text:
Yus neereth gassan, pheereth cha yevaano: morda che gassan zinde (Kashmiri saying)
400 Year Old Freedom Struggle
It took the mighty Mughal army four attempts and thirty years before they could conquer us; and even then they only succeeded because of deceit, lies and trickery. Ever since that fate-ful day in 1587, when the Mughlas finally defeated our army, and entered Kashmir, we have never smelled the fresh air of freedom again. Our nation has been plundered by foreign rulers ever since.
After the Mughals were weakened, we bore the brunt of the Afghan Durani rule, whose governers subjected us to unmentionable cruelties. We suffered under them for 67 long years.
The Sikh rule that followed only made things worse as they treated us more like cattle. Forced labour and unreasonable taxes were the norm. Two European travellers, Moorcroft and Hugel, who visited Kashmir at different times during this period, corroborate our claim, and vividly describe the state of our miseries then. Moorcroft describes how Kashmiris were tied up like slaves and taken for forced labour. Anyone disagreeing would have their throats slit and left on the side of the road. Their rule resulted in Kashmiri muslims deserting their homes and moving to other countries. Moorcroft estimated in his account that in some villages, more than two thirds of the inhabitants had left Kashmir to escape the tyranny of the Sikhs.
The Dogra rule that immediately followed only made things worse as it was the same tyranny perpetrated by different rulers. Kashmiri muslims, who ruled this nation, and were proud owners of lands, who worked side by side with their brothers and sisters of other religions, were reduced to a pitiful state of misery. We were forced to become labourers of our own lands that we once ruled, slaves of our foreign rulers, and beggars once everything we owned was taken by the Dogra rulers as taxes.
If the Dogra rule was not brutal enough, we were made to witness a cruel irony of fate. When we were about to taste the sweetness of freedom after three centuries of seeing our nation being plundered again and again, the Indians had to take it away from us. The Indians, claiming to profess to democracy, arrested our newly elected Prime Minister and so began their oppressive rule in which they have killed 200,000 Kashmiris and tortured tens of thousands more. They have been responsible for killing thousands of Kashmiris whose bodies were recovered from mass graves; and still thousands more remain missing. They continue to subject us to the most unspeakable attrocities everyday. Some claim that the Afghan rule in Kashmir was the darkest in our history, I contend it has to be the Indian rule. Nothing even compares to these cruelties that they perpetrated on us.
This saga of foreign rule continues to this day, and after 400 years of subjugation, we are at a point in history where our united voices may end this spell; we can stand united and say no to foreign rule. We cannot go back in history and repel the invasion of the Mughal, the Afghan, the Sikh, the Dogra or the Indian & Pakistani armies; however we can in our hearts keep the flame of freedom burning. It is the legacy of our brave Kashmiri soldiers who fought the mighty Mughal armies and defeated them three times. It is a testament to the hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris who bore the tyrannies inflicted upon them by foreign rulers, and yet passed on the tales of the grandeur of a free Kashmir to the next generation.
They may think they rule us, but they do not rule Kashmir.
52 comments:
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 3:41 AM
This is how Moorcroft has described Kashmiri's in his travelouges -ReplyDelete
"in character the Kashmiri is selfish, superstitious, ignorant, supple, intriguing, dishonest and false: he has great ingenuity as a mechanic, and a decided genius for manufactures and commerce, but his transactions are always conducted in a fraudulent spirit, equaled only by the effrontery with which he faces detection. The vices of the Kashmirian I cannot help considering, however, as the effects of his political condition, rather than his nature, and conceive that it would not be difficult to transform him into a very different being."
You live on indian tax payers money and give us nothig but bombs and more mutilaton ,yet you have the funny bone to call india the oppresser Your attitute is disgusting I see no end to violence perpetrated by U and pak on innocent peopleReplyDelete
even though I am familiar with the ruthlessness of Indians towards Kashmir, I am shocked by the hateful comments posted here - luckily the world media are waking up to the reality, two stories in the Washington PostReplyDelete
By Alistair Scrutton
Tuesday, September 2, 2008; 2:27 AM
SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - The world's largest democracy locks up protest leaders without charge, shoots dozens of demonstrators dead, beats and intimidates ordinary citizens and raids homes without warrants.
Welcome to Indian Kashmir, where the biggest separatist protests in two decades have clashed with the might of the state.
"They are ruthless, trigger happy," said Ghulam Rasool Bhat, a laborer who says he was beaten by federal police after he tried to buy milk for his two nephews under a curfew in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir.
He lay in a bed, both legs bandaged where a soldier, shouting "Get your milk from Pakistan" had smashed a rifle into his shins.
In Kashmir, Conflict's Psychological Legacy
Mental Health Cases Swell in Two Decades
Muslim protesters shout pro-freedom slogans during a curfew relaxation in Srinagar. Tensions had eased in recent years, but a land-transfer plan stirred anger among Muslims.
By Emily Wax
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, September 1, 2008; Page A09
SRINAGAR, India
Suraya Qadeem's brother was one of the Kashmir Valley's brightest students. Handsome and disciplined, he had been accepted into a prestigious medical school in Mumbai. But just weeks before Tahir Hussain was to pack his bags, the 20-year-old was shot dead by Indian forces as he participated in a peaceful demonstration calling for Kashmir's independence.
At his funeral, Suraya Qadeem, also a medical student, wept so hard she thought she might stop breathing. Seventeen years later, she spends her days counseling patients in Indian-controlled Kashmir who have painfully similar stories.
the truth will out, thank you for your blog and all the best
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 7:31 AM
To the comments above and on article----------Kashmir the land of meadows, mountains and lakes has been transformed into valley of death and destruction. It is appalling to see a security man of distant naga land asking a native kashmiri to prove his identity. What a tragedy has befallen on our land, its pristine water has been mixed with the blood of innocents, its glaring snowy peaks have been raped by millions of shells of gunfire, its flowery meadows have been trampled by military boots and vehicles. The propagators of democracy and secularism has destroyed its ethos of brotherhood and harmony. Some Indian people think we are crazy, narrow-minded and fundamentalists they tell us we are ungrateful because we survive on their tax money, we want tell them this land is not barren-we are from land of agriculture and water—we can feed you-You know Mughals, afghans, Sikhs and Dogras had been running their govts and military on our money. Read historical facts. Our forests were cleansed worth billions rupees logs for railway tracts, all electricity produced here is stolen and we get nothing. It is worth billions. Under a preplan strategy we were deliberately turned into dependent and helpless people. They try to turn us into ashes but a spark from it in the form of 21st young generation will enlighten us with the flame of freedom. This is our motto.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 10:46 AM
Dear script ,ReplyDelete
I suggest that you go to the blog titled "brainwaves kashmir" and read the piece written by Rashmi Sehegal. She is an Indian.
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 11:50 AM
This is your blog and these are your views and opinions. I thank you for letting us join in the discussion.
As a moderate, liberal Indian, I hate to see violence anywhere in India or in territories currently controlled by India (such as Kashmir). A lot of us at this point are truly wondering if it is worth keeping Kashmir. If the Kashmiris don't want to live peacefully in a unique, special state (Art 370 guarantees that) then let it go. Currently Kashmir has all the advantages of being in India (security from China and Pakistan, a billion+ dollar annual support) without any of the disadvantages of being run over by us 'Indians'. Wish all states were like that.
A huge proportion of the Kashmiri violence is perpetrated by Kashmiris themselves. Minimal investment from private companies in India (there is Art 370 again) means Kashmir remains an economic blackhole while being next door to an emerging economic giant. This leaves local Kashmirs with little employment potential, which is the real cause of all the violence. Political/Terrorist outfits take advantage of this underlying reality to feed impractical and unrealistic dreams to Kashmiris.
Learn to disambiguate these issues, think with a clear head and you'll realize that economic hardship is the basis of most of this violence. Art 370 needs to be modified (I am not advocating scrapping it altogether) to allow for investments from the rest of India to spur economic activity in Kashmir. Only then the violence will come down and Indian army can go back to the borders.
Thanks for your blog again.
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 1:12 PM
IF WE REALLY DO LIVE ON INDIAN TAX PAYERS MONEY, WE BEG YOU TO STOP PAYING FOR OUR UPKEEP AND LET US GO...IN KASHMIR WHAT INDIA IS DOING IS CALLED "BATTA Policy".You guys will not even pay for the upkeep of your own mothers, how do you expect us to believe that you get nothing in return from Kashmir and pay for all our living expenses. The Cow (GAI MAATA) are the best example...you guys milk her till she stays fertile and then turn her out once she stops making milk. I often see your many gai maatas on the streets of Delhi and other cities foraging for food in the filthy garbage dumps.ReplyDelete
Yes we are a crazy demented people who don't know what an oppressor means and therefore accuse India on false grounds. The angelic Bharat Maata is the best country in the world as it pays for our upkeep etc etc etc (Rhetoric rhetoric and rhetoric).BULLSHIT!!!! rather than talking justice and making sense u Indians keep on parroting the same old subsidy/tax payer/Terrorists etc etc speeches.
Have you ever wondered whoose people have been mutilated the most....have you ever given a thought to whoose women have been raped. Do you know what it is to live in a prison called Kashmir with your angelic Indian army acting as the witness, killer and judge.
We Kashmiris have never been, are not and will never be a part of India and will continue fighting the opressor i.e. The occupying forces of INDIA.
