) The people's reference to design public policy in AJK

3)  Ecological concerns of the territory

4) Religious/ideological harmony and co-existence

These are part of Article 3 (Non-negotiables) of #AJKAgenda2023 

Many thanks to CNN News 18 for the coverage below:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 333 of 2023

2244hrs:

The #PublicOfAJK are defeating the #GovernmentOfAJK on a daily basis. It has even been suggested by some that if our public continue winning they may get out of control at some imminent stage.

....  

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 332 of 2023

2322hrs:

The horizon is crystal clear.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 331 of 2023

2322hrs:

No space for error left....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 330 of 2023

1826hrs:

Climbing....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 329 of 2023

2325hrs:

I was going to say a very timely documentary on the absence of formal mass communications in AJK - for 'security' reasons - but this bizarre state of affairs has prevailed since 1947:

 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 328 of 2023

1859hrs:

Accelerating well....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 327 of 2023

2310hrs:

Hitting hard....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 326 of 2023

2059hrs:

Repositioning....taking stock....building base.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 325 of 2023

2312hrs:

Have reached home in Sehnsa, back after a little over 10 days.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 324 of 2023

1823hrs:

Have reached Muzaffarabad.....A lot later than we needed to be.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 323 of 2023

2018hrs:

It was a beautiful evening in Sharda yesterday, followed by a beautiful night and an even more beautiful day today, where all our objectives were fulfilled. Will describe details in due course.

All that beauty was nevertheless tarnished by ugly encroachment whereby a whole boundary wall to the right of the Peeth had vanished while a Pakistani 'military' cafe was being constructed on the wall to the left!

Footage can be seen in the following videos:

  

.... 

We retained our composure to conduct our next task:

....

This was followed by our next and final task we took upon ourselves on this particular visit to Sharda:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 322 of 2023

1407hrs:

We have finally reached Sharda a few minutes ago. A journey that should not have taken much more than 2 hours in a healthy vehicle took us about 2 days, ultimately getting our unhealthy vehicle towed to Sharda from Dosut. The jeep owner insisted on not taken any money. 

Humanity is alive, well and kicking in the region.

....  

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 321 of 2023

 2306hrs:

Yes!

That was the only exclamation that came to mind as we fought for over 2 hours late in the evening to obtain net connectivity, ensuring that Day 321 of 2023 did not go unreported.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 320 of 2023

1741hrs:

Pursuing peace relentlessly....enroute to Sharda.

A thousand year peace strategy.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 319 of 2023

2312hrs:

Another very eventful day. Much to reveal:

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 318 of 2023

1037hrs:

Proceeding to Saunaar - which I've described as 'Sonmaar' in other communication - high up in the Neelam Valley.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 317 of 2023

1850hrs:

It all makes sense to me. How it can make sense to the people of AJK in the majority is the question and the dilemma. It is very much possible though the people have to believe it is.

That is possible through economics perhaps more than anything else. 

What has been traditionally thought of as a weakness is actually our biggest strength but we struggle to identify. Cultural barriers need to be overcome too.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 316 of 2023

2202hrs:

A very eventful day today and it hasn't ended yet.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 315 of 2023

2259hrs:

Travelling from south to north, even extreme north over the next few days.

Initially, to celebrate Diwali with our co-citizens across the LOC at Teetwaal (Chelhana) where we wish to exchange mithai (sweets) with them at the white line in the middle of the bridge above the Kishenganga, dividing our territory. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 314 of 2023

2034hrs:

The dilemma with such a life in a territory such as ours - conducting the sorts of activities that we conduct - is that even when we work at the optimum level of 18 hours a day, there is still so much that needs attention.

The way around this has been to canvass for assistance which we do receive but in order to multiply it to the level where all outstanding matters are given due consideration in a timely manner, we have to institutionalise our activities.

That requires a leap in attention as well as support. Our people are yet to make that leap. Having said that, it has to be sooner rather than later.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 313 of 2023

1550hrs:

Improvement after over a month of below par performance.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 312 of 2023

1920hrs:

Every day is a day to fight for what is right. Any day without a fight is a day wasted.

