Visitors

Showing posts with label Jhelum Valley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jhelum Valley. Show all posts

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 90 of 2026

0307hrs:

Another damn false start as the rain continues into the 2nd morning with intermittent spells of sunshine during the day. I will not let this sleeping routine become my Achilles heel. 

....

#NoElection2026AJK

Solution:
#InternalPublicContract2026AJK 

Opinion;
Safeer Abbasi - #JhelumValleyAJK


Addressing the people (Riyasati Baashindey) from:
#Lakhanpur2Gilgit
#Lakhanpur 
#Gilgit
#JKA 

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #E174831032026

....

A guest post is in order at times and the following notes of caution are provided by Quayyum Raja this morning. They were initially published as an article on RAZ TV:

Quayyum Raja with The Hague's Peace Palace in the background

Vitriolic Political Language Versus International Diplomacy: Lessons for the Kashmir Conflict

Political language has always been a powerful tool, capable of shaping public opinion, mobilizing populations, and defining national identity. In recent years, however, the rise of vitriolic political language—characterized by hostility, absolutism, and emotionally charged rhetoric—has increasingly contrasted with the measured and strategic discourse required in international diplomacy. This tension is particularly relevant in the context of the Kashmir conflict, where competing narratives, strong sentiments, and geopolitical realities intersect.

Vitriolic political language often emerges in highly polarized environments. Within Kashmir, pro-independence groups frequently employ rhetoric that is deeply rooted in local grievances, historical injustices, and identity-based mobilization. Such language can be effective in galvanizing local support, reinforcing solidarity, and sustaining resistance movements. However, it also tends to frame the conflict in uncompromising terms, leaving little room for dialogue, negotiation, or pragmatic compromise.

While this locally focused rhetoric may resonate strongly with the population on the ground, it can inadvertently limit the broader effectiveness of the movement. International diplomacy operates on a different set of principles—one that prioritizes strategic communication, credibility, and engagement with multiple stakeholders, including states, international organizations, and global public opinion. Language that is overly confrontational or rigid may fail to gain traction beyond local audiences and can reduce the willingness of external actors to engage constructively.

A lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict requires not only internal cohesion but also meaningful international engagement. Pro-independence groups, therefore, face the challenge of recalibrating their communication strategies. Rather than relying solely on emotionally charged or absolutist rhetoric, there is a need to adopt a more balanced approach—one that retains legitimacy among local populations while also appealing to international norms such as human rights, self-determination, and peaceful conflict resolution.

This does not imply abandoning core demands or diluting political aspirations. Instead, it involves reframing these aspirations in a way that is accessible and persuasive to a global audience. For instance, emphasizing legal frameworks, humanitarian concerns, and alignment with international law can strengthen the credibility of the movement. Similarly, engaging in diplomatic channels, building alliances, and maintaining consistency in messaging can enhance its legitimacy on the world stage.

Moreover, the use of less vitriolic and more strategic language can open pathways for dialogue. International actors are more likely to support initiatives that demonstrate a willingness to engage constructively rather than escalate tensions. By moderating rhetoric and incorporating diplomatic sensibilities, pro-independence groups can position themselves as credible stakeholders in any future negotiations.

Ultimately, the contrast between vitriolic political language and international diplomacy highlights a critical dilemma in the Kashmir conflict: the need to balance local mobilization with global engagement. While strong rhetoric may sustain internal momentum, it is insufficient on its own to achieve a practical and lasting resolution. Success depends on the ability to bridge these two spheres—maintaining the trust and support of the local population while simultaneously appealing to the international community.

In an increasingly interconnected world, conflicts are rarely resolved in isolation. The Kashmir issue is no exception. A realistic and sustainable solution will require not only political will but also a strategic shift in communication—one that harmonizes domestic narratives with the expectations and mechanisms of international diplomacy.

....

Dadyaal Declaration 
Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee JK JAAC

Copied ad verbatim from comment section of Shams Rehman's Facebook post as linked at end....