Indian DEMOCRACY is in truth DEMONCRAZY
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 1:45 PM
You have given a good concise picture of history but failed to mention the brutalities perpetrated on us Kashmiris by our own Kashmiri brothers namely THE KASHMIRI PANDITS who always took sides with the ruling class and helped them subjugate us further. The sikhs/ The mughals/ The dogras or the Afghans never spoke our language and these cunning Battas (Kashmiri Pandits) who were just like jews spewed venom and helped them understand our resistance movements.Over the centuries they have always trampled upon us in order to stay in the good books of the occupiers and continue living their priviledged lives. The occupiers rewarded them by giving huge land grants and estates plus positions of power in the government. These ungrateful people inspite of what they did to us were saved from the Kabailees by their muslim brothers and see how they are repaying us today.We should have pointed out their homes to the Kabailees and not suffer the consequences of saving these venomous snakes. Today these Battas participate in killing and maiming us ever single day...they are working in organisations like RAW, Indian Military, BSF and other intelligence agencies. They are the pivotal group in influencing Indias policy on Kashmir and even the CBM groups are headed by Kashmiri Battas. Its time we Kashmiris stood up and faced these vily imposters once for all.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 2:19 PM
Kashmir has been turned into a graveyard, a hounding ground for marauding canines. There is saying in kashmiri DRAAG TSHALIH PAR DAAG TSHALINA.The famine will go but stains will remain. If people think by coercion, bribes, false promises and division, they will make us to forget the 40 martyrs of just in last month, they are misled-For centuries this flame of freedom could not be extinguished –We were and we are a free nation no body can rule our hearts. See any map of world made in other than of pak and India. We are shown as disputed.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 3:54 PM
To the comments above and on article----------Kashmir the land of meadows, mountains and lakes has been transformed into valley of death and destruction. It is appalling to see a security man of distant naga land asking a native kashmiri to prove his identity. What a tragedy has befallen on our land, its pristine water has been mixed with the blood of innocents, its glaring snowy peaks have been wounded by millions of shells of gunfire, its flowery meadows have been trampled by military boots and vehicles. The propagators of democracy and secularism has destroyed its ethos of brotherhood and harmony. Some Indian people think we are crazy, narrow-minded and fundamentalists they tell us we are ungrateful because we survive on their tax money, we want tell them this land is not barren-we are from land of agriculture and water—we can feed you-You know Mughals, afghans, Sikhs and Dogras had been running their govts and military on our money. Read historical facts. Our forests were cleansed worth billions rupees logs for railway tracts, all electricity produced here is stolen and we get nothing. It is worth billions. Under a preplan strategy we were deliberately turned into dependent and helpless people. They try to turn us into ashes but a spark from it in the form of 21st young generation will enlighten us with the flame of freedom. This is our motto.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 6:23 PM
I have to agree that Article 370 does hinder economical growth in Kashmir.ReplyDelete
We have a lot of mistrust towards India that maybe because so many broken promises
India has to come clean and change that
- AnonymousSeptember 02, 2008 10:14 PM
The problem started when Islam and its violent ways came to South Asia. Before that there was no religious animosity in South Asia.ReplyDelete
Every generation passes on their rich legacy to their progeny. Similarly any generation would expect their off springs to be in peace, harmony, developing, "educated", here we have a strange case of Kashmiris (who vehemently propagate such biased and prejudiced senses) where generations pass on misery, hatred, compulsions, poverty, vanity, and all such abstracts found frequently in their vocabulary.ReplyDelete
No wonder we find Kashmir's present generation (beware progenies) amidst piles of above mentioned words.
They take pride in calling themselves Kashmiri but won't flinch a thought before taking admission in a Bombay Medical College and simultaneously hurl abuses on the Indian masses.
Ya know its all development propaganda and selfish motives.
When they think individual empowerment they come to mainland India for better education and facilities and of course won't go back where guns are moved in their asses.
If Central Govt. had wanted you to be massacred, they would not have waited so long.
You are alive and kicking ur asses proves that Indian Govt. is not building concentration and camps. You are free to raise your voice again proves the might of democracy that this country empower one and all.
But again the habit of passing vanity to progeny won't help. This is evolution and No One gonna stay forever.
Most of the people on this blog prefer to post their comments as annonymous. It would be much better if they adopt some name/title for themselves and post their blogs while their identity continues to remain obscure (if they wish to keep it like that). That will help us address them when we reply their comments. Anonymous has picked up economic backwardness of Kashmir and held Article 370 responsible for the same. Fact of the matter is that Kashmir is economically lagging behind because of what the experts call as India's "Dependency Syndrome". A lot of research has been done on this and a lot many theses have been written as to how India trumpets billions of rupees being showered over Kashmir and still continues to make Kashmiris remain always dependent on them without any opportunity to get up on their own feet. To cite an example, last time when Manmohan Singh visited Kashmir, he announced an economic package of 26000 crores. Many Indian created hulla bulla on this and criticized him for attempting to pamper Kashmiris every now and them at the cost of Indian exchequer. But the reality is that 14000 crores out of this money was going to be spent on Aganwadi centres and the wages for their workers, whereas the remaining amount was to be spent on mini hydro-electricity projects, that ultimately was to benefit none else than India itself. Had these 14000 crores been spent on Industrialization, our unemployed youth would have become eligible to generate their own income and income for others too. India invests in Kashmir in a very tactful manner so that whatever investment pour in, that is going to benefit India only and the remaining amount is spent in such a manner so that the locals always remain dependent on the central funds and are never able to generate their own income. Whatever us use and consume in Kashmir comes from India, from a sewing pin to a computer, everything is procured from INdian markets. Thus whatever money we earn goes back to Indian businessmen again and this vicious circle continues since decades.ReplyDelete
- Dipu ShawSeptember 03, 2008 3:29 AM
It is not a Kashmir Vs India story. Infact, the autonomy with security would not be given by any other nation. Off course! not our neighbourReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 03, 2008 8:40 AM
It is a great tragedy for the people of Kashmir that we are suffering under slavery for last 400 yrs ,when all nations of the world including African and far off small Islands were given the Right of Independence .We are being denied this birth Right. The difference between past and present is- in past- we were under the slavery of kings and their families but now we are under the garb of pseudo democracy and pseudo secularism. Some Indians claim that we have same rights as they have and our demand for Independence is just craziness .Well we are asking to the saner elements and not the prejudiced ones.ReplyDelete
1. The promise made to us of self determination isn't it a fact?
2. Was there ever Democracy here?, weren't all elections held farce?
3. Weren't all leaders forced on us at the whims of Delhi power brokers?
4. Have we same human rights as you have ,here any security personnel can kill any body with full impunity, isn't it a fact?
5. Just in recent agitation, there was more violence, destruction of property and road blockade in Jammu and three deaths only and here in Kashmir every thing was non violent and 40 deaths by police firing Isn't it discrimination?
- AnonymousSeptember 03, 2008 9:02 AM
Mr Bhanu Pratap----You seem to be prejediced punk -your language speaks it-This has happened in kashmir people like you are responsible for mess-- with the ideology-- Might is Right.Dont give lectures about sanity. Just tell those brutes who destroyed everything here,and dont generalize we have nothing against common masses of india.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 03, 2008 9:20 AM
To Mr bhanu pratap-------Who is trying to give us a lecture of sanity as if we are people with low IQ, whom you are making fool? We are you? Mr. democrat and Mr. Secular- it is 21st century not 60yrs ago- when ignorant people will be shown green pastures of secularism .OK for the sake of argument we are every thing bad. What about Gujarati Muslims they did not raise anti national slogans. Their massacre is still fresh. Ok leave Muslims aside. What about Christians of orrisa they are not Pakistanis –It is recent see what Italian govt and holy pope said or are you listening only news of hinduvta .There is so much to say Mr. perfect whole books can be filled. Keep your economy with you- just stop farmers from committing suicides.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 03, 2008 11:38 AM
To one BP -----Please don't generalize; we are not against Hindus of India. One should be honest to say general population is good; they are being misled by false propaganda by biased media and power hungry politicians. We are living in that part of world where people are obsessed with religious, caste and regional biases. It is the material for politics and when masses are illiterate it becomes the gunpowder just to catch an ignition. Whenever there are elections these are the issues to be brought in .The progress issues doesn't matter-- every thing has genesis behind it- so is here--, before you draw conclusions about a people and if you are unbiased --.Read and look for the truth-- the majority of kashmiris are not crazy and bigoted –we are an intelligent race- scores of world famous intellectuals arose from this land—I am telling you the truth the ultimate truth---- that Indian political system failed here .You look for the reasons-Don't keep hatred in you --,it is symptom of severe mental disorder. It is not at all personalReplyDelete
What will Bhanu Pratab answer when we will ask him that while Indians were slaves of British why did his leaders graduated from universities of London. I know He will not answer. Whenever there are a freedom struggle people of all walks of life join it and everybody contributes to it. It doesn't mean that our children have to leave their studies.Life and political struggle can go side by side. At least we will not give India the same chance which it gave to the British. When Winston Churchill was asked to comment upon giving Independence to Indians he replied "We cannot give independence to BEGGARS and SNAKE CHARMERS" Of course it was his heartedness towards Indians whom he could not see Independent. Today some people in India have live in obsession that Kashmir lives on their money. Unfortunately this is not 100% true. Indeed there is transfer of money from India but that is for the Govt employees especially Police. India has to keep its police and army happy so that it can go to any action to suppress subjugate peaceful demonstrations and will of people by any means. Some one above has mentioned rightly. We have no human rights as we are Muslims of Kashmir, Which means we are slaves as this part could have never been with India. The secular army of India after Killing 40 unarmed peaceful demonstrators in Kashmir is now trying another weapon, entering into houses of Kashmiris during the curfew and breaking windows, refrigerators, TVs, satellite receivers, land line telephones, worst to it beat old men and women, children not to talk about the young who are beaten to pulp only because they ask for freedom. No one can dare oppose them. They shoot him dead on the spot. http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=4_9_2008&ItemID=35&cat=1ReplyDelete
Why don't Pratab propagates the lesion of sanity to these Dakus (dacots) in uniform.Where is democracy and secularism of India.
If govt of India thinks it can suppress our voice by its military might then it is living in a fools paradise. We will fight for our independence with tooth and nail and will get Indian army out of our pious land which has been occupied by it .Log live revolution.
Well my prediction came so correct! Boy the comment was right wasn't it..ReplyDelete
With prejudice and vanity in their eyes and head they could not fathom my comment was nowhere close to religion or secularism...
No wonder follow-up comment were full of scrapes
Kashmir or any backward region will be heaven if peace is there, peace will be possible if people are content, people will be contented when they have money, money will be there when industrialization happens, industrialization will happen when infrastructure will be developed and infrastructure will fall in when PEACE is there so better choose with BRAIN if there are any.....