....

Yet another AJK citizen becomes a victim of Pakistan's lawlessness:

....

It was also high time that we gave some coverage to the Awaami Action Committee in Dadyaal, operating round the clock since the 9th of August 2023:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 311 of 2023

1845hrs:

The blank before the flow.

Meanwhile, our lesser known neighbour Afghanistan has continued to pleasantly surprise in India:

Live
Afghanistan vs Australia, 39th Match
ICC Cricket World Cup
Have followed #Afghanistan 's coming f age n this tournament & even back them 2 win it. Proves how a level playing field n any discipline delivers merit
Click here to view more @espncricinfo : https://t.co/5dSawXOVWV

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) November 7, 2023

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 310 of 2023

2316hrs:

We relive all those tragedies that happened in 1947, on each respective date. Inclusivity in empathy is what revives humanity.

We dedicate today to the Muslims of Jammu for what they endured. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 309 of 2023

1931hrs:

Feeling a lot better and besides....

The public (consciousness about their rights) radar is higher than it has ever been and that is a wonderful achievement - almost feels like a Eureka moment - but there is so much more hard work to do, to reach our destination.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 308 of 2023

2337hrs:

I'm sad that England have surrendered the Cricket World Cup without a better fight in India. Their loss against Australia today by 33 runs was one of their better performances and I'm consoled somewhat by the performances of my 2 co-citizens of AJK, namely Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 307 of 2023

2141hrs:

The good news is that I feel almost recovered. 

Of course, much to catch up on!

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 306 of 2023

2122hrs:

I will still consider myself to be in recovery mode despite my most difficult night yet, since Monday's outbreak of influenza.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 305 of 2023

2130hrs:

Recovery is well under way. The essence & importance of remaining healthy is being felt with every passing moment.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 304 of 2023

1739hrs:

Trying to recover from influenza by having a normal routine today as opposed to reclining in bed like yesterday. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 303 of 2023

1806hrs:

A flu usually accompanies the weather change twice a year. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 302 of 2023

2001hrs:

Watching England's cricket team in decline almost as much as I witnessed their ascendency to become world champions in 2019. In sickness as in health as some may say: 

Monitoring this match with great interest, as much for my 2 #AJK co-citizens playing for #England as much as colonial legacy.
Hope #MoinAli features in batting scorecard like #AdilRashid in bowling.
Live#India vs England, 29th Match
ICC Cricket World Cup https://t.co/pX2dOsnMMX

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) October 29, 2023

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 301 of 2023

1906hrs:

Moving forward despite and in spite of everything. Genetics do play a part and they can be as much a strength as a weakness. Although the latter can be culturally suffocating.

....

#MirpurtoLondonviaCentralAsia has been this blog's tag line since at least 2021 (I will have to check) while the need for a land route created in JKA between Asia & Europe has featured in our public policy architecture since 2005. 

The following video has some good insights and well done to Caspian Report for the research. Our planned route is south of this 'middle corridor':

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 300 of 2023

1813hrs:

Another day. Another set of targets. 

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 299 of 2023

0002hrs:

I missed out on logging an entry for Day 298 of 2023 by a couple of minutes. Absent-mindedness us to blame once again! Though one always remembers at various points in the day but delaying always invites danger.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 297 of 2023

1412hrs:

Another social task to attend to: 

The wedding of dear Toseef Jarral of Kot Jamel, Rajouri and JKLF.

From Sehnsa to Qila Badhaar.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 296 of 2023

1833hrs:

Change always begins at home with oneself:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 295 of 2023

1418hrs:

This day in 1947 was probably the darkest day in the history of this territory. I am featuring a Facebook post today from a Kashmiri Pandit - living in exile in Chennai (formerly Madras) in India - who has his own inimitable style of communication:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 294 of 2023

2332hrs:

Travelling does consume time but it is unavoidable in our territory, as much for social reasons as political and administrative.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 293 of 2023

2053hrs:

Travelling to Jammu today - not in actuality but in a virtual sense - as we are wont to do every Friday evening.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 292 of 2023

2128hrs:

Aah! The Valley of Kashmir!