**Meeting held on 30–31 March, 2026 
In the spirit of standing up to unjust rulers, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee issues the following declaration:
### *1. Elections and Reforms*
The Core Committee demands *constitutional and electoral reforms* to ensure that upcoming elections in Azad Jammu & Kashmir are *transparent, fair, credible, and impartial*, so that people can genuinely exercise their right to vote.
After consultations with Action Committees across all three divisions and broad public opinion, the Committee has concluded that:
* Holding elections *without resolving the issue of the 12 disputed refugee seats* (allocated in the name of refugees residing in Pakistan),
* And *without implementing agreed reforms*,
would amount to a *betrayal of the people of Azad Kashmir*.
The Committee makes it clear:
* We are *not against democracy or elections*,
* But we *reject any electoral process* that allows these *12 controversial seats to distort the public mandate*.
*Key demands:*
* Abolition of the 12 disputed refugee seats before elections
* Full implementation of the *4 October 2025 agreement*
* Enforcement of the *Charter of Demands*
* End to *unjust privileges of the ruling elite before elections*
The Committee also calls for:
* Formation of an *independent Election Commission*
* Fair constituency delimitation based on population
* Broad-based consultation with all stakeholders, including the Action Committee
A detailed *Charter of Demands on electoral reforms* has already been prepared.
### *2. Deadline and Protest Plan*
Despite serious reservations, the Committee will continue negotiations with the *Monitoring & Implementation Committee*.
A firm *deadline of 31 May 2026* has been given to the government to:
* Implement the Charter of Demands
* Honour the 4 October 2025 agreement
* Carry out electoral reforms
After this date, the Committee will *no longer consider itself bound* by previous understandings, given repeated violations by the authorities.
If demands are not met:
* A *historic long march* towards the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad will take place on *9 June 2026*
* The march will begin from *Bhimber–Mirpur*
* A *sit-in (dharna)* will continue outside the Assembly for an indefinite period
* A *region-wide shutdown (lockdown/strike)* will also be enforced
### *3. Public Mobilisation*
The Committee calls on the public to:
* *Prepare immediately* for the movement
* Store *at least one month’s essential supplies*
* Activate *ward-level committees* across all districts
A mass mobilisation campaign will begin, including:
* Public outreach drives
* Seminars and conferences
* Advocacy for *right to ownership and right to governance*
Overseas Kashmiris are urged to *play an active role*, as they have in the past.
Media, both local and international, are called upon to *expose government violations of commitments* made to the people.
### *4. Political and Legal Concerns*
The Committee demands:
* Immediate release of all arrested leaders and workers, including those from Gilgit-Baltistan
It strongly condemns:
* The FIR registered by NCCIA against Core Committee member *Shaukat Nawaz Mir, who had merely demanded action against those responsible for the **29 September firing on peaceful civilians*, which resulted in deaths and injuries
The Committee also highlights:
* The contradiction where a self-proclaimed Hurriyat leader admits meeting Indian intelligence officials,
* While Kashmiri journalist *Sohrab Barkat* has been imprisoned for over 100 days simply for interviewing a political worker
This, the Committee states, raises *serious questions about justice and political bias*.
### *5. Education and Resource Issues*
Regarding education reforms:
* The demand for *two new education boards* (for Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions) has been accepted in principle and notified
However, the Committee warns:
* The government appears to be planning to *fund these boards by transferring assets from the Mirpur Board*,
* Which it calls a *dangerous and divisive move* that could create regional tensions
The Committee *rejects this approach* and warns of strong resistance.
6. Financial Transparency Warning*
The government is warned that:
* The *10 billion rupees grant to the electricity department*, as agreed on 4 October 2025,
* Must be used *transparently and on merit*
Any attempt to use these funds as *political patronage or bribery* will be resisted through public protest.

End....


Feedback on social media:


English translation:

Awami Action Committee has made a beautiful decision imbued with ingenuity.

End of translation..

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 
16
Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:
213
Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:
86
Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):
590

Cash in Hand: 55,780
Cash Deposits: 265,757
Immediate Debts: 0

....  

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 163 of 2025

1354hrs:

Another blistering day. Today is definitely my last day at home before I venture back out to Sharda for a few days. 

We still have our eyes on completing the last 2 remaining subdivisions (tehsils) of 35 in total viz. Hattian & Leepa. 

We are giving a few more days to our Jhelum Valley district administration to sort themselves out, else we mobilise a large number of our public to bring their inhumane activities to the fore.

....

