Talk for a better tomorrow : India and Pakistan in SCO Meet

By: Ravi Nitesh https://countercurrents.org/2024/10/talk-for-a-better-tomorrow-india-and-pakistan-in-sco-meet/ As many leaders from member countries of SCO are participating in its meeting, there must be many important agendas, particularly in this phase of time when the world is facing instability in terms of peace due to ongoing conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and around Israel. Any such regional organisation, like SCO, has its agenda that focuses on regional peace, progress and prosperity. India’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Jaishankar is also participating in this multilateral meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). His participation and information about his visit to Pakistan received much coverage in the media. Social media also witnessed many comments in favour and in opposition of his visit, however it is seen as progressive and required steps by many progressive thinkers. While the official agenda of the visit revolves around the SCO meeting and Dr. Jaishankar specifically said that there would not be any bilateral meeting with Pakistan, there has been much speculation about the possibility of some meetings between India and Pakistan on the sidelines. Even if no bilateral occurs, this decision of his visit is a positive sign and it comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The recent skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) and the ongoing diplomatic standoff have further complicated the bilateral relationship and no bilateral talks occurred between two sides since long. India and Pakistan have a long and complex history, marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. The Partition of India in 1947 led to a bitter rivalry between the two nations, with disputes over Kashmir, water resources, and other issues fuelling tensions. The countries have fought several wars and turbulent conditions remain frequent on borders. Despite numerous attempts at peace talks and confidence-building measures, the relationship between India and Pakistan has remained fragile. The nuclear arms race between the two countries has further heightened the stakes, making any conflict between them potentially catastrophic. The continued animosity between India and Pakistan is not only detrimental to the bilateral relationship but also has broader implications for regional stability. The unresolved disputes between the two countries have cast a shadow over South Asia and other regions hindering economic development, cooperation, and regional integration. There is a growing recognition that the only way forward for India and Pakistan is through peaceful coexistence and cooperation. A stable and prosperous South Asia requires a resolution of the longstanding disputes between the two countries. India has consistently maintained that it is committed to a peaceful and cooperative relationship with Pakistan. The government has taken several steps to reach out to Pakistan, including initiating dialogue and proposing confidence-building measures. Together, both sides have achieved major things to restore trust and peace, but every time there have also been attempts to derail such trust building measures. We must hope that the SCO meeting will provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue and cooperation between the two countries as any regional prosperity, progress and peace cannot take shape without cohesiveness among participants. While there may not be any formal bilateral talks during this visit, the presence of Indian and Pakistani representatives at the same forum can foster informal interactions and build trust. The path towards a peaceful and prosperous future for India and Pakistan is fraught with challenges. There are deep-rooted mistrust and historical grievances that need to be addressed. However, it is imperative for both countries to recognize the importance of resolving their differences and working towards a shared vision for the region. As a part of people’s campaign for peace, we have seen the desire of people on both sides who dream for a peaceful tomorrow. Both sides are connected historically and culturally wherein the roots of families are connected. We have seen Aaghaz-e-Dosti Indo-Pak Peace Calendar initiative, which involves school students from both countries creating peace-themed paintings, wherein students express desire for a better tomorrow and this is not only desire or dream of students, but their right too. A lasting solution to the conflicts between India and Pakistan will require a combination of political will, diplomatic efforts, and people-to-people engagement. The future of South Asia depends on the ability of the two countries to overcome their differences and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future. While the immediate prospects for a breakthrough in Indo-Pak relations may seem bleak, the visit of India’s Foreign Minister to Pakistan for the SCO meeting offers a glimmer of hope. SCO members may also consider making efforts to break the ice. SCO, as a regional group, has major countries like Russia, China, Iran, India and Pakistan and these nations spend a good sum of their economy on arms, which can be utilised in the welfare of people with gradual steps towards more stable, more peaceful regions. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but it is imperative for India and Pakistan to recognize the importance of peaceful coexistence and cooperation. By working together to resolve their differences, the two countries can not only improve their bilateral relationship but also contribute to a more stable and prosperous South Asia and other nearby regions. Let’s talk for a better tomorrow !! Ravi Nitesh is founder of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an Indo-Pak Friendship Initiative

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Need of Reviving Kargil-Skardu Road in changed geo equations

 Published: 

http://epaper.kashmirtimes.in/archives.aspx?date1=10/13/2021&page=4 

https://countercurrents.org/2021/10/need-of-reviving-kargil-skardu-road-in-changed-geo-equations/ 

By:

Ravi Nitesh ,(Twitter/ravinitesh)

At a time, when Afghanistan is in news everywhere and Taliban’s rule has been interpreted in different ways, the geo equation experiencing a shift from ‘western’ domination, there can be multiple ways of future actions at strategic and diplomatic levels of the region’s power, particularly by China, India, Pakistan, Russia, Iran and others. But irrespective of what is changing or going to be changed, it is people to people relations, their cultural and trade connections that must be a priority for every country. All other equations are temporary, unstable and can face change depending upon various factors, but people who are living in the region are connected with each other for thousands of years and we should believe that their mutual connection will benefit the countries and their governments.

Now particularly in context of Afghanistan and India’s concern on China-Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, India’s investment in Afghanistan, Scope of SAARC and security concern in J&K and Ladakh regions, there are much to think and it brings importance of Ladakh region once again because it is connected with China on one side and remained in dispute for LoAC clashes, Across LoC- Giglit-Baltistan on other side to which Afghanistan touches the border.

In view of this, what is of greater need to India is having trust of the people who are living in and around this region, but this trust cannot be achieved unless there would be a genuine approach to keep the region’s future prosperous, stable, peaceful and far from war and violence.