Loneliness 

Says Shah Faesal - Indian bureaucrat originating from that most picturesque of valleys in the world.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 291 of 2023

1249hrs:

A bright sunny day and plenty to look forward to. Isn't that what life is all about?

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 290 of 2023

2323hrs:

It has rained quite heavily for 2 days in a row now. This has changed our climate from summer to winter in a flash it seems. 

Despite these challenges for people's manoeuvrability and the associated burden on our weak infrastructure, our students from throughout AJK came out in strong numbers to support #RightsMovementAJK , into its sixth month of daily protest for basic needs which the government is unable to deliver.

  

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 289 of 2023

2253hrs:

Leaping ahead at times....

#WATCH | J&K | For the first time after independence, Navratri puja was held at the historic Sharda Temple in Teetwal, Kupawara district of Kashmir on 15th October. pic.twitter.com/ka5Ik1FW8o

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2023

In the wake of the above development a live programme was hosted by News 18 later in the evening:

JKLH Prime Time https://t.co/kibpxN7RMJ via @FacebookWatch
An upbeat discussion on #Sharda giving clues to the contours of a solution:
1) Religious Harmony >
2) Secure peace >
3) Re-centralisation of knowledge >
4) Top 20 world economy#People2PeopleContact

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) October 16, 2023

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 288 of 2023

1547hrs:

Still struggling to emerge from a few days of rest. An Achilles heel at times.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 287 of 2023

2232hrs:

The individual productivity of citizens when looked at collectively as a nation directly impacts their bargaining position in global geo-politics.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 286 of 2023

2137hrs:

A deliberate lull before the next storm in public activism.

A slight delay in the inevitable that we have been aspiring for, for decades.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 285 of 2023

1621hrs:

Everything requires a lot of attention. One must be skilled enough to give as much attention as possible to everything where their decisions impact the lives of others.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 284 of 2023

2125hrs:

Returning to an 18 hour day, even after a few days break isn't at all easy. 

It must happen though as there is nothing worth losing and everything to gain.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 283 of 2023

2146hrs:

The women of AJK showed their hand today in pushing forward the #RightsMovementAJK by coming out in very large numbers in all the major urban centres of the territory.

The 10th of October 2023 is another milestone.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 282 of 2023

1834hrs:

We experience many hours of electricity load-shedding in Sehnsa throughout the day every day, in a sub-division (tehsil) that hosts the hydro-power project of Holaar, which produces 720 MW of power for Pakistan. 

Such are the beastly relations between AJK and Pakistan.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 281 of 2023

2201hrs:

Grappling with very below par internet connectivity, despite living on the only main road leading out of the most populated district in AJK.

This is just one of many unnecessary tragedies plaguing the territory.

It is ironic that an earthquake on this day 18 years ago ushered in some form of connectivity with the outside world which was hitherto blocked by the Pakistani State. Yet, it still isn't adequate.

,,,,

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 280 of 2023

2052hrs:

Back home....in Sehnsa....dangerous but very powerful place. It has the capability to make big decisions.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 279 of 2023

1038hrs:

Another fresh morning in district Haveli. We have reached the bar room of the local lawyer's association to present our case.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 278 of 2023

0900hrs:

Waking up to a very fresh and very green Palangi in Mumtazabad, the 'janam bhoomi' (Fatherland) of Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore, who served as prime minister of AJK between 1990 and 1991.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 277 of 2023

1239hrs:

From Bagh to Haveli, our final district yet to be engaged in #AJKReferendum2023

Going from strength to strength....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 276 of 2023

1155hrs:

We have just reached Bagh city where we understand the sit-in protest of the nationwide Awaami Action Committee has been uprooted. Not for log though, as public sentiment is very high!

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 275 of 2023

1254hrs:

We fly (rather drive) even higher than the heights of Chikaar towards Sudhan Gali, as we sweep the remaining districts and tehsils (subdivisions) of AJK in reference to #AJKReferendum2023

....