Shabba Kher
- AnonymousSeptember 03, 2008 10:15 PM
hi my dear kasmiri friendsReplyDelete
when the whole world is looking to india, my dear brothers u are looking backward to ur eternal brothers pakis, which the world knows is a failed state,which cant rule its own country properly but want kashmir for them.i dont care wht is right and what is wrong,things are much bigger than these rights/wrongs.
let me tell what it is
KASHMIR is INDIA's KEEP(setup)
a rich powerful country acn afford to keep like chinA(tibet),USA,russia etc
u have to understand a rich poerful man will never lose possession of its most beautiful keep.so u sons of keep just enjoy the facilities provided and keep ur mouth shut,u cab shout scream cry fight but u wont get what u want ( freedom)
Kashmiri Hindus Hatredness exposed in MumbaiReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 04, 2008 3:26 AM
I wonder whether the the history of kashmir starts from the period that has been mentioned here,there's more to it.Lets try and recollect history;First of all get in to the etymology of the word kashmir and u will understand what i m trying to say. The history of kashmir is much much beyond the period that has been discussed.If you have any questions about it please refer history of kashmir or perhaps an easier source will be wikipedia.If any one says that forced conversions were not made plz refer to wikipedia again on the atrocities that were meted out to the non muslims by the muslim rulers.Moreover is religion the only premise on which the whole idea of secession being discussed? If thats not the case on what grounds is the proposition of joining pakistan is based on? Why not join China ?ReplyDelete
People often talk about New Delhi letting down kashmiris.I have one question was India not there for it in its greatest hour of crisis.India willingly or unwillingly accepted the request and accepted kashmir into its territories officially and fought a battle on its behalf.Now after 60 years and also along due course there have been demands of independence from certain sections,that too only on the premise of religion.For 60 years New Delhi has borne the responsibility in all aspects and tried to bring it in mainstream,but what really matters to those separatists is religion it seems to be the be all and end all.Then what about all economic,social,political and military costs borne till date.If the argument of separation is based on human rights violation the we should also understand that the whole crisis started since terrorism started evolving in the valley.If you compare the magnitude of violations with that of Iraq,Afghansistan,GBay,NWFP in Pak,Africa,Kososvo,Chechnya,Tibet and of course aginst the kashmiri pandits what is it that one can conclude.The conclusion will also be that India is a soft state and that it doesnt come down hard on its irritants. If you say that India is not a safe place for muslims because of Gujarat,then u should understand that the riots were a retaliation to the Godhra train burning incident in which the piligrims were burnt alive by the muslim mob.I should also say that because of islamic terrorism nobody feels safe in India.
If you say that India has reneged from its promise from holding plebiscite then you should also know that your leader Sheikh Abdullah was not in favour of it.It was only the emotional Nehru who got it as an additioanl clause in the aggrement as he did not want the people of kashmir to be embarrassed in the UN(plz refer to history again).It should also be understood that that Sheikh Abdullah was for remaining with India and he had won the election on this plank,this you cannot discount as not being a refferendum from the people at that point of time.
After all this if you say that kashmir belongs to u and u want freedom because of ur religion and history then going by the same parameters the valley should go to the hindus and buddists and the muslims in the valley should leave it and go to Pak and other islamic countries.After all someone needs to answer for the historical attrocities and injustices that have been committed against the other sections as well who will be held responsible for all that?
The last anonymous poster makes me want to shake my head and wonder how people can re-invent the truth to suit their arguments. You say Sheikh Abdullah did not want to have a plebiscite? and for whatt reason was he jailed for eleven years then?ReplyDelete
You sir are a real dangerous person for making false claims. A mojority of the people of Kashmir are seeking independence NOT Pakistan.
The attrocities being committed by Inida in Kashmir are in no way lesser to those being committed elsewhere. in fact India is guilty of committing even more heinous crimes.
The freedom struggle of Kashmir is not based on religion; it is based on ridding our nation of foreign occupation.
You in fact are communally minded for bringing up religion into the picture. If religion were the basis, then we would not look upon the Mughal, or Afghan periods as occupations as well.
You sir are a dangerous perrson.
- AnonymousSeptember 04, 2008 7:40 AM
To Mr. anonymous – Don't say Sheikh Abdullah was our leader –during that period of ignorance, when illiterates and goons without any political thinking were let loose on sane people of Kashmir. These goons muzzled the voice of literates and visionary .You know the elections you are talking about--out of 75 seats 73 were declared unopposed and this assembly had endorsed the ascension on certain conditions .A leader means a democrat, selfless, and visionary, If by your logic Kashmiris had elections so game has ended-Then Indians also fought elections under British- that didn't mean they supported then British Empire. Sheikh Abdullah had a false ego, he never tolerated anybody opposing him because he thought he is correct and rest are foolish. It is for same folly he was removed in 1953,77.Ok if he was leader of Kashmir and you respect him, where it had gone in 1953 &1977 .He was also in jail for 11years.Now you had answered your own argument –when he was not trusted and tolerated- so what about we rest?ReplyDelete
The truth is because we belong to a different religion so whosoever he is. They are others
- AnonymousSeptember 04, 2008 8:38 AM
To Mr. BP----If money would had been the source of contentment, then people of rich nations would had been most peaceful, Go and check where is highest number of suicides, gunshot murders, rapes, alcoholic and drug addictions, divorces and split families .you will see richest nations leading in all. Peace with in and with out depend upon beliefs , ethos and respecting each others rightsReplyDelete
To MR.BP and other staunch Hindutva/Indian agents..ReplyDelete
India just like Israel has been parroting slogans of economic and military benefits to its respective occupied territory.
Per capita income of
Israel: USD 25,800.
India: USD 2700.
People Below poverty line in India: 25% of the 1.3 billion strong nation.
UN resolutions on Kashmir and Palestine: Numerous (18 at last count)
Status of J&K internationally: NOT EVEN A SINGLE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD RECOGNISES J&K AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF INDIA...I REPEAT NOT EVEN A SINGLE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD RECOGNISES J&K AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF INDIA.(source: CIA WORLD FACT book/BBC Country Profiles)
Even US which is a staunch ally of Israel wants a free Palestinian state.
Palestinians over the years were successful in making the Israelis pull out of West bank and Gaza even after decades of Israeli propaganda stating the beautiful life Palestinians would have under Israeli sovereignity much like what the Indians tell us.
UN has a mandate to follow in Jammu & Kashmir and till that mandate is not held, UN cannot pull out of J&K.
OHCHR, HRW, Amnesty International and the world media as a whole have time and again recognised the brutality of Indians in J&K and yet India fails to see the truth in Kashmir.
C'mon guys try digesting the fact that Kashmir is a disputed territory and solve it as soon as is possible. That is the only way you will be able to provide for 25% of your population which lives below poverty line (source:CIA World fact book)and stop spending 30% of your GDP on the military(1.1 million in number) 75% of which is stationed in Kashmir....imagine how much money you are spending on your army in Kashmir and by withdrawing how much you will be able to save for a rainy day.
Yes by leaving Kashmir, India will do a world of economic good to itself and considerably improve its economic standing. Its farmers will stop committing suicides and people in states like Orissa and bihar will stop selling their daughters and sons for money.
C'mon India for once be JUST to us. LEAVE US and live in relative prosperity after that.
We may suffer after you leave us but for a bird in an iron cage, its better to roam the free skies and forge its destiny rather than be in a gilded cage following the whims and fancies of the master.
Of course please do stop stealing our Power/timber/willow/Land etc. Ah! Yes... your army is occupying laks of canals in J&K by annexing orchards, AGRICULTURAL LAND, hotels, houses and don't even spare roads........whats more they don't pay us a single dime for taking away our sources of livelihood in the form of arable land etc. I reckon that one day you will have to settle that in an International court of Law....The arrears amount to Trillions of US dollars.
so while you start parroting your next burst of how good it is to be with India....stop hijacking the authors original post of 400 years of slavery in Kashmir...the worst of which is the Indian Occupation of kashmir.
- LiberalMarathiSeptember 04, 2008 8:46 AM
While it is true that there are human rights violations being committed within Kashmir as of now, one also has to remember that before 1989 there were no human rights violations being committed in Kashmir. There was no army in Srinagar or in any populated places in Kashmir in 1989.
I am sure you'd agree with me that after violent militancy started in the valley in 1989, it is only after that the human rights violations started taking place.
We can certainly discuss why the violent militancy started in the valley. But that could be topic for another discussion.
I am sure you'd also agree with me that the first duty of government (any government) is to maintain Law and Order. Even if Kashmir were to be independent, it would have been the responsibility of the Kashmiri government to maintain Law and Order. Governments go to any extent to maintain law and order. As a matter of fact they HAVE to. Without law and order the whole justification for having a government would cease to exist. Numerous examples exist in Indian states where local police have resorted to firing to control mobs and unruly crowds and people have died. The gowari massacre in Nagpur where a huge unruly crowd tried to march to the Assembly is just one example. Hundred+ (yes, hundred+) people died in that single incident. One can say it was just a peaceful march. But peaceful march to where - to the Assembly building and who is going to guarantee that 100,000+ charged up people would remain peaceful for too long ? Same thing with the peaceful march to the border in Kashmir .. yes it is peaceful for now but where is it going .. to a heavily militarized border ?
Without vigorous economic activity in Kashmir, there would be no gainful employment. There would no economic activity without Peace. The political leadership in Kashmir has to realize this and stop feeding unsustainable, impractical dreams of 'freedom' into Kashmiri populace that they purport to serve. It is the Kashmiri politicians that are doing a great disservice to Kashmiri people not the government of India. It is always (ALWAYS) easy to blame something other than yourself for one's situation. It is as true for Maharashtrians as it is for Kashmiris.
Once again, I thank you for having this discussion and inspite of our disagreements, I respect you and your inalienable right to have your own viewpoint.
@liberal marathiReplyDelete
-Yes there were human rights violations before 89. For one, our first prime minister of Kashmir was arrested and jailed for eleven years for the crime of reminding nehru about the promise of plebiscite.
-the army has always occupied areas in populated non-border areas. badami bagh, manasbal and anantnag just to name a few
-if the slogan of freedom is impractical and we are doing a disservice to the kashmiri people, then Bhutan, Nepal, Srilanka and maldives should be your next goal to occupy forcefully using the same arguments.
Kashmir was never an "integral" part of india. We never accepted the accession bu hari singh that was imposed upon us. Lecturing us on our economic viabilty as a free nation would get the dialog nowhere.
"I reckon that one day you will have to settle that in an International court of Law....The arrears amount to Trillions of US dollars"
Also the interest on the outstanding dues!
