Daily Diary (DD) - Day 353 of 2019

1054hrs:

Our 3rd day in Dadyaal as our friends in Mirpur are not yet ready to proceed.

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We had a long but wonderful session at Taryabi ni Baithak in Balathi near Khadimabad in Dadyaal. Shafaq Hussain of Kashmiri Worker's Association in Britain and pioneer of the KNIC (Kashmir National Identity Campaign) in Britain also participated and contributed with his valuable suggestions, along with other local members of civil society. Here's an Urdu write-up on the event by Taryabi Sahaab:



Here's a belated upload (updated: 2100hrs on 22/12/19) of just a glimpse of the discussion: 



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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 352 of 2019

1146hrs:

Our second day in Dadyaal. 

This is where my family is and after coming home for the first time in over a month - on the night before last - I have to start preparing to move on to Mirpur by tomorrow. 

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Converging at Maqbool Bhat Shaheed Chowk on Day 2 of our AJK wide tour:



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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 351 of 2019

1723hrs:

A sunny day in Dadyaal. Day One of our AJK wide tour to find 100 citizens for the People's Assembly.

I received a very interesting question followed by an even more interesting suggestion:

Question:

Who protects these 100 people?

Suggestion:

They need 100 people (co-citizens) in the background to protect them.

My follow up:

These 100 people in the background should be from the diaspora, in Western democracies. Again, they should be reflective of each tehsil (subdivision).

If anything untoward or a dilemma befalls any one of those 100 local citizens, their shadow (in the diaspora) would be alerted and due course would be taken, including contacting and liaising with their local democratic representative, to report an affront on democracy.

We're still running a bit behind on uploading our daily video:

(Update on 18/12/19 at1142hrs):

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An open room and not a closed room is what the citizens of GB and AJK are demanding:

United Nations . At the request of China, the Security Council will meet today in a closed room to discuss the current situation in Kashmir & Gilgit-Baltistan.
We people of Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir demand for the open room discussion for solving 72 years old salavry.@UNWebTV pic.twitter.com/qHqbflDYjn

— Hasnain Ramal حسنین رمل (@nisarhasnain2) December 17, 2019

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 350 of 2019

2334hrs:

I have been driving flat out since I ended my current journey to Muzaffarabad on Day 26 at 1400hrs....changed vehicle in Sehnsa but kept driving......just reached Dadyaal less than 5 minutes ago. 

Such is the magnet of a 24 hour routine!

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(Update on 17/12/19 at1758hrs):

The AJK Prime Minister's Secretariat:



'The People's Assembly - AJK Public Document' was handed over to Senior Special Secretary Raashid Hanif of Mirpur at the Assembly Secretariat and an acknowledgement received:

People's Assembly AJK - Public Document Copy for AJK PM

Document Acknowledgement Received

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 349 of 2019

1659hrs:

I've just come back from an invigorating 3 km walk eastwards along the River Jhelum, to fetch some pristine spring water.

While eating a piece of guava followed by a walnut on my return, I began pitying many of my co-citizens who hardly walk let alone exercise, have a very high intake of sugar, use sub-standard cooking oil/ghee in their cooking, consume powdered spices and processed salt, bake flour with hardly any wheat in it, eat a lot of things wrapped in newspapers or plastic packaging, drink contaminated water and have x cups of tea made from packaged milk and the list goes on. They then consume sub-standard medicines to try and superficially repel the accumulated ills their bodies carry.

I almost feel like an ardent ritual namaazi (Muslim worshipper) who tends to look down on all those who refrain from regular prayer.

In any case, I do my utmost to avoid all the above - irrespective of wherever I may be - because I want to stay fit and healthy to do the work that I do, at least until I die.