The following circular was released by the AJK government yesterday seeking assistance from Pakistan to quell the State wide protests in the territory. It is an extremely dangerous portent:

 

The Pakistani State & its lapdogs have most certainly gone mad! Bringing Pakistani police forces N2 #AJK 2 quell a well coordinated peaceful public wide uprising 4 basic rights here will create unnecessary murder & mayhem like #Bangladesh1971 #Pakistan should simply retreat asap https://t.co/08aa4xPwo3

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) October 2, 2023

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 274 of 2023

1804hrs:

Continuing to reach out to all corners of Hattian Bala (now re-christened as Jhelum Valley). We have completed our administrative formalities in the tehsils (subdivisions) of Leepa and Hattian. Chikaar remains and this is where we have reached.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 273 of 2023

1405hrs:

Motoring along well towards the final aspects of field work for #AJKReferendum2023 which began on the 23rd of May 2023 at Chamb, 131 days ago with 93 year old Abdul Jabbar Bhat in tow.

....

We began today's proceedings with a presentation in the lofty heights of Bani Hafiz, aided by our venerable host Sahibzada Iftikhar Ahmed whose family is ingrained with deep Sufi traditions from many generations. An antidote to the inhumane 2 nation theory:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 272 of 2023

1327hrs:

Back in the capital Muzaffarabad enroute back to Hattian.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 271 of 2023

1534hrs:

#Muzaffarabad28092023

History in the making:

Very powerful and symbolic.

....

Very powerful and symbolic. #RightsMovementAJK#Poonch#Mirpur#Muzaffarabad https://t.co/Frb5RageQl

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) September 28, 2023

.... 

After a whirlwind and circular journey from Athmaqam to Leepa (just a couple of mountains apart) and back to Athmaqam in a matter of a couple of days we conclude with another briefing before embarking on our next journey:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 270 of 2023

1100hrs:

Leepa Valley - Waking up to 'Paradise on Earth' once again after a forced hiatus of 9 years.#OccupationalHazards#SecurityAJK #PublicOpinion pic.twitter.com/AugY8B0GGJ

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) September 27, 2023

Waking up in the beautiful surroundings of Naukot in Leepa for the first time in 9 years.

The Pakistani army had suffered a shattering defeat from the public here in 2014 and they resolved to ensure that I never entered the valley of Leepa ever again. I made 4 attempts to return here since then but they foiled me each time. 

Not this time!

....

After a range of invigorating interaction with our co-citizens in Leepa throughout the day we concluding our visit with a press briefing at Naukot:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 269 of 2023

1005hrs:

Enroute to Leepa, where I've been prevented from visiting on a number of occasions since our war of attrition in 2014. The people of Leepa stood by me then and will stand by me now too.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 268 of 2023

0946hrs:

A lot of rain in AJK usually means a proportionate absence of electricity and in the case of places like the Neelam Valley it also means a proportionate absence of communications technology. 

Why?

Because Pakistan's military finds it appropriate - for itself - to preside over a communications monopoly (SCOM) in regions along the LOC. 

We are of course fighting (peacefully) to bring our territory into the 21st century.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 267 of 2023

1042hrs:

The groove has returned, that had been missing for a couple of weeks.

We cannot let it go now.

....

After yesterday's arrival in Chelhana for Sharda Divas (Day) we made a fresh attempt to connect to our co-citizens across the LOC:

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 266 of 2023

1847hrs:

Another big leap for humanity today!

I left home in Sehnsa at c. 0015hrs this morning and travelled through the night to try and get to Teetwaal at 1000hrs in the morning to witness Sharda Divas (Day) which fell on today's date this year.

My compatriots and I were delayed for over an hour at the gateway to Neelam Valley check post, which prevented us making direct contact with our fellow compatriots across the LOC. 

Hazards to peace can lurk anywhere.

....   

#Peacemaking in all directions from #Chelhana sur la #Kishenganga between #NeelamValley & #Kupwara facing each other across the #LOC on #23092023#ReligiousHarmony > #Peace #WhiteFlags > #KnowledgeBase #Sharda >
Top 20 Global #Economy pic.twitter.com/JU33yhqXAj

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) September 23, 2023

....