If the Indians even have a faintest hope that we will somehow give up our claims on thier "free-loading" in Kashmir; then they can stop dreaming now. We will fight for our claims, no matter how long it takes.
The Indians should use a bit of "un-common" sense and cut their losses, and withdraw from Kashmir. The amount they owe us only goes up exponentially everyday.
- ChinaarSeptember 04, 2008 10:15 AM
The biggest HUMAN RIGHT THAT WAS TAKEN FROM US IS OUR RIGHT TO SELF DETERMINATION....and that happened way way before 1989ReplyDelete
Shabir Shah was imprisoned for more than 16 years...Amnesty International calls him a prisoner of conscience and this was before 1989. Maqbool Bhat was framed on false charges and hung by the dastardly Indians and that was way before 1989.
Yaseen Malik before he took up the gun in 1989 was imprisoned before 1989.
Tattu ground in Batamaloo, Badamee Bagh cantonment right in the middle of Sonwar were Indian military installations present in the heart of srinagar before 1989.
I repeat nothing can be more brutal than The biggest HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE OF ALL i.e RIGHT TO SELF DETERMINATION which was taken away from us....and that happened way way before 1989.
Educate yourself my friends and don't let friendly Indian rhetoric blind you so much that you become participants in killing another generation of Kashmiris.
- LiberalMarathiSeptember 04, 2008 10:56 AM
I am just an ordinary Maharashtrian, not very knowledgeable about Kashmir, and I ask for your indulgence while I make my clumsy arguments.
- plebiscite cannot be looked at in isolation and held in vacuum. First of all, the UN resolution that refers to the plebiscite is under chapter VI which means that it is non-enforceable by using Security Council and other mechanisms unlike resolutions under chapter VII which are enforceable (East Timor was under chapter VII, for example). Chapter VI resolutions such as the Kashmir plebiscite need the cooperation of all parties to get implemented. For that cooperation to happen, there are several conditions stated in the Plebiscite Resolution, the first of which is the requirement that all tribals and Pakistani soldiers must withdraw from the borders of the territory of J&K as they existed on 15th Aug 1947. Pakistan was simply not agreeable to this condition. Thus the cooperation requirement for a chapter VI resolution has failed right on the first condition. The plebiscite resolution is now completely un-enforceable. Later with Pakistan joining SEATO and CENTO and Shimla Agreement in 1972 and later with the Lahore Agreement there is now no chance of enforcing the plebiscite resolution.
- secondly, your point about Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka being independent, thereby making a case for a viable Kashmiri independence has some merit but again there are problems underneath the surface. Autonomy with Security is the key to all these states. Bhutan has a treaty with India that guarantees Bhutan's security in case of foreign aggresion (with only two neighbors it is not hard to imagine where the foreign aggression is going to come from). Nepal has a similar although somewhat weakly worded treaty with India which has been a source of irritant to Nepalese governments. Maldives has asked for and gotten help from Indian armed forces in case of coup attempts there. Sri Lanka does not have a 'protectorate' treaty with India but then with only one neighbor it doesn't need to worry about other aggressions. Nevertheless, IPKF forces were in SriLanka on the Lankan government's invitation (a big mistake, in my opinion, but that is another topic).
The point is all these countries are small and they need security guarantees from their large neighbors in order to be independent. If they had to incur large armed forces expenditures to guard their borders then they would not be sustainable political entities. Kashmir's unique case (Art 370) bestows on Kashmir similar autonomy as Bhutan while guaranteeing Kashmir against foreign aggressions. It is up to Kashmiris to utilize this unique autonomy to their advantage. Kashmiris can go anywhere in India, buy land, set up businesses, while us 'Indians' cannot do the same in Kashmir. It is saddening then to hear a cry for 'freedom' while young officers and soldiers from Nagaland, and Chhatisgarh, and Tamil Nadu die in fighting Kashmir's wars on Kashmiri peaks.
I respectfully maintain that Kashmir valley cannot support itself in isolation as an independent country without security guarantees from its large neighbors. Whether those guarantees will come from Pakistan or from India is what the valley people have to decide.
- point about Kashmir not being 'integral' part of India. India itself as an 'integral' country has existed only since 1947. But that again is just scratching the surface. India as a concept and as a symbol has existed for a lot longer than that. Whether Kashmir was part of that concept of India is up for challenge. I would say based on Kashmir's early history, its early Hindu/Buddhist heritage (I am an irreligious person so please don't read religious frame of mind here), its linkages with territories now part of India, it is clear that Kashmir hasn't existed in isolation but has always been part of the idea of India. It is disingenuous for you to go back to the history of Kashmir only up to the point where you feel comfortable with it (400 years). Why stop there and not go back even further ? Can you say emphatically in that period of history that India (the concept) had no part to play in Kashmir ?
Whatever the history, we have to live in today's world. I will say this again respectfully, (1)kashmir's heritage (including its liberal sufi traditions) joins it in a larger concept of a liberal, secular India, (2) kashmir as an independent entity without security guarantees from one of its larger neighbors cannot survive, (3) it is in Kashmiris' interest to utilize their unique autonomy for progress. Give Peace a chance.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my views.
- AnonymousSeptember 04, 2008 10:56 AM
U can plead, argue,question,protest,ReplyDelete
fight,support pakis do whatever u want
but the reality is u cant get freedom from india
No force in the world can take kashmir away from india.
- AnonymousSeptember 04, 2008 10:56 AM
U can plead, argue,question,protest,ReplyDelete
fight,support pakis do whatever u want
but the reality is u cant get freedom from india
No force in the world can take kashmir away from india.
- AnonymousSeptember 04, 2008 1:07 PM
Don't live in cellars of bigotry, if you say India is democratic and secular, then there is no big delusion than this. I pity you; we will not mind your thinking of being religious or nationalist Hindus- but say straight. We also know that all Indians aren't our tormentors .It is a small group of brokers, fascists and top echelons of power, who after tragedy of 1947 are constantly eroding our identity under the garb of so called secularism, the previous governor said --- I have to change mind set of people, it didn't mean he wanted to alleviate poverty but was to change our religion—now how we say-he recently got one dancing girls troupe from Uzbekistan and told us this is part of actual Sufi Islam, I have never read the great Sufis ever allowed this –The junoon band groups performance was labeled as musical jihad. They want us to read history -but why only pre Islamic part? —Ok every nation has its past that doesn't mean to forget the present. I don't want to go into what happened to other parts in India. That is not our concern. From day One they are trying to change demography of Kashmir—They are not doing it for the sake of their religion but to keep that ruling elite group alive who from the time immemorial is exploiting the illiterate and poor in the name of Religion.ReplyDelete
The fact remains that no matter how much the Indians undermine the UN resolutions, the Indian presence in Kashmir is an occupation and we are NOT an integral part of India - the UN resolutions, regardless of what clause they are under, prove that. I hope that much is clear no matter which yardstick you use. It makes no sense for blaming Pakistan for all ills of the world when India itself is unwilling to even consider its occupation here in contravention of the UN resolutions.
Your argument that Bhutan, Nepal and others having a security agreement with India again shows the illogical stance of India. All the arguments that India uses to justify its occupation here can also be used on these countries.
Once we declare independence, we are willing to sign similar no-agression treaties with all our neighbours; I see no reason why China, and Paksitna would not be willing to assure us our Independence.
-Yes, that is the whole context of this post that in fact no other foreign ruler has conquered Kashmir in the past. Our spate of foreign rule only commenced with the Mughal invasion of 1587. In the past, regardless of the religion, all Kings of Kashmir have been Kashmiris. It is bigots who try to give it a communal color.
There are many who try to invent history by claiming that Kashmir was ruled by ancient Indian Kings in the ancient times. These are a figment of imagination to satisfy their own communal thinking. There is no irrefutable proof they can present that backs up their claim. The pir panjal range is rugged and harsh for any sort of invasion and that has protected Kashmiris from aggression from the south. It is a fact that we did not have much cultural exchange with Indians of the plains; our language, dress, culture, food, and physical features such as skin color, and hair prove that. Otherwise we would have looked like Punjabis or like people from Jammu or Himachal. But the fact remains that we were never intermixing with them in the past. Religion is a different matter as it was propagated thousands of years back by solitary Hindus who travleed great distances to spread their message. That explains the hindu religion that Kashmiris used to practice. Infact there is evidence that Hinduism was practiced in Afghanistan, does that imply that they should be part of India? Similarly, Budhhism also had a base in Kashmir for similar reasons before it spread from here to China. For the same reason China and Kashmiris have little in common. We have as much similarity with China as we have with India.
There is absolutely no justification that would make us be part of the Indian dominion, that is applicable to us and not to Nepal, Bhutan, Srilanka, or Maldives. We want to have friendly relations with both India and Pakistan, and the longer it is delayed, the more damage India is doing to itself financially.
- MarathiLiberalSeptember 04, 2008 5:22 PM
1. Pakistan is a party to the UN resolution on Kashmir. If Pakistan is unwilling to carry out condition #1 at the top of the resolution, how can one honestly say that it is India that is undermining the UN resolution ? I am not blaming Pakistan for all the ills but they indeed are a serious party to the resolution and their cooperation is necessary for the resolution to be implemented.
2. I don't see how Nepal, Bhutan etc signing protection treaty with India shows India's illogical stance. These are not non-aggression pacts. These are protection pacts that 'outsource' the said country's defence to Indian Armed Forces in case of an aggression from another party. These countries made the choice to sign those pacts with India, replacing similar pacts they had with the British colonial administration. All I meant to say there was, as small countries they had to let go of some part of their sovereignty (Defence) for being independent in all other respects.
3. As I said earlier, I am not a religious person. Solitary hindus do not go about spreading their religion anywhere. It is just not a proselytizing religion. Either you are born a hindu or you are not - it just doesn't get spread around. Nothing good or bad about it. Just the way it is. It is far closer to animism in that sense than a real religion.
4. Kashmiri is an Indo-European language with a very close connection to Sanskrit. In spite of these connections of language, religion, Kashmiris may still think they are different and that is quite alright. But then same is the case of almost everyone in India. Keralites have nothing in common with Assamese, Gujaratis have nothing in common with Tamils and Punjabis nothing in common with Oriyas. Even their histories are different with very little by way of a past connection. Yet they all showed sensibility in understanding that their progress lay in their banding together as one large country.