J&K witnessed change and is now being identified as J&K and Ladakh separately as two UTs of India. Two decades ago, when J&K was facing terrorism and despite the Kargil had happened between Pakistan and India, an act of courage to bring stability and peace in the region was shown by leadership of both sides and cross LoC bus and trade (start of buses across LoC in the year 2005 and later opening of two routes Poonch-Rawalkot and Uri-Muzaffarabad routes across LoC in the year 2008) was started which was supported wholeheartedly by local people and thus brought a trust.

Now, with the changed geo equations, it is once again reminded that we need to work more upon people to people connections and a need for cross LoC route Kargil-Skardu is felt because it can come with a lot of benefits.

The fact that before being a separate UT, Ladakh was part of J&K state and many of its priorities could not be looked into. Speeches and promises regarding Kargil-Skardu road opening were made but there were no official proposals sent by the then J&K governments regarding this. Now, when Ladakh is a separate UT, it seems that such proposals can get space in the government’s priorities.

Kargil-Skardu road has a historic relevance, but not limited to this. Among other possible routes that need to be opened across LoC, such as Jammu-Sialkot, Kargil-Skardu, Nowshera-Jhangar and others, Kargil-Skardu may get prioritised in view available potential and benefits.

In already opened routes of Uri-Muzaffarabad, Uri falls in Kashmir region while in Poonch- Rawalkot route, Poonch falls in Jammu region. Clearly, it is only Ladakh region that lags behind to be connected and Opening Kargil-Skardu route is a popular demand of people in this region.

People living in this region on both sides of LoC (Kargil and Skardu) speaks same language and have cultural and ethnic similarity while their language and culture have no affinity with other regions on both sides of LoC and therefore opening this route may also give a sense of oneness and unification of hearts and emotions. In security terms, this region did not show any pattern of militancy, infiltration or any such activities and is considered comparatively more peaceful than even areas of presently open routes.

Opening of this route can bring huge benefits to nearly 8000 divided families living in this area by reducing the distance between them. Distance between Kargil and Skardu is just around 170 kms and from the adjacent hill of the last village (Indian side) Hundarma, one may see villages across LoC through naked eyes as they are not on much distance. People have their immediate ancestors in each other’s villages. With these divided families of the same ethnicity, re-opening the route would help them a lot. At present people need to travel from Kargil to Skardu via Srinagar, New Delhi, Atari, Lahore and Islamabad that counts for more than 2500 km and 4-5 days, while the same would be done with travel of a few hours condition to opening of the route.

Trade on this route may serve purpose to the future vision of connecting with Central Asia to stronger regional bonds. International Tourists who visit Ladakh region may also get an option to travel via this route and may bring more revenue to the region on both sides of LoC. At present, when China has already constructed all weather road with its CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) Projects under BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), and India could not join CPEC due to policy based issues, opening of Kargil-Skardu road may create a new chapter of regional cooperation and both (CPEC and Kargil-Skardu route) can get benefitted from each other and can bring greater stability in this region.

Opening this all-weather route will be a boost in CBMs (Confidence Building Measures) and may pave the way in resolving conflicts, bringing prosperity in the region. More importantly, the true objective of bringing peace should have a base of strong bond through not only trade and strengthening the local economy but more through emotionally by connecting hearts. Kargil-Skardu route deserves all such virtue to qualify for being opened and it may help the government to get their objectives fulfilled.

The government of India should take steps to announce the desire of opening of this route and should ask the Govt. of Pakistan to come forward to act together.

Ravi Nitesh is a social activist and freelance writer. He can be reached on twitter @ravinitesh

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India and Pakistan Must Do More for Their Cross-Border Prisoners

 By: Jatin Desai & Ravi Nitesh

https://thewire.in/rights/india-and-pakistan-must-do-more-for-their-cross-border-prisoners 

On July 1, India and Pakistan exchanged the list of the other country’s prisoners in their custody. This exchange – of lists containing the names of civilian prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s jails – has become a ritual that is being followed twice a year; on January 1 and July 1.  

It started under the Agreement on Consular Access, which was originally signed on May 21, 2008. This was done under the confidence-building approach; the ‘prisoner’s list exchange’ was added to the earlier provision – which was signed in 1988 and came into force in 1991 – to exchange information on nuclear installations between the two countries.

Prior to this agreement, there was no proper mechanism in place to inform the other side about people who are caught in one’s territory. In many instances, even families were unaware of members who crossed the borders inadvertently or stayed longer than their visas allowed and got caught. 

For any ordinary citizen of India or Pakistan, it could become a herculean task to find a missing family member, merely on the suspicion that they may have been lodged in jail on the other side.

After the consular agreement, governments started exchanging information officially about all the people who were in their custody and were believed to be citizens of the other side. This information included the date of their arrest, the charges under which they had been jailed, their consular access status and their case status. With this list exchange and the simultaneous formation of the India-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners, there was hope for a positive outcome for cross border prisoners.

On this July 1, as per the lists exchanged between the two governments, there are 51 civilian prisoners and 558 fishermen who are, or are believed to be, Indians, in Pakistani jails and 271 civilian prisoners and 74 fishermen who are, or are believed to be, Pakistani,  in Indian jails. These may just seem like numbers, but when one digs into the data – and into the lives of these people – the tragedy seems more human. 

Data from January 1, 2021 revealed that there were 49 civilian prisoners and 270 fishermen in Pakistani jails who were, or were believed to be, Indians while there were 263 civilian prisoners and 77 fishermen from the other side. Among the 49 Indian civilian prisoners in Pakistan, 32 have already completed their sentence but have not been able to return yet. Two of these civilian prisoners are deaf and mute; their names are unknown. 