  

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The next days, weeks and months will prove to be the most interesting in the history of this territory, otherwise described as Jammu Kashmir Aqsai Tibetha. Isn't it interesting that many documents get to Indian media before the sharing circle reaches us in AJK:

We will see much more of such anxiety in the coming days and weeks, from a #JandK perspective. #AJK #GB #SitDownPakistan https://t.co/InNFuZJ0Cp

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) December 15, 2019

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For over a decade now, I've felt linking Jammu with AJK and Ladakh with GB will untie the knot of slavery in Jammu & Kashmir. The people of Skardu (GB) have tried to remind the world of their plight and aspirations to re-unite with Kargil (Ladakh) on many occasions:

Open Kargil Border Movement- Continued Protests, people of Pari Kharmang marched in a protest rally after Friday prayers. The Kargil Border should be opened on the basis of human empathy.
How long will the political, economical and territorial siege of Gilgit-Baltistan continue? pic.twitter.com/voZie3ddnV

— Hasnain Ramal حسنین رمل (@nisarhasnain2) December 13, 2019

It is very heartening to see such human aspirations in such a climate.

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People's Assembly, Lok Assembly or Awaami Assembly? 
In a territory where the externally sponsored Legislative Assembly has capsized and where people haven't enjoyed freedom of assembly for 72 years. 


A detailed conversation in Urdu, thanks to Shams Rehman & #JKTV:



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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 348 of 2019

0511hrs:

I have been burning the midnight oil to get through a lot of things on our public agenda.

This was just one of them:



I always knew this video would have to be re-visited from time to time.

Here are some points that I have extracted from his speech and translated them for added clarity:

n.b. Time (in video) is followed by extracts of his speech.

13:06 - Pakistan's foreign policy is not in sync with the needs of the Kashmiri people.

14:22 - According to a survey in the (Kashmir) Valley, sympathy for Pakistan was at 6%.

14:32 - At night on the internet I see people mobilising for an independent Kashmir.

14: 45 - How governments are made and broken here - (the absence of democracy) - that Kashmir (Valley) has been robbed and we don't want to become someone else's colony. Or some other country's citizen(s).

15:19 - An innocent woman cannot live between 3 gangsters (aik sharif zaadi 3 goondo ke darmiyan nahi reh sakti!) This is difficult, it cannot happen. We don't know who controls the (Pakistani) foreign ministry.

18:14 - This constitutional set-up is not capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the people. This is not possible. 

19:30 - If we had control, none of these issues would arise.

19:39 - The role of Chief Election Commissioner is also used to wring our necks.

19:48 - For Mangla, I don't want royalty, I want net hydel profit like NWFP (now KPK).

23:00 - Voluntary soldiers (billa thankhwa fauj) is a drama.

23:35 - Pakistani PM Gilani whispered in my (Raja Farooq Haider's) ear that I will get Kashmir for you! 

24:00 - We (AJK) have no voice. We don't exist.

24:36 - Amend Article 257 of Pakistani Constitution to bring it up to date. Add another article and take us back to the acceptance position (of that standstill agreement) and let us do our own thing! Its as simple as that!

24: 57 - (While narrating a conversation with Pakistani PM Gilani) Ghulam Sadiq and I may be talking to you nicely but who (of us) you meet in future may not be so pleasant, when talking to you.

25: 32 - When the money is mine then taxation is my job, I have to spend it (and do budgeting). Why should Manzoor Watoo (then Minister for Kashmir Affairs) give clearance?

25: 47 - A hawaldaar (sergeant in Pakistan's clandestine agencies) will be writing that I'm anti Pakistan.

27:15 - We have our own State identity

28: 25 Mirs of Hunza and Nagar discouraged by Sardar Ibrahim Khan with good arguments from 'acceding' with Hari Singh (My note: This point needs further elaboration) 

28: 40 - The people here basically fought themselves for this territory (in 1947).


30: 10 - A lot of bad times are ahead for Pakistan where it will face a lot of economic problems.

End of translation of extracts of Raja Farooq Haider's speech.....

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Here's the Urdu podcast of the People's Assembly - AJK Public Document, as promised yesterday:



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Sardar Masood Khan, otherwise known as the president of AJK has disowned the government circular doing the rounds on social media since yesterday:

What can be more embarrassing than a President tweeting about a notification which was issued by the name of President’s office but president don’t k ow about it.