5. It is okay for Kashmir Valley to secede and form its own independent state. I personally have no objection to such an entity. It will need enormous political maturity before that happens. Such political maturity, I am afraid, does not exist either on Kashmiri side or the Indian side. Illiterate or semi-literate populace or both sides will see to it that such mature leadership will not exist for a long time. Polical maturity in Kashmir would require realpolitik analysis of the situation and choosing the option of happily staying on as a special, autonomous state within the Indian Union. Political maturity on the Indian side would require that when a free referendum is held in a truly and fully literate populace and the referendum says "Kashmir wants to leave the Union" then to let Kashmir go.
6. As far as who is paying the price for such political immaturity - everyone is in terms of lost potential. The expense in Kashmir is next to nothing for a trillion dollar economy. India can let it simmer for years to come. The real tragedy is, as always, that of the common people - both those Kashmiris who want to live happily no matter what political entity they live in and most of us 'Indians' who want to see them live so.
I sincerely thank you again for letting me air my opinions.
Dear Brother Koshur, I am requesting you to paste this reply on your main page so that everyone sees my reply to Liberalmarathi as I believe it is important.....thanks in advanceReplyDelete
@ Liberalmarathi
You are indeed a little clumsy with respect to your knowledge on Kashmir however you seem to be genuinely trying to understand so I will answer your queries one by one.
"For that cooperation to happen, there are several conditions stated in the Plebiscite Resolution, the first of which is the requirement that all tribals and Pakistani soldiers must withdraw from the borders of the territory of J&K as they existed on 15th Aug 1947. Pakistan was simply not agreeable to this condition. Thus the cooperation requirement for a chapter VI resolution has failed right on the first condition. The plebiscite resolution is now completely un-enforceable"
1) You are grotesquely wrong and once again misled by the patriotic Indian media which is ranked 120th amongst the 160 odd countries in the world vis a vis unbiased reporting and free press. Omar Abdullah has gone on record to say that it was actually India that refused to withdraw its forces when President Musharaf of Pakistan proposed in 2007 that Pakistan would move all its military out of Azad Kashmir (POK) if India does so too. Omar Abdullah said and I quote him "India slept over President Musharaf's 4 point proposal" and continued with its rigid stance. Following is the link of the news story http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7591371.stm
"Later with Pakistan joining SEATO and CENTO and Shimla Agreement in 1972 and later with the Lahore Agreement there is now no chance of enforcing the plebiscite resolution."
2) Tashkent Agreement and 1972 war, Simla Agreement and Siachen debacle, Lahore declaration and Kargil war……what stupidity are you talking of my friend. Our only guarantee is the international community and UN resolutions as only UN through UNMOGIP has maintained its mandate on Kashmir. Lahore Declarations have come and gone along-with Shimla and Tashkent agreements but only the UN mandate on Kashmir has stood the test of time. So your comment that plebiscite has no chance now simply does not make sense except if you are one of those staunch rigid Indians.
"- secondly, your point about Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka being independent, thereby making a case for a viable Kashmiri independence has some merit but again there are problems underneath the surface. Autonomy with Security is the key to all these states. Bhutan has a treaty with India that guarantees Bhutan's security in case of foreign aggresion (with only two neighbors it is not hard to imagine where the foreign aggression is going to come from). Nepal has a similar although somewhat weakly worded treaty with India which has been a source of irritant to Nepalese governments. Maldives has asked for and gotten help from Indian armed forces in case of coup attempts there. Sri Lanka does not have a 'protectorate' treaty with India but then with only one neighbor it doesn't need to worry about other aggressions. Nevertheless, IPKF forces were in SriLanka on the Lankan government's invitation (a big mistake, in my opinion, but that is another topic)."
3) At least you have given Koshur some merit….thank God for that. Every country in the world has a treaty. If Mongolia (a land locked country) with Russia on one side and China on the other can survive, why can't we, I mean if China can respect the Independence of Nepal/Bhutan/Burma/Thailand/Singapore/Korea what makes you think that it will not respect the independence of Kashmir. IN fact over the centuries it is India which has repeatedly attacked us and occupied us. To my knowledge China till date has never entered Kashmir and will not unless we need them to thwart any future attempts by Indians once we are Independent. And for your kind information if China is the aggressor that you are terming it to be then after the 1962 war when China miserably defeated the Indians, it could have taken over Bhutan/Nepal/Burma/Kashmir and India too…..who was there to stop it? As it perceived that India was the aggressor in Kashmir, it took Aksai-Chin for itself. The only way we can make China leave Aksai-Chin is if India leaves J&K as only then we can have a fool-proof case against China. Otherwise China will always say…If India can gobble a chunk, why can't I.
"The point is all these countries are small and they need security guarantees from their large neighbors in order to be independent. If they had to incur large armed forces expenditures to guard their borders then they would not be sustainable political entities. Kashmir's unique case (Art 370) bestows on Kashmir similar autonomy as Bhutan while guaranteeing Kashmir against foreign aggressions. It is up to Kashmiris to utilize this unique autonomy to their advantage. Kashmiris can go anywhere in India, buy land, set up businesses, while us 'Indians' cannot do the same in Kashmir. It is saddening then to hear a cry for 'freedom' while young officers and soldiers from Nagaland, and Chhatisgarh, and Tamil Nadu die in fighting Kashmir's wars on Kashmiri peaks.
4) We never asked you to fight a war on our peaks. We have always wanted you to leave and stop the bloodshed of both Indians and Kashmiris. India has lost all trust amongst Kashmiris; it started when India failed to conduct a UN mediated referendum as promised by Pt. JN Nehru at the United Nations. Rest is nothing but rhetoric; article 370 is a sham….even the Indian constitution says its temporary and one big majority government run by BJP and article 370 will be history...very similar to what was done to our autonomy in 1953. Our politicians were bought and some were jailed, the autonomy legislation was scraped and our Prime Minister was replaced by a Chief Minister. My friend we simply don't trust this hogwash anymore. Give us our right to self determination and get out of Kashmir as you are not wanted here.Many Indian Industrial powerhouses from Reliance to Jai Prakash hydropower (The firm making Dulhasti power project)are in Kashmir and doing business. As a Kashmiri I see nothing wrong in doing business with India and we want to be treated just like we would treat you i.e. as our good neighbours.
"I respectfully maintain that Kashmir valley cannot support itself in isolation as an independent country without security guarantees from its large neighbors. Whether those guarantees will come from Pakistan or from India is what the valley people have to decide."
5) Just give us the green signal; we promise you, we will get security guarantees from even China. We don't trust India as it has been dubious all along so no chance of trusting India on security but China has never in a millennia occupied us so we will entrust our security to them and of course UN will act as a mediator. East Timor's security is similarly guaranteed by the UN and the charter is followed upon by the Australian Military.
"- point about Kashmir not being 'integral' part of India. India itself as an 'integral' country has existed only since 1947. But that again is just scratching the surface. India as a concept and as a symbol has existed for a lot longer than that. Whether Kashmir was part of that concept of India is up for challenge. I would say based on Kashmir's early history, its early Hindu/Buddhist heritage (I am an irreligious person so please don't read religious frame of mind here), its linkages with territories now part of India, it is clear that Kashmir hasn't existed in isolation but has always been part of the idea of India. It is disingenuous for you to go back to the history of Kashmir only up to the point where you feel comfortable with it (400 years). Why stop there and not go back even further ? Can you say emphatically in that period of history that India (the concept) had no part to play in Kashmir ?".
6) You are right that India as of today has only existed since 1947 and even more right to admit that Indias Imperialistic designs have existed since the time of Chanakya. Religion is a secondary issue here. For your kind information Afghanistan/NWFP in Pakistan were all Hindus once upon a time followed by being Buddhists does that make these parts Indian? India as a concept in Kashmir right from the time of YUSUF SHAH CHAK has existed only as an Occupier. Whether it was the Mughals or the Sikhs or the Henchmen of the Sikhs (Read Dogras), Kashmiris always have regarded India as occupiers and nothing else. The Hindu rulers of Kashmir…. be it the great Lalitaditya or the powerful Avantiverman had nothing to do with India. In fact we fall on the silk route and majority of our trade routes and businesses were in Central Asia and the pseudo-geographical entity called India has done nothing but cut us off from all our ancient trade routes and way of life.
"Whatever the history, we have to live in today's world. I will say this again respectfully, (1)kashmir's heritage (including its liberal sufi traditions) joins it in a larger concept of a liberal, secular India, (2) kashmir as an independent entity without security guarantees from one of its larger neighbors cannot survive, (3) it is in Kashmiris' interest to utilize their unique autonomy for progress. Give Peace a chance".
7) Turkey alongwith many central Asian republics have a very vibrant Sufi tradition, does that make us a part of secular Turkey. And before you talk of a secular India, try to punish the perpetrators of Godhra, Mumbai riots and of course these days your secular goons are killing and raping Christians in Orissa. My dear friend, how can India be secular when a party like BJP is voted to power and rules India for 5 years after they have demolished a mosque (Babri Masjid) and killed plus maimed thousands of Muslims all over India. You can't boast of secular credentials when you elect to power people like Modhi and Thackerays who burn Muslims and then roam scot free. Even his highness Pope Benedict XVI talks highly of your secular credentials as a nation (can't help a bit of a satire here). Muslims of India are the most backward community in this country according to Sachaar committee report and their living conditions are worse than the Dalits (Untouchables of Hindu caste). Who are you trying to fool my friend when liberal writers in your country like Arundhati Roy are publicly threatened for writing the truth….Is that LIBERTY or is liberty burning scores of churches in Orissa.
8)Atleast Initiate the process of our Independence, we will get the guarantees required from the international community.
9)Look who's talking, Talk about hypocrisy….is it us who have lost a 100,000 of our brothers and sisters who don't want to give peace a chance. C'mon my friend grow up…..we are the ones who have suffered the most and you make it sound like it's us who are the impediment to peace, we gave you right from 1953 till 1989 to sort out our issues, we trusted you completely but alas! look what you did to us poor people. Yes you will give us peace but only on your terms and conditions and to any honorable race on earth what you are giving is both inhumane and demeaning and therefore not acceptable.
We may be weak and frail right now but the flame of self determination will continue to burn in our hearts…no matter what obstacles or hurdles we may have to cross,we will achieve our right to self determination as promised by your Prime Minister at the UN.