 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 265 of 2023

2059hrs:

A lot of work ahead....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 264 of 2023

2353hrs:

All the strength we need is within. Every aspiring citizen of Jammu Kashmir & Allied needs to remind themselves of this universal reality, at least once on a daily basis. We will soon witness the universe acting more in our favour than ever before.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 263 of 2023

2330hrs:

Not a very productive day....

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 262 of 2023

2314hrs:

Need to work harder....much harder and smarter.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 261 of 2023

2348hrs:

Our public will need many shock absorbers over the coming days and weeks. 

Obtaining basic rights in the most precious territory in the world is also the most difficult task in the world.

It is achievable though.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 260 of 2023

1920hrs:

We motor on....despite a heavy bout of rain

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 259 of 2023

1323hrs:

Settling in to a 'new' environment usually takes more time than initially anticipated. Even when the environment is your own home village and not exactly 'new'.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 258 of 2023

2333hrs:

The basis of power to govern in the 21st century is going to be more 'soft' than 'hard' in my humble opinion.

This is what will give us a competitive advantage in JKA over all the 'hard' powers surrounding us. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 257 of 2023

2337hrs:

Some changes are easier than we think and take a lot less time to implement than we can imagine. If more of us believed that and acted accordingly we would be going places. I will continue to strive for change within myself and continue to notice changes in others too.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 256 of 2023

2309hrs:

Self improvement is a daily exercise and the better one can perform the greater output can be delivered to the public. For the best part of these 18 years one had to slow down to remain at pace and in peace with the rest of society.

The public of AJK have now caught up on many fronts. Thus, we need to accelerate.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 255 of 2023

1248hrs:

Accounting for everything means being able to measure everything. This is what we are trying to do for our State (our country, our nation, our organisation and our identity which effectively means our representation in the world) of Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas).

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 254 of 2023

1916hrs:

Reconciliation in the context of accounting for JKA PUBLIC AGENCY is being undertaken. It is crucial that we ensure everything is in order before we accelerate in every sense.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 253 of 2023

2359hrs:

JIT = Just In Time 

Is how we would describe today's blog entry. A lot of travel over the past few days. It won't abate just yet. 

The nature of how we operate as public agency has changed subtly over the years. Reaching 100% of the population of JKA is our ultimate target. 

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 252 of 2023

2340hrs:

Arrived in Kotli a few hours ago. The very same Kotli from where I was kidnapped on the 23rd of August, on the instructions of Pakistan's clandestine agencies. 

What goes around comes around.

We are dealing with a very stupid lot. May Allah have mercy on us all.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 251 of 2023

2106hrs:

In Khuiratta, after many a year it seems. Although I am trying to recall when I was here last.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 250 of 2023

1748hrs:

Sitting in sit-in protest at Jammu Chowk Sehnsa, which began on the 13th of August. I've incorporated it into my daily routine since returning to my birthplace just over a week ago.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 249 of 2023

1035hrs:

After reaching the peak of resistance (mazzammat), the public of AJK will now embark on what they 've never taken responsibility for before: repair and solutions (marrammat).

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 248 of 2023

0812hrs:

It is total shutdown day in Poonch and Mirpur divisions of AJK today. We rapidly progress as an aspiring nation State from one milestone to the next.

.... 

We begin today's diary record with some photos on approach to Sehnsa bazaar:

We then provide you with live footage of the peaceful march through the town:

....

A few calm words of sanity (hosh) amidst the fiery ultimatums (josh) displayed by other speakers at today's historic shutdown in Sehnsa:

An unprecedented public turnout at #JammuChowk #Sehnsa today #05092023 accompanied by world class activism here as well as throughout each and every bazaar of #Mirpur & #Poonch administrative divisions of #AJK #RightsMovementAJK#FreeAJK#GovernanceAJK#Resistance2SolutionsAJK pic.twitter.com/NDOohs9uNJ

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) September 5, 2023

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 247 of 2023

1556hrs:

I've always described Sehnsa as the toughest tehsil (subdivision) to work in and generate results in public interest. That is why I wanted to leave this tehsil (which happens to be my own home tehsil) till last when going for our final push towards freedom and responsibility over our own territory.