Who is running these things? @tariqfarooq60 what is new justification now?#Kashmir #KashmirInDanger pic.twitter.com/qbKEoRZP2y

— Qaisar Javed (@iamQaisarJaved) December 14, 2019

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Trying to give you other angles on my existence:



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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 347 of 2019

1048hrs:

Another drizzly day is on the cards........a lot more work indoors but we have an evening dinner to attend too.

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This gentleman appears to talk my language whenever I come across his posts. I hope I can meet him one day:





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The People's Assembly - AJK Public Document is ready and is also available in our public documents section in the top right corner of the blog post (on your screen)

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Events can propel us thick and fast into the future, or we could be thinking ahead of ourselves.

From Azad Jammu & Kashmir Management Group (AJKMG) to Jammu Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS): 

From self determination to self infliction?

Is this the Jammu & Kashmir in abeyance that #Pakistan wants or the #JandK in toto (including 35% under Pakistani control and 17% under #Chinese control) that #India wants, or is this the internal narrative of #AJK ? https://t.co/04KRDfk17S

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) December 13, 2019

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We've reached Day 23 of our current journey in the capital:



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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 346 of 2019

1151hrs:

A bit more settled today. Working flat out for the past 3 weeks has paid some dividends but the amount of work still pending proves that a 2 man operation is simply not enough to tackle today's research needs. A further 9 people plus 10 to securitise the whole research operation are needed as soon as possible.

It was a drizzly day all day today so I thought I'd enter a sunny photo taken in Neelam earlier this year on my daily Facebook update:



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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 345 of 2019

1146hrs:

Despite sleeping at midnight last night, I couldn't get up in the morning till 1040hrs....it is a very cold room where we stay and one doesn't want to let go of the little bit of warmth that is generated over the night. We only have 34 rupees in our balance and thus we will have to forego breakfast yet again and make do with a few oranges (maltas) in the meantime.

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Pointed:

Where is media?
Media only shows beautiful scenic of #GilgitBaltistan .No media are here....#CPEC #studentsBlockedCPECRoute #Gilgit@GB_Family110 @Humansofgb @JKPNP3 @NSFGB @sahaafi @NaeemKa03777212 pic.twitter.com/hNee1tHUWP

— Ashfaq Kashmiri (@AshfaqKashmiri8) December 11, 2019

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We can't absorb these lies anymore:

She chewed it all up and even tried to bring #China in to divert the interviewer. Honesty is important. You can't claim to support someone if you are not willing to support their right to decide, on their own terms. #SitDownPakistan on #InternationalHumanRightsDay https://t.co/TWSTG7H9k7

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) December 11, 2019

She even had the cheek to claim that AJK has its own Assembly, knowing full well who controls it. Despicable behaviour I say.

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We continue to roll in the capital:



It isn't easy retrieving missing/stolen items from AJK police custody or for that matter from Pakistani army/custody as I've experienced in the past. Most people waive their right and thus embolden these 'security' organisations to abuse citizens and their possessions at will. This is an attempt to stem the tide and of course it is time consuming. Here are our documents in pursuit of our 6 of 7 missing items:

Application to Qazi 291119

Written Response by City Thaana 291119 

2nd Application to Qazi 301119 1 of 2

2nd Application to Qazi 301119 2 of 2

Application to SSP 111219

Let me give you a summary of events rather than translate all these documents word for word:

When we were arrested and tortured on the 25th of October and into the early hours of the 26th the police (accompanied by Pakistan's clandestine agencies) didn't bother confirming our items which they were taking into separate custody from us. The next morning I did start looking and asking for my sandals but received a blank response from the police. In fact, I was physically beaten up once again! When we were taken from the police station to be presented in court, I enquired of my missing sandals once again and was hastily given somebody else's sandals while being assured that my sandals would be found and returned to me in due course. They weren't. 