Thank you for your patience.
"Jis Khaak ke zameer mein ho aatish-e-Chinaar, Mumkin nahin ke sard ho woh Khaake arjumand"
To a paranoid and delusional person, no amount of reasoning can bring relief.ReplyDelete
When Kashmiris say, as one has above, that one governor was trying "to change our religion" or that Indians are "from day One they are trying to change demography of Kashmir", they fit this perfectly paranoid category.
This is because these Kashmiri say and believe such outrageous lies, and that in the name of these lies, they are on a mission of hartals and jihad.
And if you read trashy jihad-championing papers such as Greater Kashmir, you will see a 100 such lies printed every day -- such as if a few toilets and other facilities are set up temporarily for 2 months in an area the size of a few football fields and at heights that are snow-bound and inaccessible for most of the year, then the Indians are doing in Kashmir the same as what Israel is doing in Palestine. That they are launching a demographic assault on the poor Kashmir muslims.
How come these silly lies are never addressed at the so called "Azad Kashmir"? Do you think that the demography in Azad Kashmir today is the same as it was in October 1947 when Kashmir was "free"?
How come the Buddhists in Kashmir do not say such lies, and they do not feel threatened that the Hindus are coming to swamp and outnumber them in their own homeland?
I think I know the reason why these jihad-loving Kashmiri muslims believe such lies. Because these muslims feel guilty based on what the muslims rulers have done throughout history wherever the Islamic campaigns of conquest succeeded -- that the muslim rulers have always tried to change other people's religion, and they have always tried to change the local demography.
And the Kashmiri muslims (as some muslims elsewhere) are afraid that what "muslims" have done to others, will now be done to them.
And so they believe and propagate such outrageous lies.
And that is why people like Geelani (like Jinnah did earlier) cry with pain that India is wicked because it is setting up sadabhavan schools in rural areas of Kashmir, where kids are asked to commit the most horrible crime of singing Vande Matram.
There will be no solution to the Kashmir problem unless and until this mental disease, this paranoid mindset, the compulsive lying and delusions, are expunged from the minds of the majority of the people in the 30 miles by 90 miles area that is the Kashmir Valley.
All these cries for "independence" etc. are just outward symptoms of a deeper malaise, and it will take no less than a few decades to fix and solve.
Dear Liberalmarathi,ReplyDelete
I would like to invite you to the Kashmir Forum where we may continue this interesting debate. You have raised some great points where it deserves a wider audience. The link is Kashmir Forum Hope I will see you there. I have already taken the liberty of posting our previous comments there. So just contnue with that.
@chinaar. Please join the discussion there. I have already posted your comment there.
Just last day I came to know about "brave" Indian soldiers who during curfew days first beat up people in Islamabad--South Kashmir and then opened their zips before the women folk.ReplyDelete
I tell you what, this harassment on women is much worse than the rape.
Even in Handwara--north Kashmir-a local regional channel interviewed an old man. The major of the army posted in a camp there used to manhandle boys of the area and ask them about girls there.
The old man while narrating this tale said the major has even threatened to kill all the villagers and take away their daughters.
While watching, I was taken aback. Did they wanted to repeat manipur here.
Such events aren't new--this has happened earlier too--umpteen times...
And the human nature says that the girl's father, brother or relatives wont need your billions you spend as tax payers, they will simply need independence from the oppressor.
Since you have not done so yet, I trust that you will not post the response to this thread and this blog that I wrote under the identity of "Ragda".ReplyDelete
That little editorship/censorship just tells me just a little bit more about this blog.
By the way, I am not a Kashmiri pandit. Far from it. The northern most that I have been in India is New Delhi. I am a Banglorean, a Kannada native, and I have spent my childhood growing up in other Indian states as well.
I dare you to post what I wrote earlier under the identity of "Ragda". I picked up this identity after the slogans that are now being made during the marches in the Kashmir valley these days.
You may choose to ignore my post, and you may not post it, but that will just tell me, and will say to other ordinary Indians (such as me, who have never been to Kashmir, and have not ever been close to being physically in Kashmir), that you are all an intolerant people who are hiding behind the noble sounding word of "freedom".
- AnonymousSeptember 07, 2008 10:00 AM
To above jr ------You are viewing us what we call birds (hawks) eye view –that is biased media, communal politicians and stories from those whom you feel oppressed –there can be no more tragedy than if you call us intolerant—Well we cannot help- it is here your intolerance speaks because you kept your religious and national bias above truth and you commented.ReplyDelete
May Allah help kashmir peoples in freedom movement.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 17, 2008 5:22 AM
I think there is problem with Kashmiri people. They must have killed some Musmim Peer or Hindu sage who has cursed then to burn in hell fire. They cannot understand that indian government os so kind that it gives the money of Indian Hindu's tax payers money to Kashmiri muslims for Haj pilgrimage. Have you seen any other people in world with such sorrow?ReplyDelete
If Kashmiris are even a bit of self respect why cannot they reject Haj subsidy and cheap wheat, lentins, rice from India. Kashmiris will not because of their greed.
- AnonymousNovember 27, 2008 11:21 PM
You are eating my tax money and blaming my country.ReplyDelete
Why can't to first start you freedom struggle against Pakistan and get PoK declared as a seperate country ?
J&K will be a part of India for ever.
We want Freedom.ReplyDelete
Indian army killing our olders and woemen. Recenly indian troops rape 13 years old girl in my naughbor.
We beleive at the end we Won.
Inshallah our next generation live with Pakistan.
Kashmir ki Azadi tak jang rahe gi, jang rahe gi
india ki barbadi tak jang rahe gi, jang rahe gi
- AnonymousDecember 28, 2008 5:07 AM
BUT WHY DO NOT ISLAM COMING TO KASHMIR BE CONSIDERED AS TAKING FREEDOM OF KASHMIRIS. WHY MUGHALS ARE BLAMED AND NOT ISLAM FOR TAKING THE FREEDOM OF KASHMIRIS.HOW COME HISTORY STARTS FROM 1586 AND NOT EARLIER. THE REASON IS SIMPLE, ACTUALLY IT IS ISLAM WHO HAVE ENSLAVED KASHMIRIS THROUGH SAYYIDS FROM ARAB LAND. IF THEIR IS REASONABLE ARGUMENT PUT BY KASHMIRI MUSLIM I WILL LISTEN BUT NOT THE BOGUS ARGUEMENT THAT MUGHALS WERE ACTUAL CONQUERORS OF KASHMIR.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 3:38 AM
The article by the blogger states that history of kashmiri colonization starts at 1586 probably because he too is suffering from "believer's complex", as decribed in ample detail by VS Naipaul in his two books on Islamic cultures.ReplyDelete
Actually the last so called ruler of Kashmir Yusuf Shah Chak was not of kashmiri origin. His was a decendent of Lanker Chak who came from Gilgit and entered the service of King Sahdev around 1310. King Sahdev should be effectively considered the last native ruler of kashmir. King Sahdev was deposed by a buddhist bhotia from ladhakh called Rinchin, who later converted to Islam. After Rinchin's death and small intermediate period in which Sahdev's brother udyan dev ruled, the kashmir throne was usurped by by another foreign adventurer, Shahmir of khorasan. The Shamiri dynasty can be called the first foreign dynasty of kashmir and ruled for ~200 years.
Now the author doesn't consider khorasan natives as foreigners but considers indian mughals as so may in itself indicate that author is here is less interested in history, and more interested in projecting his political views. As far as I am concerned (and all historians would agree), Kashmir is physically and culturally part of indian subcontinent and not khorasan (medieval persian central-asian kingdom).
Anyway, mughal forces under Raja Bhagwandas invaded and defeated the chak forces in 1586 and returned kashmir back to india central rule , where IMHO it rightfully belongs :-)
- A Bhatta
- AnonymousMay 01, 2009 4:04 PM
History is not what one desires to be., It is the reality which can not be changed.ReplyDelete
Mr Bhattia,
Khurasan was a Province of Muslim Califate of Baghdad. After Halaku Khan's invasion and Abbasyd Califates collape in 1258 Rulres of Khurasan migrated to India then to Kashmir. (read ''demise of caliphat'' by Reve Johnsten.)
many Arab historian wrote on this subject too.
Kashmir geographicall is not part of south asian subcontenant, it falls in central Asia. Just study geography Mr Bhattia rather then using bias agenda.
- AnonymousOctober 27, 2009 11:42 AM
@ AnonymousReplyDelete
u can plead,argue,question,protest,fight,support Pakis do whatever you want but the reality is you can't get freedom from India. No force in the world can take away Kashmir from India.
My Comments on your comment Mr/Mrs hidden identity i mean Mr/Mrs Anonymous.
I strongly believe you are a forced son or daughter of your mother.Your mother for sure must have Pleaded, argued, questioned, protested, fighted and took support of the bed not to let you out of her womb knowing the fact that she is going to give birth to the most stupid,idiot,arrogant,non sense and unwanted child, but unfortunately she failed and you were born which was against all her wishes. Same way no matter how much India will try to Stop us from demanding our basic BIRTH RIGHT, we will get it from them forcefully or peacefully and Insha Allah we will be free from the so called biggest democracy of the world (India)


text:
elcome to Artisans Hand, a gallery of contemporary American crafts
located in the heart of Vermont's vibrant capital city, Montpelier. We show the very best work of our state's talented craft community. Come visit us to choose from our collection of fine craft pieces, carefully selected and thoughtfully displayed.
We carry a diverse assortment of work in a wide variety of media including jewelry, clay, fiber arts, wood, glass, metal, stone, photography, prints, and other media.
We are a Vermont State Craft Center. This State "seal of approval" is given to galleries that meet a strict set of standards for quality and diversity of crafts.
Read about us in this article from Crafts Report magazine!
Gallery Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-4
89 Main St/City Center Montpelier, Vermont 05602 | (802) 229-9492 | firstname.lastname@example.com
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Red Hill Truffle Hunt and cooking class with Romu Oudeyer
- 기간: 5 시 (대략)
- 위치: Red hill, Victoria
- 상품 코드: truffle hunt and cooking class romu
Following a morning truffle hunt meet French chef and truffle expert Romuald. Romu's experience with truffles comes from his time at the Michelin Star Parisian restaurant La Truffière, and since moving to Australia he has worked for both Jacques Reymond and Frank Camora.