It has woken up and stirred more than a hornet's nest in the local power equation. Over the past week, we have focussed on it like never before.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 246 of 2023

1937hrs:

Contemplation and strategising is 90% and action is 10%.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 245 of 2023

2338hrs:

Repping away, to use gym terminology.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 244 of 2023

1659hrs:

Blank.....I struggle to construct a sentence today that is relevant for today.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 243 of 2023

2117hrs:

The word milestone will become a cliche and thus we may refrain from using it in future.

Muzaffarabad has achieved the impossible, or so it seemed until very recently.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 242 of 2023

2326hrs:

We live in unprecedented times and thus must perform in an unprecedented manner.

....

We had the opportunity of visiting our border town of Holaar in Sehnsa where the local public have also set up a daily camp to notify the Pakistani State and their satraps in AJK that 'enough is enough'. This visit also coincided with Commander Farooq of Mong's visit to the area to sensitise the local conformist politician Pehlwan Bashir about the direction of the current rights movement in AJK:

We put 3 questions to Commander Farooq in reference to the Poonch Uprising in 1947; which culminated in the declaration of a provisional government in Junjaal Hill, Palandri on the 24th of October 1947: 

1) This declaration by Sardar Ibrahim (Available at this hyperlink) referenced the people of this territory as the reason why they rebelled against the Maharajah of Kashmir. Why has the people's reference been bypassed from that date in 1947 to this date in 2023, to the extent that we are on the cusp of another rebellion?

2) This declaration assured that all (religious) minorities in the State would be included in governance, yet far from being included they were ruthlessly driven out of what became AJK. His thoughts on that?

3) This declaration made it clear that they wanted to enjoy equally peaceful and fruitful relations with their neighbours India and Pakistan. Yet, this government was and continues to remain biased towards Pakistan. Indeed, the latter expects the people here to remain blindly faithful to this territory's accession to Pakistan. How did such a 'switch' occur?

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 241 of 2023

1808hrs:

A much needed letter for the United Nations Secretary General will be delivered today.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 240 of 2023

1701hrs:

There is a time for everything and such time has arrived for many a pending action.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 239 of 2023

2350hrs:

The 3 day gap in blogging has been for purely logistical reasons. Our daily record - for the year - has been dented further but we have made a lot of progress on many other fronts.

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 235 of 2023

1303hrs:

We have reached yet another milestone. 

After much travelling from south (Dadyaal - Mirpur) to north (Keran - Neelam Valley) and then back south to Kotli, we have commenced our work on another public activity.

We focus our attention now on the Pakistani State's centre of 'intelligence' in the city, near Dharang Chowk.

It is obvious that they know that they are operating in our territory without a legal reference and they know that we know too. 

A country that claims to exist for the protection of Muslim welfare in the Indian subcontinent has worked as hard as India to ensure the fundamental rights of all humans (Muslims and non-Muslims) in the divided territory of JKA are kept in denial indefinitely.

Incarcerating aspiring local citizens like Lala Sarfaraz of this territory for seeking the withdrawal of Indian & Pakistani troops from here is obviously considered an unforgiveable crime. We visited Lala this morning and gave him much needed medicine which he had been deprived of and assured him that he would be released as soon as our message is felt by the aforementioned State agencies of Pakistan.    

The barefoot walk I undertook on the 14th of August ended prematurely on the 16th of August after covering 18 kilometres from Dadyaal to Rajdhani, as the blisters on my feet had made it impossible for me to stand, let alone walk. The discussions that ensued on the 17th of August 2023 at Naar police station ended with a promise that Lala Sarfaraz's matter would be resolved in a week. I shortened it to 4 4 days despite my conscience and mind not being convinced of any of the reasons for the delay.

Not 4 but 7 days have now elapsed and we have made it clear as a public policy prescription that political prisoners in AJK would now be confronted with zero tolerance. It makes a mockery of the provisional government declaration on October 24 1947 which referenced the people's misery under autocracy as the reason for rebellion. How can a government born out of a rebellion create political prisoners? With what face do we tell the world that we demand the release of our political prisoners in Jammu and Srinagar?