Among the 263 Pakistani civilian prisoners in India, 67 have completed their sentence but could not return to their home country. This paints a worrying picture; despite the completion of their sentences, these people are unable to return to their homes. This, in fact, is no less than a jail term and just as inhumane. Article 12(4) of the United Nations General Assembly’s ‘International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights’, which came in force on March 23, 1976, reads, “No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country.” India and Pakistan both are parties to this covenant, but it doesn’t seem to be followed.

Fishermen who are lodged in either side are not criminals; they were detained while fishing in the deep sea, where no physical boundary exists. These fishermen have often been made ‘peace doves’ when the governments released them as a sign of goodwill. These fishermen have even died and the repatriation of their bodies took months.

It is also important to note that the eight members of the Indo-Pak Judicial Committee on Prisoners – formed in 2007 for legal and humanitarian support to these prisoners and fishermen – have not been meeting since 2013. This committee, composed of retired judges, last met in India in 2013. Pakistan was supposed to organise the next meeting, but that never happened.

India had approached Pakistan in 2018 regarding the nomination of Indian members to the committee and the organisation of visits but both sides have not been able to reach a consensus yet.    

Promises have been made earlier too on the cases of cross-border prisoners, be it the Ufa declaration of 2015 or the Heart of Asia Conference in 2016. Both sides accept that the issue needs to be looked at through a humanitarian approach.

The governments of both countries could take important steps, such as providing details of the detainees on a public portal with the updated status of their case, their acquittal or release and the addition of the names of new detainees. Print and electronic media advertisements should be provided for deaf and mute prisoners whose identities cannot be confirmed. 

There should be a dedicated person who can work for nationality confirmation, NoC cases in a speedy manner so that the acquitted person can return to their home country as early as possible. Fishermen and their boats should be freed in the sea itself. The Judicial Committee on Prisoners should be revived to look into the cases for legal and humanitarian support and the fast-tracking of court hearings to keep the undertrial status as short as possible.

We believe that such provisions would be a great help for these cross-border detainees and their families, and could also strengthen bilateral relations. We hope that promises and decisions come out from the bureaucratic corridors from both sides and are implemented on ground for the purpose it has been made for.  

Jatin Desai is a journalist and peace activist who works for cross-border prisoners and is associated with PIPFPD. Ravi Nitesh is a social activist and founder of Indo-Pak Friendship initiative Aaghaz-e-Dosti.

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कौन थे डॉक्टर आई ए रहमान, जो अपने मानवीय दृष्टिकोण के कारण दुनियाभर में थे चहेते

By: Ravi Nitesh | 

Published at: https://janjwar.com/world/pakistan-human-rights-advocate-ia-rehman-ravi-nitesh-comment-742608 

जनज्वार। आई ए रहमान अब नहीं रहे। 12 अप्रैल को वो इस दुनिया को छोड़कर कहीं और चले गए पर उनके जाते ही संवेदनाओं का जो सैलाब उमड़ा, उसने दिखा दिया कि इंसानियत और इंसानी अधिकारों के लिए दिल से और निरपेक्ष भाव से काम करने वालों के लिए सरहद, धर्म-जाति या क्षेत्र की दीवारें सचमुच ख़त्म हो जाती हैं। पाकिस्तान के रहने वाले रहमान साहब के लिए सबसे अधिक संवेदनाएं पाकिस्तान के बाद उसके पड़ोसी मुल्क भारत और तमाम और देशों से सामाजिक कार्यकर्ताओं, मानवाधिकार में यक़ीन रखने वाले लोगों और कई प्रख्यात व्यक्तियों द्वारा आना और कई संगठनों, संस्थानों द्वारा उनकी याद में कार्यक्रम आयोजित किया जाना वाकई में एक मिसाल है।

भारत और पाकिस्तान के बँटवारे से भी पहले 1 सितम्बर 1930 को डॉक्टर रहमान का जन्म पलवल (हरियाणा) में हुआ था। पलवल के मॉडल हाईस्कूल से पढाई के बाद वो अलीगढ वकालत की पढाई के लिए गए, लेकिन फिर भारत पाकिस्तान का बँटवारा हुआ और रहमान साहब का परिवार नवम्बर 1947 में पाकिस्तान चला गया। बताते हैं कि उनके पिता वकील थे और भारत से विस्थापित होकर पहले पाकिस्तान के शुजाबाद और फिर बाद में उनका परिवार लाहौर में रहने लगा। शायद विस्थापन और उस वक़्त के बँटवारे की यादें रहमान साहब के लिए हमेशा एक ऐसी विषय वस्तु के रूप में काम करती रहीं, जिसने रहमान को सामजिक मुद्दों, न्यायप्रियता, बराबरी और अन्य मानवाधिकारों के करीब बनाये रखा। रहमान शुरुआत में मूलतः एक पत्रकार थे और बाद में एक सामजिक राजनीतिक कार्यकर्ता के रूप में वो हमेशा मानवधिकारों के पक्ष में खड़े रहे।

1970 के दौरान पूर्वी पाकिस्तान (अब बांग्लादेश) में हो रहे मानवाधिकार उल्लंघन के खिलाफ खड़े होने की बात हो या फिर ज़िआउल हक़ के वक़्त कट्टरता के खिलाफ खड़े होने की बात हो, रहमान हर जगह खड़े मिले। 1989 में वो पाकिस्तान टाइम्स नामक अखबार के मुख्य सम्पादक बने। उसी वक़्त अस्मा जहाँगीर के साथ मिलकर पाकिस्तान मानवाधिकार आयोग (ह्यूमन राइट्स कमीशन ऑफ़ पाकिस्तान-HRCP) की नींव रखी गयी और रहमान मानवाधिकारों के लिए अपनी आवाज़ बुलंद किये रहे। उनका ये विश्वास रहा कि भारत और पाकिस्तान के अच्छे सम्बन्ध ही दक्षिण एशिया में शांति और एकजुटता के आधार हैं। पाकिस्तान इंडिया पीपल्स फोरम फॉर पीस एंड डेमोक्रेसी के संस्थापक सदस्यों में रहे और साथ ही तमाम और संगठनों, संस्थाओं, अभियानों के रहनुमा भी।