Now offering his services as a private chef, Romuald insists on working with the highest quality, seasonal produce. Cook and taste some delicious truffle inspired dishes and take home an apron as a reminder of your day.
$265 per person, limited to 20 guests
Sunday 1st July


text:
About colony
i don't think i could manage a rocket jump in real life without killing myself. it's unfortunate because it'd be a great way to get about town.
i'd pay good money to see the RIAA lot fragged by a rocket jump/gauntlet to the face combo like. that really would make my life complete.
there just happens to be a direct correlation between the U.S.A.'s reliance on litigation rather than innovation and its fall from grace. the same happened with the Sumerian, Persian, Carthaginian, Roman, German and (sadly) the British empires. china's on its third attempt at it and it's already doomed because of the vested interests outweighing actual advancement. the only way through the barrier is separation of private companies and state just as there is a separation of church and state. all of them act as a conflict of interest to each other and therefore should be separated.
maybe the real company is just so desperate to sell the crappy shoes that they have to resort to extreme tactics like trademarking a colour or flooding comment threads...
it seems that antone who can't just sit down and have a rational, fair and frank debate just tries to shut the opposition up these days. idiocracy here we come.
just deal with the actual causes here in the uk (no jobs, low wages, fuel costs rising 3 times in a year, extortionate tax rates, politicians not listening, police violence, systematic corruption) instead of just effectively telling protesters to shut up.
i'll add a well done too. well thought out and logical article.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/university-team-creates-mutant-mouse-with-no-fear-of-cats- 399447.html
what is true (imo) the galaxy is FAR better than an ipad because it is open to so much owner tweaking that apple stop. want to use your ipad for mobile hacking, tough. with the galaxy it's a google away. lap up open sauce and learn to compete.
this really should be on the list like. have you seen the look on the cats face. it's all wtf?? comical.
can any1 spell 'pincer movement'


text:
People across the borough have attended a candle-lit vigil in aid of a Armthorpe hit and run victim who is fighting for her life in hospital.
Over 50 well-wishers lit a candle outside the Mansion House at 2pm this afternoon for Danielle Stoton, who was critically injured in a collision with a car when she was walking home from a party in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Danielle, 18, is in a coma, and is receiving treatment for head injuries at intensive care unit at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where parents Michelle and Paul Stoton are keeping a bedside vigil.
The 'light a candle for Danielle' event was organised by family friend Debbie Kendall, and dad Paul says events like this have helped to give him 'faith in the human race'.
The 46-year-old, who attended the vigil added: "I went to see the love that everyone has for her so i can tell her when she wakes up.
"My wife couldn't go shes too distraught. she's gone home today because bills wont pay themselves and we've left someone with our Danielle, but then she's going back to her as soon as it's done.
"I'm overwhelmed with the support and love. Most people don't know her, I cant explain it, its just phenomenal.
"With all the support she's had through Facebook and Twitter, its got to turn out as a happy ending. Everyone will have a small victory when she pulls through because of the emotions they have invested in her."
Danielle's sister, aunt and cousin also attended.
People were also asked to sign a book to give to Danielle's family so they could know that everyone was thinking of them.
There has also been support on Facebook from those who could not attend, but instead posted pictures of candles they had lit in their own homes.
Debbie, who has organised the vigil through Facebook, said at the event: "Positive thoughts can go a long way."
A Facebook appeal and online petition has also been launched to 'get one direction to Danielle' and the petition has now received more than 1,000 signatures.


text:
As she stood watching her life fall apart she felt like her life was
over, feeling the sadness rising deep within her. Slowly turning to
walk away she realised she had no real idea of where she was going, or
where she would go after this. Wandering through the city streets she
contemplated her life as she tried in vain to find somewhere to go to
get out from the pouring rain that seemed to be getting heavier with
each passing moment, but having no money and looking the way she did
she wasn't having any luck. "... So you see if you could just let me
come in for a moment to dry off I'd be most grateful?" she asked for
what seemed like the hundredth time, and after getting turned away
again she sadly walked away. Hurt lost lonely and dejected, she hoped
and prayed that her prince would come along and save the day.
As he walked away from the banks of the River Thames and the devastation
of this last case, he felt totally lost and in need of salvation. 'It's
my fault.' Was all that went through his tired and weary mind, as he
walked through the city streets, getting soaked in the pouring rain he
had no idea where he was going just that he needed to go somewhere.
With his mind full of all the hurt and pain in his heart he walked
through the deserted city streets desperate to find some solitude,
thinking about the people he'd lost it all started to become too much
for him as his tears threatened to fall. Not being able to take anymore
and as he came to a stop in the middle of the street, outside of the
Ritz Hotel his tears just couldn't stop falling. As thoughts of his
wife and son mixed with that of his team his tears continued to fall,
mixing with the falling rain that didn't seem to want to let up either.
"Look sir, I know you're upset but you'll have to move on as it's
putting people off coming inside." The uniformed man said, his blank
expressionless face gave nothing away. At any other normal day or time
his reaction would have been to kick scream and shout until he was
heard, but instead today all he could do was blink a few times put his
head down and walk away sadly. With tears still flowing from his eyes
he walked blindly through the streets, carrying the heavy painful
weight of it all upon his shoulders and the tightness across his chest
of his heart breaking. Looking for somewhere, anywhere to rest his
weary soul and find salvation. Walking through the back streets he came
across this small café, walking inside he looked at himself in the
mirror behind the counter and realised he was a mess. Ordering a coffee
and sitting out the way in the corner he tried to make sense of it all,
knowing deep down inside the pain in his heart and soul was still
immense and it would take a small miracle to 'fix' him once more.
As she passed by the small café she almost passed by feeling like she
couldn't really stomach getting turned away again, but standing outside
the door she felt something deep within her telling her that she
shouldn't walk by. Walking inside and heading for the counter she too
caught herself in the mirror and realised what a mess she looked,
trying to smile as best she could to the man who approached her from
behind the counter she was determined not to cry this time. Taking a
deep breath and smiling a smile she knew would never reach her lips;
she spoke and told of her plight to the man behind the counter. "Excuse
me, please can you help me?" She started; preparing herself for the
moment she was turned down again and told to leave. "What's happened my
dear?" The man behind the counter said as he looked with concern and
worry, shocking her for a moment with his concern. Smiling a little she
continued after he had introduced himself. "I just need somewhere warm
to sit and dry off while I think, I've had a really bad day and I need
to...." Pausing as her voiced trailed off, the tears she swore wouldn't
fall did.
Looking up to see this beautiful young woman walk in, the first thing he
noticed was her sad eyes. Then he noticed the bruises and cuts, tears
and dishevelled look that he himself was now sporting. Sensing this
beautiful woman had also been through hell something deep inside him
drove him to instinctively head towards her, and as he listened to her
plea for help almost on auto pilot he offered his help along with that
of Jack's; the man behind the counter. "What's the matter my love?" He
said as he handed her his handkerchief, wishing he could take this
beautiful young lady's pain away. "My life is over, I've lost
everything." She said tearfully as she took the handkerchief, turning
to face the man and thank him she came face to face with a handsome man
that looked just as lost and hurt as she did. Both became captivated by
each others eyes, the seemed to say so much and for a long time silence
surrounded them both. "Thank you, you're most kind." She said as she
let her hand linger upon his for as long as she could, not wanting this
moment to end. Is this my Knight in shining armour? She thought to
herself as she wiped her eyes.
Seeing her shiver he put out an arm for her to follow him and asked if
she'd like to join him, noting her fear he spoke. "My name's Peter,
would you care to join me for a coffee?" Smiling she could just somehow
tell she was safe with this man, and nodding slightly she followed him
over to his table. Sitting opposite each other he poured her a cup of
coffee and silently tried to work out just what each others 'story'
was, and just why both where sitting in this small back street café
lost hurt and lonely. "Thank you for your kindness Peter, I'm Sarah."
She told him as she tried to search his eyes and reach his soul,
smiling back at her the best he could he too was trying to search her
eyes and reach her soul. Both praying that the other would be what they
needed to take their pain and fears away, hoping that the pain and
loneliness each felt would soon go away. "Do you want to talk?" He
hardly heard himself say as the silence surrounded them that only
seemed to enhance the moment, trying to smile she looked up into his
brown eyes that showed so much of his pain and hurt. "I was just about
to ask you the same Peter!" As they both smiled and looked deep into
each others eyes both felt something stirring deep down inside that
neither would be able to explain, taking a deep breath he spoke first.
"I'm a Policeman with the Met; I head up a unit specially assigned to
solving 'cold cases.' We just lost another member of the team today, I
just feel like..." His words trailing off as he thought about Stella's
lifeless body laying in his arms, biting his lip to try and stop his
tears from falling he sat staring down into his coffee. "Oh Peter, how
awful for you. What happened?" Sarah said as she instinctively placed
her hand on top of his, trying to comfort him the best she could. Even
though she had lost everything, she still knew how to care, watching
his gaze shift to her hand upon his she smiled. Touched by her comfort
and concern, Boyd smiled slightly and tried to find the words he
needed. "One minute we were talking and the next she was laying in my
arms covered with blood." As a tear left his eye, he tried not to let
her see but as she squeezed his hand gently he knew she had. "Is there
anyone I can call for you Peter, your wife or girlfriend maybe? You are
obviously in shock." Sarah said before she realised, thinking she was
doing the right thing. Not knowing it was all too much for him, as he
broke down unable to stop his tears or the pain he felt.
"My wife died after we divorced when Joe..." Not being able to finish
the sentence, Boyd could no longer be strong or hold on. Seeing the
pain and hurt in his eyes Sarah knew whatever he was going through or
had been through was enough to break him, wondering how such a kind man
could have been so hurt she spoke. "Oh Peter I'm so sorry, I didn't
mean to upset you." With tears in her own eyes, the silence surrounding
them again Sarah thought of his pain. Realising that something was
still stirring deep down inside her, Sarah wondered how a perfect
stranger could create such feelings within her. As two strangers, hurt
lost and lonely sat crying to each other neither could have known that
their lives would start to get better. "I was ten when my parents died
in a terrible car crash and I had to go stay with foster parents. I
wish I had died in the crash with them, my 'new family' abused me.