I will continue waiting under the shade of a tree on the roadside, almost equidistant from Pakistan's clandestine agencies - who ordered Lala Sarfaraz's arrest and detention - and the main road at Dharang Chowk.    

    

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 234 of 2023

1114hrs:

Reached Muzaffarabad in the early hours of the morning. There is always a lot to do here and many a people to meet in a very short time frame. Endemic corruption combined with rising ecological concerns shape our image of the city.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 233 of 2023

0939hrs:

Still in Neelam while the 4 day deadline for Pakistan's clandestine agencies to release all our political prisoners (ref. Lala Sarfaraz) and to ensure there are no such arrests in future.

We will release a video statement shortly to let them know that at any moment in any part of AJK daily life will come to a standstill and there is no more scope for negotiations with the middle man viz. the local AJK administration.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 232 of 2023

1013hrs:

Waking up in Athmaqam, after a 10 hour journey that began when we left Dadyaal at c. 1130hrs yesterday. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 231 of 2023

1032hrs:

Shooting northwards despite incomplete feet recovery to attend a wedding in Athmaqam. If I don't attend, the invitee may not speak to me for another year and I don't want to lose anybody.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 230 of 2023

1542hrs:

Feet recovery is going well...I should be able to walk properly by the 20th, in my estimation. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 229 of 2023

2238hrs:

Recuperating from my feet injuries reluctantly.

We gave an ultimatum of 4 days to the Pakistani State to release all political prisoners in AJK and to refrain from manipulating our administration to keep public opinion in check:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 228 of 2023

0830hrs:

By late evening yesterday, my feet had swollen to the extent that I couldn't even stand, let alone walk. I knew that I had to carry on rather than return back home to rest and recuperate. Political prisoners in our territory are increasing by the day and we could reach Indian-administered or occupied Jammu Kashmir proportions - at some point - if it continues so.

Thus, with a heavy heart and knowing that I cannot walk for the foresee-able future, I took to driving the vehicle at my disposal with the parts of my right foot that are still intact. My left foot has taken the brunt of barefoot walking and will take some time to recover. I have reached Naar - passing through Rajhdani without being able to engage the people there - and will proceed to Gulpur at some point today.

In total, I walked barefoot for about 18 kilometres in total. 15 kilometres on the day before yesterday and about 3 kilometres yesterday.

Gulpur will be a make or break destination for public interest in AJK, of that I am certain.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 227 of 2023

0939hrs:

My feet have swelled overnight and there are blisters to tend to too. Nevertheless, determination remains at optimum levels. Hosts on my barefoot journey are aplenty and thus our people are well on track for world-class governance.

I will proceed towards Naar from Jarai soon after the sun moves in a downward direction viz. at c. 1400hrs which is about the same time as yesterday.

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By the day's end, the condition of my feet have become critical:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 226 of 2023

1157hrs:

Another black day in the history of Jammu Kashmir & Allied areas, the 77th in fact.

Plenty of cheating on the part of Pakistan on display in Dadyaal too. Watch the following video for a detailed explanation:

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I'm also preparing for my barefoot walk from Maqbool Bhat Shaheed Square to Gulpur, which should commence by about 1300hrs.

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I eventually left at about 1400hrs. Here is some further footage:

Some co-citizens joined me in solidarity up to Amb:

The walk lasted about 6 hours and I covered about 15 kilometres - taking breaks at intervals of about every 3-4 kilometres.....the asphalt on the road was hot, the cemented sides were less hot and walking on grass where possible was almost akin to walking with shoes. It wasn't easy though and I had to tread each step carefully to ensure I didn't land on any glass, sharp stone or poisonous creature.

It is amazing how nature always intervenes when the going gets tough. My burning feet were given respite by a blizzard of rain after just an hour of walking!

Upon reaching Jarai, I released a final video:

To top off the day - which in many senses was a victory for public interest - the following short video should give our enemies some food for thought:

As it can't be embedded, here's a link

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