रहमान साहब के लिए लोगों के बहोत कुछ लिखा, कुछ ने अपने अनुभव साँझा किये तो कुछ ने उनके चले जाने पर अपना दर्द। अमन की आशा की संपादक बीना सरवर ने लिखा कि कैसे रहमान साहब का जाना सबके लिए एक बड़ा नुकसान है। PIPFPD के महासचिव एम जे विजयन कहते हैं कि असल में दक्षिण एशियाई शान्ति आंदोलनों में से अधिकाँश या तो उनके साथ शुरू हुए या फिर उन्होंने ऐसे आंदोलनों को एक दिशा देने में सहयोग किया। प्रख्यात सामजिक कार्यकर्ता डॉक्टर सईदा हमीद ने कहा कि रहमान साहब का जाना ऐसा है जैसे ध्रुव तारे का चले जाना। मशहूर लेखक मोहम्मद हनीफ ने ज़िक्र किया कि कैसे एक बार जब रज़ा भट्टी ने न्यूज़लाइन के लिए लिखे गए रहमान साहब के पहले लेख के लिए एक चेक भेजा तो उन्होंने चेक को एक नोट के साथ वापिस भेजा, जिस पर लिखा था कि आप चेक देना शुरू कर दीजियेगा, जब आप अपने दस लाख बना लें।

हनीफ कहते हैं कि न्यूज़ लाइन दस लाख बना नहीं पाया, और रहमान साहब ने लिखना नहीं छोड़ा। ऐसे ही फ़ातिमा फैसल लिखती हैं कि कैसे जब एक बार उन्हें इस बात का निर्णय लेना था कि वो प्रतिष्ठित LUMS विश्वविद्यालय में नौकरी ज्वाइन करें या पाकिस्तान मानवाधिकार आयोग में काम करें तो उनके एक प्रोफेसर ने उनसे कहा कि HRCP में आई ए रहमान के साथ काम करने का अनुभव हर किसी को नहीं मिलता। नजम सेठी ने लिखा कि हमारे समय की रोशनी चली गयी। तमाम राजनीतिक दलों के प्रतिनिधियों जिनमे कुछ प्रमुख नाम मरयम नवाज़ शरीफ, बिलावल भुट्टो ज़रदारी, अहसान इक़बाल, शेरी रहमान, फ़रहतुल्लाह बाबर, शाह महमूद कुरैशी आदि है, ने भी अपनी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त की। भारत के नौ सेना प्रमुख रह चुके एडमिरल रामदास और प्रख्यात सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता ललिता रामदास भी रहमान साहब के करीबी लोगों में से थे और एक ख़ास बात और कि रामदास और रहमान दोनों को मेग्सेसे पुरस्कार साथ ही मिला था। एडमिरल रामदास ने बताया कि कैसे रहमान उम्मीदों से भरे एक इंसान थे और उन्हें हमेशा ये विश्वास रहा कि भारत और पाकिस्तान के आम लोग मिलकर बदलाव ला सकते हैं। ऐसे न जाने कितने लोगों के अनुभव हैं जो आई ए रहमान के साथ खुद को जोड़ पा रहे हैं और आज उनके चले जाने से खुद को अकेला महसूस कर रहे हैं।

बहुत से सम्मान और पुरस्कार से सम्मानित डॉक्टर रहमान प्रसिद्ध अंतरराष्ट्रीय न्यूरेम्बर्ग मानवाधिकार पुरस्कार और शांति के लिए रैमन मैग्सेसे पुरस्कार से भी सम्मानित किये जा चुके हैं, मगर पुरस्कारों की चमक उन पर कभी भारी नहीं हुई। रहमान साहब की खासियत ये भी थी कि वो इतने सहज स्वभाव के इंसान थे कि बच्चों से भी उतनी ही शिद्दत और उत्साह के साथ मिलते और बात करते थे जितना साथ काम करने वालों और अंतरराष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार कार्यकर्ताओं से। 

कुछ साल पहले 2017 में लाहौर के फैज़ घर में (फैज़ घर दरअसल मशहूर शायर फैज़ अहमद फैज़ का ऐतिहासिक घर है ) हिंदुस्तान और पाकिस्तान के बच्चों के बीच एक दुसरे को भेजे गए पत्रों की आग़ाज़ ए दोस्ती अभियान द्वारा लगाई गयी एक प्रदर्शनी में उन्होंने बच्चों से खूब बात की और फिर डॉन अखबार में इस पर लिखे एक लेख में उन्होंने विस्तार से इस बारे में लिखा। उन्होंने लिखा कि लाहौर में ईस्टर के बाद हुए बम विस्फोट के बाद कैसे एक बच्चे ने अपने खत में लिखा कि वो सोचता था कि एक अच्छे खिलौने के साथ रहने वाला बच्चा किस्मत वाला है, लेकिन अब उसको लगता है कि किस्मत वाला बच्चा वो है जो सुबह स्कूल जाए और शाम को सलामत घर वापिस आ पाए। डॉक्टर रहमान ने लिखा कि आज दोनों मुल्कों में बच्चों और युवाओं के बीच आपसी संवाद और समझ को बढ़ाने की ज़रूरत है। 

एक मानवाधिकार कार्यकर्ता के रूप में पाकिस्तान में हो रहे मानवाधिकार उल्लंघन के खिलाफ वो लगातार डटे रहे। पाकिस्तान में अल्पसंख़्यकों के अधिकारों की बात हो या फिर सामाजिक समानता का मुद्दा, रहमान हमेशा आगे रहे। यही नहीं, पाकिस्तान से अलग भी दुनियाभर में चल रहे मुद्दों पर उनकी समझ और उसके प्रति मानवीय दृष्टिकोण की वजह से वो दुनियाभर में लोगों के चहेते बने रहे। 