The following is the direction that the Pakistani State is dragging the people of AJK towards:


Here's the text of the tweet elaborating on this poster:

๐Ÿงต Thread: Justice for Zarnosh & Jabran – Victims of Extrajudicial Killings In Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
1/
Two brothers.
Two funerals.
No trial.
No FIR.
Zarnosh Naseem & Jabran were killed without due process, labeled “terrorists” without proof, and denied basic legal rights.
This is a fight for truth and accountability.
#JusticeForZarnosh #JusticeForJabran
2/
Zarnosh was in police custody for 13 days.
Then released.
Weeks later, falsely linked to a murder he didn’t commit — on a day he was at a family wedding (with proof).
When he refused to do their dirty work, they hunted him.
Then killed him.
3/
His wife, Umme Ahmed, breaks her silence:
“He wasn’t a terrorist.
He was running for his life from the real criminals in uniform.
Even animals weren’t harmed by him — yet he was branded a terrorist.”
4/
Jabran – another innocent man – was also killed.
No investigation.
No accountability.
No explanation.
Just silence.
5/
The state arrested elderly women, tortured his aunt, and terrorized the family.
Yet, for 8 months, with all their force, they couldn’t catch him — because he didn’t commit any crime.
6/
This isn’t just about Zarnosh & Jabran.
It’s about the right to due process, the abuse of power, and fabricated labels used to silence dissent.
What happened to them can happen to anyone.
7/
๐Ÿ“ข We demand:
•Judicial inquiry into the killings
•FIR for Jabran’s murder
•Transparent investigation
•End to false “terrorism” labels
๐Ÿ—“️ On June 12, Zarnosh’s family will gather at Bagh DC Office.
Join them. Raise your voice. Stand for justice.
8/
History will ask:
Where were you when they were killing sons without trials?
If we stay silent now, we fail them — and ourselves.
✊๐Ÿฝ Speak up.
Retweet.
Show up.
#StopExtrajudicialKillings @UNHumanRights @UN @hrw @amnesty @BBCWorld @cnni #RulingEliteAJK
#JusticeForZarnosh
#JusticeForJabran
#HumanRights #POJK
#PakistanOccupiedKashmir

..

The above referenced tweet can be accessed here . 

....

On external interference from a global academic perspective, by the increasingly consulted American economist Jeffrey David Sachs:


The above is a lesson in geopolitics for my compatriots, many of whom continue to practice the centuries old strategy of seeking external assistance, while hollowing out local agency.

....

Returning back home:

(Video to be inserted for context)

Forest fires in AJK are a daily occurrence and I have taken pains over the past 2 decades to explain to my co-citizens that there is no system of governance in the territory. 

It is not even being administered by anybody - evidence is abundant - and nature is crying out for relief. 

If we ignore nature, the latter will hit back hard. 

I thus propose emergency measures to be taken by the public of district Kotli, as that is where I originate from and I know plenty of nouveau riche of the district who have employed helicopters for their children's exuberant weddings. 

A man (or woman) is born, grows up, reaches old age and usually dies without hitting a century. 

Our trees take centuries to grow and the system of governance pre 1947 - despite its autocratic tendencies - had stringent laws to protect our forest cover. A normal man would struggle to walk through them on account of their density. 

If anybody in the district has an immediate and practical solution to eliminate the damage from forest fires then they should meet me at the district courts complex in Kotli tomorrow. 

If there is no such person or plan then I would suggest the public of district Kotli assist me in implementing such a plan forthwith. 

I am an independent action-oriented public policy researcher operating on the ground in AJK since April 2005.

I for one, cannot afford to witness further human-induced environmental calamities, destroy the most precious territory in the world. 

The essence of self-determination as enunciated in the UN Charter provides international legal grounding for the public of district Kotli to immediately address the decades old absence of an administration or government in the territory. 

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #EUPV203912062025

....

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 155 of 2025

0946hrs:


Waking up in Thota near Garhi Dupatta, as we continue discussions with the public on how to penetrate the defences against peace laid out by external forces in this territory. 

We will be trying to meet the Deputy Commissioner of district Jhelum Valley today, to either assist us in overcoming these egotistical hurdles or to witness an escalation, initially through 500 members of the public assisting us in overcoming the Chattian checkpost after Eid. 

If the above peaceful assertion doesn't work then we will escalate this matter through diplomatic forums, as we have been compelled to do on previous occasions. In short, there is always a solution available in favour of the public. 

These external forces seem to be forever keen on humiliating themselves. 

.... 

In this FaceBook post you will find a letter submitted to the Assistant Commissioner of Hattian Bala (whereby the district has now been renamed as 'Jhelum Valley) and a short video upon entering his office, who was extremely reluctant to accept it, given the illegality of the AJK governing structure. They consider it death to engage in any written form with the public, except to impose notices etc. 

(transparency = death while ambiguity = life in such a system)


....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 203 of 2026

0346hrs: We are into our 48th day of an unwarranted territory wide communications & commercial lockdown in AJK, imposed by an occupier -...