After five years I want in and out of care homes, until I met Steve."
Sarah managed to say through the tears, noticing that he had now begun
to stroke the back of her hand he had started to hold. Both knew it was
for comfort but somewhere deep inside Sarah felt a longing desire that
she thought had left her forever.
"Joe was a wonderful child but as things began to go wrong between
myself and his mother, he would run away..." Pausing for a moment
unsure why he felt so comfortable tell a perfect stranger his deepest
darkest fears Boyd realised he had been stroking the back of Sarah's
hand, feeling a yearning desire deep within him for the first time
since Mel Boyd looked up into the eyes of an angel and knew instantly
he had fallen. "At sixteen Joe ran away for good, I've not seen him
since..." Biting his lip once more to try hold the tears back, noticing
how she squeezed his hand and looked back into her eyes. Sarah sat
trying to find the right words not only for comfort but also to explain
what she was feeling, looking into his eyes she was surprised to find
that her own fears and questions were being returned. Captivated by his
eyes she saw the tears fall from them and instinctively wiped them
away, softly speaking to him. "Oh Peter." Was all Sarah could say as
she saw all the hurt and pain running through his eyes, sitting there
in silence knowing neither needed to say anything. "What happened
between you and Steve?" Boyd asked, knowing that something had happen
to her.
"He's all I've ever known since we started seeing each other when I was
sixteen, I feel so lost without him." Seeing the disappointment in his
eyes, Sarah tried to search for what he was feeling as she continued.
"I thought he loved me, he was my first." Feeling embarrassed Sarah
paused, trying to find the right words. The pain and hurt in her voice
was evident and as she tried to hold back her tears again, she lost the
fight and let them fall silently. Gently wiping the freshly fallen
tears away, Boyd continued to silently hold her hands hoping that it
was a comfort to her. As Sarah looked up into Boyd's eyes she could
tell he wasn't like the rest, and sighing deeply she continued. "After
breaking me mentally Steve then began to break me physically after I
hit eighteen." Sarah said as she searched for a sign in his eyes that
he felt the same, knowing she had fallen for this handsome kind
stranger. Wishing he could understand how any man could do that to a
woman let alone such a beautiful one, Boyd sat there trying to search
for signs in her eyes that she felt the same way he did.
"How could Steve do that to you Sarah? I'd never..." Boyd started,
trailing off when he realised neither of them were in any fit state to
go down that road, staring back down to his coffee Boyd hoped she'd not
heard him. "I know you wouldn't Peter, you're not like him. After he
had cheated on me for the tenth time I confronted him." Pausing as she
looked deep in Boyd's eyes she saw something she wasn't expecting, love
and surprisingly enough she realised he saw that in her eyes too.
"After a huge row today, he did this to me..." Indicating to the
bruises and cuts that adorned her beautiful face, seeing the sadness in
his eyes as Boyd tenderly touched her cheek, gently squeezing her hand
with his free hand. "He kicked me out of my home and left me with
nothing but what you see in front of you now." Holding her palms up
indicating that all she had was what Boyd saw in front of him, a lost
hurt and broken woman.
Looking into his eyes Sarah could just tell that he would take care of
her, and that she would be safe with him. As Boyd ordered food and
reassured Sarah it was ok he realised he wasn't ready to let her go
yet, telling her that she deserved better Boyd finally allowed someone
into his heart again. "You are such a beautiful woman Sarah, you
deserve so much better. You remind me of Mel..." Boyd's voice faded as
he couldn't stop himself from mentioning her name, feeling the sadness
rise deep within him at the thought of the young woman he never got the
chance to tell the truth to. The tears pricking his eyes, Boyd wanted
to look away but found he couldn't. "Mel was the first member of my
team; she lost her life after she apprehended a victim that became a
suspect too." Pausing as he tired to hold back the tears, Boyd hadn't
talked about Mel or how he felt since that fateful day. "She fell and
hit my car..." He sobbed through the grief and pain, as his tears fell
silently. "It's my fault, I couldn't protect her..." Boyd cried feeling
all the years of hurt and pain flooding out, sensing his pain Sarah
moved to his side and held him instinctively in her arms.
Whispering soft reassurances into his hair as he continued to weep,
softly rubbing his back for comfort, Sarah wished she could take his
pain away. "I couldn't save her... She didn't know, I never told I..."
Boyd managed to say through the tears, wishing he'd got the chance and
praying he got a second chance with this beautiful kind woman holding
him tightly in her loving arms. Sarah held Boyd closer and continued to
whisper soft reassurances into his hair, trying as best she could to
sooth away his pain and hurt. "I never told her I loved her, I never
said I love you." Was all Boyd could manage before his grief and pain
took over, feeling her own tears fall Sarah thought of the pain he must
have gone through. "Oh Peter!" Sarah tenderly cried into his hair as
she tightened her arms around him, feeling how he buried his head into
her chest and sobbed silently. Both became oblivious to their
surroundings and as time passed them by both stayed in each others
arms, comforting and crying upon each other.
As day turned to night, Boyd and Sarah still held each other in the same
close embrace as the customers came and went. It was only when Jack
approached and spoke to them while clearing tables that either of them
realised that had been there all day, or that it was time for them both
to start thinking about where they should go from here. "If you love
someone you should tell them every chance you get, you know?" Jack's
deep voice startled them both slightly, both looking up at him through
tear stained red eyes both questioningly looked at him before he went
on. "When I met my wife Tina, I swore I'd never forget to tell her
everyday that I loved her." Sitting down at the table next to Boyd and
Sarah, Jack went on noting how they still hadn't let go of each other.
"I just wish I'd had the chance with Lucy..." Jack's words trailed off
as he thought about the woman who had stolen his heart all those years
ago, holding back the tears as he continued. "We worked together and
although I felt instantly in love with her I could never say anything,
I never had the confidence to do so." Pausing to say goodbye to his
last customers, Jack locked up and came back over to Boyd and Sarah who
was now sat perched upon Boyd's lap.
"Lucy was due to leave and go abroad and I felt like I would be able to
tell her before she left..." Pausing to hold the tears back still, Jack
thought about that last day he saw Lucy. "When she didn't turn up when
she was meant to I got worried, I searched everywhere for her. When I
finally found her she was laying in a hospital somewhere after being
involved in a car crash..." Turing away to hide his tears, Sarah held
onto Boyd tightly feeling him do the same. "I never got the chance to
tell her I loved her, and it destroyed me. So now that I have my Tina,
I never let a day go by when I don't tell her I love her." Jack said as
he regained his composure, getting up to leave Boyd and Sarah alone for
a while Jack turned to leave speaking before he left. "Sometimes you
don't get a second chance to say I love you, you should always take the
chance when you can." Walking away Jack sighed deeply, hoping it would
be enough. Sitting in silence both Boyd and Sarah felt Jack's words
hitting home, knowing he was right and that they couldn't just walk
away now.
"Thank you for coming to my aid today Peter. You have restored my faith
in men, I finally feel ready to love again." Sarah said softly as she
moved slightly so she was perched on his lap but facing him, smiling at
him with her beautiful blue eyes he could see the tears drying up and
hoped that they never felt that pain again. "I feel the same way Sarah,
I know I never got he chance to tell Mel I loved her but now I feel
like I have a second chance I have no intention of letting it escape me
again." Boyd answered as he gently caressed her back and looked deep
into her eyes, feeling like he could finally become the man he wished
he was Boyd smiled. Both saw something in each others eyes and just
seemed to know what the other felt and was thinking, neither were ready
to walked away or let the moment go. "I know we have only just met
Sarah, but I can't imagine my life without you in it. I couldn't stand
being apart from you for even one day, I'd really like you to stay with
me and to get to know you better." It wasn't so much of a question,
Boyd just said what he was feeling and thinking smiling at how Grace
would be laughing at this new sensitive side he was showing.
"I feel the same way about you Peter, I can't envision not knowing you.
I would love to stay and spend time with you..." Sarah said as she
smiled the smile of an angel, leaning into Boyd's ear she whispered to
him how she felt. "I can't imagine you not being here by my side."
Wanting to say that she had fallen, Sarah moved within inches of his
lips. He could feel her breathing slow and how she seemed to take each
breath in unison with his own, slowly Boyd inched further towards her
lips feeling his own desires were as strong as hers he softly whispered
the words he could never normally say. "I love you Sarah." He felt how
she smiled gently, moving inches further so that their lips were almost
ever so slightly touching Sarah spoke. "I love you too Peter." Softly
she whispered her desire, and now as they sat having admitted their
feelings both felt ready to love and feel again. Moving forward, they
shared a tender kiss one that would linger for the longest time.
Finally they pulled away and would spend the rest of the night falling
deeper in love with each other, knowing that neither would ever be
along again.
As the time came for them both to finally leave, the both headed towards
the door. Taking her hand in his own, Boyd kissed the back of it and
softly whispered 'I Love You' against the back of it. Smiling at each
other, they left together and headed for his home. As Jack watched them
leave Tina came and wrapped her arms around her loving husband and
spoke. "Just like the old days hey Jack?" Kissing his back and thinking
of the two perfect strangers that had just left and who reminded them
both of a past that neither could forget, smiling and turning to take
his wife in his arms Jack spoke. "Aye my darling aye, here's hoping
they have just as much as happiness as you and I my love." Smiling at
his wife Jack knew that if Boyd and Sarah felt half they way he did for
Tina then they'd make it, turning away Jack spoke once more before the
pair went to bed. "I'm glad you came in that day, my beautiful perfect
Remember Me
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Photos: Chris Wellhausen
Words: Hondo
On Thursday October 4th, Burton and Grateful Dead Productions teamed up to unveil their new collaboration snowboard, the Easy Livin', at the Burton flagship store in Los Angeles. When Burton throws a party, they don't mess around. GDP's archivist David Lemieux was there, as was Burton rider Danny Davis. Danny was pretty crucial in getting these graphics put on this board, since this is the board that Danny rides.
The Burton store was decorated to the T with Grateful Dead memorabilia and artifacts. Burton also gave everyone that walked through the door a free Dead t-shirt and Road Trips CD. That was tight. They also had free booze, and you know what free booze attracts, hot chicks. Just check out the photos to get a better sense of the evening.
If you ever hear of a party that Burton's throwing, just go. It will be fun. We promise.