कुछ दिनों पहले ही 25 मार्च की शाम आग़ाज़ ए दोस्ती अभियान के साथ 'बात तो करो' नामक कार्यक्रम के प्रथम संस्करण के अतिथि वक्ता की भूमिका में रहमान साहब ने लगभग आधे घंटे तक बातचीत की, जिसे कई लोगों ने ऑनलाइन देखा। इस बातचीत के दौरान उन्होंने आसान शब्दों में ये कहा कि पाकिस्तान और भारत के लोग एक दूसरे से जो संस्कृति, इतिहास और विरासत साँझा करते हैं वह दक्षिण एशियाई शान्ति कार्यक्रम का एक मजबूत आधार हो सकता है, जिस पर काम किये जाने की ज़रूरत है। 

डॉक्टर आई ए रहमान का जाना सिर्फ एक शान्ति एवं मानवाधिकार कार्यकर्ता का जाना नहीं है, बल्कि एक ऐसे इन्सान का जाना है जिसे बहुत से सामजिक कार्यकर्ता अपनी छत मानते थे। मेरी उनसे व्यक्तिगत मुलाक़ात कभी नहीं हो पायी पर ईमेल के जरिये कुछ बार संपर्क रहा। हालाँकि हमारे कई पाकिस्तानी दोस्त और आग़ाज़-ए-दोस्ती के सदस्य उनसे हमेशा मिलते रहे और उनकी उपस्थिति हमेशा कार्यक्रमों में बनी रही। रहमान हमारे बीच न भी रहे हों तो भी उनकी यादें पाकिस्तान, हिंदुस्तान और अन्य देशों के कार्यकर्ताओं के बीच हमेशा रहेंगी और उनको हौंसला देती रहेंगी। 

(लेखक भारत पाक दोस्ती अभियान आग़ाज़ -ए - दोस्ती के संस्थापक हैं और शांति, मानवाधिकार के विषयों पर स्वतन्त्र लेखन से जुड़े हैं।)

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Hope for peace through students

Published: Daily Times 17 Feb 2020 / Ravi Nitesh
https://dailytimes.com.pk/559326/hope-for-peace-through-students/ 

If we are to reach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with children; and if they will grow up in their natural innocence, we won’t have to struggle; we won’t have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace, until at last all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which consciously or unconsciously the whole world is hungering.” – Mahatma Gandhi

As the world is observing 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi, a person who is known for his ideas of truth and non-violence without fear, there is also need to look upon prevailing situation of present world, particularly the region from where he originally belonged- the Indian sub-continent. In fact, present day sub-continent is facing a time of crisis and it demands more and more ideas of people who advocated peace. Kashmir, which was once seen as ‘Ray of Hope’ by Gandhi, has recently faced severe restrictions of curfew, internet ban, arrests and house arrests and many are still under this fear. Borders are volatile and regularly taking lives of soldiers and civilians. Political relations between Pakistan and India are in bad taste and a TRP hungry media is fuelling lot many things with it.

In this time, talking peace is surely a difficult one, that also for India-Pakistan. But we know that there are always some light and we need to search for it and as Gandhi believed, we should learn from children. Pakistani and Indian students choose to paint for peace even in this time when the whole environment is filled with hatred and violence, suppression and attacks. These paintings are part of annual program of Aaghaz-e-Dosti initiative that mostly works with school students of Pakistan and India and also bring a peace calendar every year from selected paintings of both sides.

Students who painted a piece of paper with their brush can be interpreted through their beautiful paintings where they express desire for peace. Since the last eight years, these paintings are coming regularly to become part of a calendar where six paintings from each sides form 12 calendar months and reflects an everyday peace. School students who participate and submit their paintings are seem well aware about the ‘need’ and this is added with their own imagination. Paintings can be seen with Badshahi Misque and Tajmahal, Peace boats, barbed wires with students shaking hands, planting flowers and trees on border, Soldiers together shaking hands and hugging each other, birds flying above and to contemporary one like opening of Kartarpur corridor as symbol of peaceful gesture.

We need to recognise the need of future generation. Any child in these countries actually deserve a peaceful and safer future, free from violence and hatred. India and Pakistan, being two sovereign countries and strong stakeholders in South Asian region, should take positive steps to strengthen understanding and focusing on the way forward. These two countries have rich heritage, culture, history, natural resources, and talents in their own countries and if they decide to move together, there are ample scope of moving towards excellence.

Education is the key to ensure an informed and civilized society and students get affected through their environment and learn things and make an image about each other’s country and people. But whenever, they get opportunity to think it deeply and to think naturally, they come with their idea of peacebuilding. While involving students for such actions for peace, nothing new is being given to them, instead it is like exploring their own idea, the natural instinct for peace that we all, as human being, irrespective of our individual identity, carry.

These expressions are learning for others and a ray of hope in present times when despite not being able to meet or cross boundary, there are young voices to whom all the hatred propaganda and media portrayal cannot divert from the path of peace and we need to support all such actions for peace, wherever these are happening.

The writer is the founder of Aaghaz-e-Dosti which is an Indo-Pak friendship initiative. He Tweets at @ravinitesh and can be reached at ravinitesh@gmail.com

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Indo-Pak Peace Will Bring Prosperity To South Asia

Ravi Nitesh calls on leaders of India and Pakistan to diffuse tensions and work towards resolving the longstanding bilateral issues so regional peace can be achieved.

https://nayadaur.tv/2019/06/indo-pak-peace-will-bring-prosperity-to-south-asia/ 

India recently held elections and voted BJP to power once again. Narendra Modi along with his council of ministers took oath for office. Many are speculating over how the government would perform. Although time will tell if the PM will be able to live up to the expectations of his voters, but what we know is that his re-election has provided Modi a great opportunity to take action for the better.