When we were released - on bail - from Raara jail on he 31st of October, the police had been ordered to pick us up and deport us from our territory! (without legal reference). Here the PI (Police Inspector) returned 27 of our 34 witheld items. I explained to him that the following 7 items were missing and wrote them in the document he gave to me sign, to confirm that I had received my possessions:

1) Sandals (by Clarks of UK)
2) Glasses (frames by Rodenstock of Germany)
3) Perfume (by Dior of France)
4) Phone microphone x 2 with lead (of Sweden)
5) Black Sleeping Bag and Cover
6) Thermos
7) 500 rs (that somebody had given to the police for my use)  

When he (the PI) dropped us off in Arja (after intervention from some lawyers who helped us avoid being deported to Pakistan without legal reference), there was no means of obtaining a copy of the list of our possessions. 

It wasn't until our fourth hearing in court on the 29th (of November) - when I walked barefooted from my hotel room to the courts and then onto the police station - that the Qazi ordered a response from the police on my missing items. Upon arrival at the City police station barefooted, it took just about 10 minutes for the police to return my sandals. However, they did not mention them in their written response to the court and gave a statement that they had returned 27 items to me and that they had nothing else to return to me.

We then approached the court yet again armed with an affidavit in reference to our possessions on the 30th. We were acquitted on the 4th of December and our missing items issue remained suspended. It wasn't until the 11th of December (today) that we approached the learned Qazi yet again and he - in turn - instructed us to pursue SSP Muzaffarabad.

This is where we stand: A fresh application has been given to the SSP via his reader Mr. Anwar Khan and we have received a written acknowledgement of receipt.
    
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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 344 of 2019

1237hrs:

Worked beyond midnight as discussion on the People's Assembly intensified in a Whatsapp Group. I had to listen to over 100 minutes of a multitude of audio clips, take notes and then respond with about 33 minutes of assorted clips myself. This whole process took about 3 hours and I didn't get to sleep before 0500hrs. 

Thus, I couldn't get up before midday. Now, I'm again running behind time....need to play catch up on this international day for human rights. 

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I actually posted this tweet in the early hours of the morning:

The #British colonial legacy is so embedded n #JandK that a Conservative MP cannot criticise #India & a Labour MP cannot criticise #Pakistan. This ensures that even a mature & relatively vibrant democracy like the #UK structurally forestalls a democratic solution via its diaspora

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) December 9, 2019

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Outside the AJK President's House on International Human Right's Day:



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Here is what I wrote in response to a question about the People's Assembly today. The question was in Urdu and hence the response was also thought out in Roman Urdu. I will translate into English of course:

Mojooda AJK Assembly ki qanoon saazi ke fuqdaan se ye takaaza wajood me aata hay - bilkhusoos aaj ke tanaazur me jaha 5 mulk humey mustaqil taqseem karney par agley 2 maa me tulley huwey hain. 

Wo bhi beghair kisi qanooni, jamhoori, akhlaaqi zariye se, aur jaha wo aman ko qaim rakhney ke faraiz ko bhi tarak kar rahey hain.

Lehaaza humey (AJK ke shehryo ko) is waqt se pehle dunya ko aik jadeed, tehqeeq ki bunyaad par aik androona (internal) political process waazai karna parega. 

Us ki output 100 shehryo ki shakal me aik Awaami Assembly me hay. Jis ka pehla session Government Secretariat me January 2020 ke kisi itwaar ko munaqad karna naa guzeer hay. 

Shukrya

English translation of the above:


Then in response to a query from the public:

Humey pehley session me baa-izzat tareeqey se discussion karna chahtey hay aur dunya ke saamney apna public bayaaniya dena chahtey hay bas. Ye koi ehtejaaj nahi aur nahi kisi tabqey ka amal hay. Hamaari riyasat/mumlikat ke waaris 1927 ke qanoon me waazay hain.

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If I had only one sentence to say about International Human Rights Day in the context of Jammu & Kashmir, it would be something from the following:

Government of Pakistan: Free Baba Jan - The longest serving political prisoner in Gilgit Baltistan. - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/ipRPASpVPt via @Change #BabaJaan #InternationalHumanRightsDay

— Tanveer Ahmed (@sahaafi) December 10, 2019

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