For its election campaign, the BJP strengthened its IT cell to reach out to every citizen through social media. It also helped that his image as a leader was improved among the Indian people due to some of his recent steps as PM. PM’s visit to other countries showed India’s strong external relations with the international community.

Moreover, Modi’s governance record has also been praiseworthy. Distribution of free gas connections, free health cards, making all villages electrified and building highest ever miles of roads and bridges in the country are some of his achievements.

From ‘surgical strikes’ against Pakistan to his handling of the post-Pulwama crisis, the PM managed to create an impression among the public about him being ‘strong’. UN’s obligations of bringing Masood Azher under global list of terrorists was also seen as India’s diplomatic win by common citizens.

But as elections are now over and government formed, the PM and his team need to start walking the talk.  When Modi and former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif held a meeting to diffuse tensions between the countries, the meeting got appreciation from all over the world. From common people to media and to governments and world leaders – everyone wanted India and Pakistan to meet at the dialogue table instead of exchanging harsh words publicly.

PM Imran Khan’s calls for restoration of peace between India and Pakistan and his government’s decision to open the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims have also been praised in India. Since both Imran Khan and Modi are seen as ‘strong’ in their respective countries, they should work towards resolving the longstanding Indo-Pak conflicts.

The surprise appointment of former Indian diplomat S. Jaishankar as India’s Minister of External Affairs may prove to be good for India-Pakistan relations because he appears to have the ability see positive effects of peace.

As already conveyed by both PM Modi and PM Imran Khan, both countries have almost similar challenges and getting rid of these issues need to be their priorities.

PM Imran Khan has a good fan following in India not only due to his multiple visits and achievements as a cricketer, but also because of his clearheaded statements seeking peace between the two countries.

From severe issues like Siachen, Kashmir and Sir Creek to issues like strengthening people to people exchange programs, educational collaborations, regularizing cross LoC trades and start of new routes like Kargil-Skardu, start of tourist visas, start of telecom partnerships, new spiritual routes such as of Sharda Peeth and increase in pilgrimages visas – the two countries should hold talks to find a way out. Humanitarian issues like betterment of conditions of prisoners and fishermen in each other’s prison to their speedy trials, revival of Indo-Pak judicial committee, more intensive talks on reduction of ceasefire violations, travel arrangements of divided families and wives of surrendered militants etc should be explored.

Recent face-off also witnessed the financial weight upon pocket of government on both sides. As it seems an environment now exists on both sides due to political stability, and history from Vajpayee years may be seen as effective example where even after 1999 Kargil, both sides came together and agreed for ceasefire in 2003 that brought down the CFVs drastically from few thousands in 2002 and 2003 to almost nil in 2004.

If this time again, both sides decide to take few steps together to resolve enmity and hatred, this would definitely usher in a new era in South Asia that is a common desire of people on both sides and will be remembered in history.

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Dialogue a must to prevent escalations along volatile India-Pakistan border

Published at: South Asia Monitor 

https://southasiamonitor.org/news/dialogue-a-must-to-prevent-escalations-along-volatile-india-pakistan-border/sl/27514  
http://www.indiandefencereview.com/dialogue-a-must-to-prevent-escalations-along-volatile-india-pakistan-border/ 

Despite an agreed ceasefire agreement, with SoPs, engagement at the political and diplomatic levels through dialogue is necessary to avoid any further escalation of violence along the border, writes Ravi Nitesh for South Asia Monitor

The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India re-affirmed their commitment last month to follow the 2003 Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) ‘in letter and in spirit.’

This was a much desired outcome because there has been a manifold increase in ceasefire violations (CFVs) over the past few years. This ceasefire commitment came in the month of Ramzan, like in 2003, when Pakistan had announced a ceasefire across the Line of Control (LoC). India accepted that offer and both implemented the ceasefire along the International Border (IB) and LoC, even extending it till Siachen under the statesmanship of then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This time, however, violations were observed barely after 3-4 days of the commitment and incidents reported on both sides, in which people lost their lives.

Incidents of CFVs have dramatically increased along the LoC, with Indian claims of 860 incidents in 2017 and 908 incidents in the first five months of 2018, while Pakistan claims 1813 incidents in 2017 and 1321 incidents in 2018.

India reported 152 incidents in 2015, which increased in 2016 to 228 incidents of ceasefire violations. These incidents had come down to almost nil after the 2003 ceasefire was declared.

After 2014, CFV incidents have jumped and, particularly after the surgical strikes of 2016, increased to a point where not only soldiers of both sides, but civilians have faced the ruthless competition of guns and mortars. Civilians, as young as an eight month old child, have lost their lives.

According to reports available in India, around 12 civilians were killed in 2017 and 79 were injured. In 2012, four civilians died and, in 2013, no civilians were killed in CFVs.

Houses, schools have been damaged, crops destroyed and many villagers moved to makeshift camps. The Indian government is building bunkers for people living along the border and raising compensation amounts, but there can be no alternative to ensuring a stable and peaceful border.

It has been reported that 2018 is the first time heavy artillery has been used across the front lines, causing heavy damage on both sides.

As per the report of the Jammu & Kashmir government, there are 590 villages with a population of around 530,000 situated between 0 and five km from IB / LoC in five border districts of Jammu. Among these, 448 villages are considered as ‘vulnerable’ to CFVs.

Worried with the rising tide of incidents, people in border villages and civil society initiatives have appealed for peace. In March 2018, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an India-Pakistan Friendship Initiative, issued an appeal to the governments on both sides to restore peace along the border. This appeal was endorsed by civil society leaders, academicians and retired officers and diplomats of both sides.  

In response to a question in the Lok Sabha on April 3, 2018, India’s Minister of State in the Home Ministry said that a study group was formed under the chairmanship of the Special Secretary (internal security) to examine problems faced by the border population. This group had visited border villages in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Poonch and Rajouri districts and recommended the construction of 14,460 bunkers (13,029 individual and 1,431 community bunkers), compensation as per NDRF norms and formation of two new border battalions for J&K police. In a separate estimate by the J&K government, 210,000 families were affected and 193 houses damaged between 2012 and 2014.

With the current commitment, both sides need to effectively operationalize the existing systems of hotlines, flag meetings and weekly dialogue between the DGMOs. The progress by both sides in recent days has the potential to pave the way to build trust and secure more agreements gradually.

Despite an agreed ceasefire agreement, with SoPs, engagement at the political and diplomatic levels through dialogue is necessary to avoid any further escalation of violence along the border. In the absence of these, both armies would continue to respond to each other in their own ways. Improved relations between India and Pakistan are necessary for a peaceful border and this can directly benefit victims of conflicts, which include soldiers and the border population of both sides.

(The author is Founder. Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an Indo-Pak Friendship Initiative. He can be contacted at ravinitesh@gmail.com)

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Ceasefire agreements can help save Indo-Pak relations

http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-ceasefire-agreements-can-help-save-indo-pak-relations-2553851 

In the year 2003, Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan and political leadership on both sides agreed to a ceasefire along the boundary. When the then Pakistani Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali announced a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), India proposed to extend it till Siachen along Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) and it finally resulted in a mutually agreed ceasefire agreement (CFA) not only along LoC and AGPL, but also along the International Border (IB). Being an unwritten document, this agreement was one of its kind and became operational on the basis of mutual faith and worked well on the ground. 

The earlier ceasefire agreement between the two countries (with the mediation and assistance of the United Kingdom) had taken place in written form on June 30, 1965 for a ceasefire along Gujarat and the (West) Pakistan border.

At the time the ceasefire along LoC, AGPL and IB was agreed upon, incidents of cross-border firings were much higher (8,376 incidents in 2002, 2,045 in 2003) and immediately after CFA, the number of incidents came down within a limit of less than hundred ceasefire violations (CFVs). The CFA not only helped in reducing the number of these incidents drastically, but also helped in building a suitable atmosphere that helped start cross-border bus services and trade in later years.

Now, after 14 years have passed, incidents of violations seem to be rising once again. Though it is not as much as it was prior to 2003, it is rising with respect to recent years. On the Indian side, the Minister of State for Home Affairs (MoS MHA) stated in March 2017 that 405 violations were reported in the year 2015 (152 along LoC and 253 along IB) and 449 in 2016 (228 along LoC and 221 along IB).

In 2013, 347 such incidents took place, a large jump from 62 in 2011 and merely 44 in 2010 and 28 in 2009.

Recently, disturbing reports have surfaced indicating that soldiers and civilians, including children, lost their lives on both sides. These frequent ceasefire violations also damaged a trade facilitation centre at Chakan Da Bagh and trade, perforce, was halted for days. On the Poonch-Rawalkote route, cross LoC bus service and trade remained in abeyance for the last three months due to cross-border firing. Border population on both sides of LoC is vulnerable to these violations and live in everyday fear. Instead of decorative articles and shining paint on the exterior walls of their houses, they have holes from mortar attacks and cracks due to the firing. Thousands who live in these areas have had to migrate to save their lives.

While speaking in the Lok Sabha in December 2015, MoS of Ministry of Defence said 590 villages with an approximate population of 5.5 lakh are located in a 0-5 km range of LoC/IB in the five districts of Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and out of these, 448 villages are vulnerable to ceasefire violations. It is also said that during 2012 to 2014, about 2.15 lakh families were temporarily affected and 193 houses have been partially/fully damaged due to shelling along IB/LoC. Importantly, he also stated that the Indian government will continue to work towards establishing peaceful, friendly relations and cooperation with Pakistan and are committed to resolving all outstanding issues with our neighbour, including the vexing issue of J&K, through peaceful bilateral dialogue in an environment free from terror and violence.

On the other hand, it is curious that both sides blame each other with the fixed narrative of unprovoked firing from the other side. This ‘unprovoked firing’ is now an everyday story along the line. DGMOs on both sides have an effective hotline in place, and they meet to discuss these things. But it seems that in absence of any political and diplomatic engagement from both sides, there remains a void, which, unfortunately, is filled in by ceasefire violations.

In India and Pakistan, where cultural, linguistic, historical and geographical links are already present, the future of both countries is inextricably linked. People on both sides have family and faith-based relations on both sides. Children on both sides need a dignified life and education in these areas while frequent shelling and firing seem to be their only fate at present.

Currently, while India and Pakistan face off against each other on various fronts, there is a need to review, revive and reframe the CFA. Governments on both sides took an important step towards peace in the year 2003, and now it is the responsibility of present governments to take a leap ahead by making it a bilateral written agreement. Doing so will mandate greater adherence to commitment towards the agreed terms and conditions, and will help in ameliorating the worsening situation. A reframed CFA in written form may include provisions such as monthly reviews on CFVs, joint committees, and compensation to victims.

If it happens, it will help in contributing towards the larger interest of the subcontinent and to world peace, by effectively preventing and reducing further loss of lives and livelihood on both sides of the border.

The author is the founder of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a cross-border Indo-Pak Friendship Initiative

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Prioritising Kargil-Skardu route to build Line of Confidence

Published at August 23, 2017 01:22 AM | 2259views 

Evidence suggests that trade from Kashmir and Ladakh region to Karachi and Gilgit existed with more frequency than trade with other regions  

http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/prioritising-kargil-skardu-route-to-build-line-of-confidence 

Ravi Nitesh

ravinitesh@gmail.com

Recently, the Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti gave a positive statement on the opening of few new routes across LoC and said that it would be beneficial for trade as well as in Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between India and Pakistan.

Her visit to Kargil resulted as her open favor towards opening of Kargil-Skadu route for which people of this region are waiting since long.

Opening of new routes across Line of Control (LoC) may certainly work as one of the most concrete steps that may help both countries and people across LoC and Kargil-Skardu route may come on priority due to reasons attached with this route.

It is also a welcoming sign that Chief Minister is providing open promises towards the same though with a RTI appeal received by me through Ministry of Home Affairs, it was observed an year ago that no official proposal was ever submitted by Jammu Kashmir during last three years (2016.2015.2014) for opening of any such routes.    

Prior to independence, many routes through Jammu Kashmir were open and even served purpose for flow of trade and culture through people. The historic silk route in the past was through here and played a significant role in history.

There were written evidences that said that trade from Kashmir and Ladakh region to Karachi and Gilgit were in existence with more frequency than trade with other regions. History also tells us that how beautifully the people at that time even used Jhelum River as mode of trade in addition to road. 

After independence in 1947 and subsequent turmoil in the state due to conflict between India and Pakistan, LoC (earlier ceasefire line and after 1972 Simla Agreement, known as LoC) became so stringent that it not only stopped trade but also restricted the contact and movement of people in this region.

When India and Pakistan got engaged with each other on the peace process, many Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) were taken including one of the most important ones being the start of buses across LoC in the year 2005 and later opening of two routes Poonch-Rawalkot and Uri-Muzaffarabad routes across LoC in the year 2008.

Trade from these existing and operational routes is benefiting the region with multifold increase in its volume year by year. Success of opening of these routes can be estimated from the fact that it was recently told in Jammu Kashmir Assembly that during the last three years, there has been a trade of approx 2800 crore.

This is the case when this cross LoC trade has so many restrictions such as providing easy communication medium to traders, easy banking system, legal framework for settling disputes and their regular meetings.

But its success should be measured more in terms of its sustainability as despite all ups and downs in relation of India and Pakistan since 2008 and even during curfew time in J&K, trade continued and sustained itself.

Still, there is a need and potential to open more routes - routes that may be considered to open includes Jammu-Sialkot, Kargil-Skardu, Nowshera-Jhangar and others.

With the available potential and alternatives of routes, government may prioritise the route that should be opened first. With this objective, criteria can be the boost of trade, facility to local people and developing CBMs.

Two most probable routes are Jammu-Sialkot and Kargil-Skardu that may bring multiple benefits to all stakeholders. On logical facts, it seems that Kargil-Skardu route should get the priority of the Government.

There are several reasons to prioritise on the Kargil-Skardu route. In view of cultural and ethnic diversity, the state consists of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions. In the presently open routes of Uri-Muzaffarabad, Uri falls in Kashmir region while in Poonch- Rawalkote route, Poonch falls in Jammu region. Clearly, it is only Ladakh region that lags behind to be connected.

Also, the second expected route Jammu-Sialkot (through R S Pura sector) falls in area where international border exists and therefore opening this would mean bi-lateral trade route instead of across LoC trade route and therefore it would not be as much useful for CBMs as it would be for Kargil-Skardu. .

Ladakh is also the least developed region of J&K state having lowest rank districts in per capita income among districts of Jammu and Kashmir regions while it is rich in terms of fruits and crops.

Opening Kargil-Skardu route is a popular demand of people in this region. This route was a stretch of historical silk route through which the culture of one place moved to other. Kargil was one of the main halts of travelers at that time of history.

Points in favor of opening this route are not just limited to its association with the silk route. Instead it is also because of several other reasons. People living in this region across LoC (Kargil and Skardu) speaks same language and have cultural and ethnic similarity with its adjacent region of Skardu-Gilgit while their language and culture have no affinity with other regions on both sides of LoC and therefore opening this route may also give a sense of oneness and unification of hearts and emotions.

In security terms, this region did not show any pattern of militancy, infiltration or any such activities and is considered comparatively more peaceful than even areas of presently open routes.

During my visit to Kargil last year, many people with whom I met shared with me different stories and memories of their distant families who are living across border. It is estimated that there are nearly 8000 divided families are living in this area. One may hear some extremely emotional stories of their meeting together whenever it becomes possible for them.

Distance between Kargil and Skardu is just around 170 kms and from the adjacent hill of last village (Indian side) Hundarma, one may see villages across LoC through naked eyes as they are not on much distance. People have their immediate ancestors in each other’s villages. With these divided families of same ethnicity, re-opening the route would help them a lot.

At present people need to travel from Kargil to Skardu via Srinagar, New Delhi, Atari, Lahore and Islamabad that counts for more than 2500 km and 4-5 days, while the same would be done with travel of few hours condition to opening of the route.

Potential of trade is high and commodities can have their way in trade-in and trade-out (Usually exports are called traded out and imports as traded in due to the reason that both countries do not accept LoC as international border and consider the trade as trade between two regions) and it may serve purpose to the future vision of connecting with Central Asia to stronger Indo-Pak bonds.

International Tourists who visit Ladakh region may also get an option to travel via this route and may bring more revenue to the region on both sides of LoC.

Opening this all-weather route will be a boost in CBMs and may pave the way in resolving conflicts, bringing prosperity in the region.

More importantly, the true objective of bringing peace should have a base of strong bond through not only trade and strengthening local economy but more through emotionally by connecting hearts.

Kargil-Skardu route deserves all such virtue to qualify for being open at first and it may help both central and state government to get their objectives fulfilled.  

- Ravi Nitesh (Twitter@ravinitesh) 

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