J R Bhatti
From ancient times, the Jammu and Kashmir State has been considered as an Heaven abode. Its inhabitants, composed of Punjabis, Dogras, Paharis, Gurjars, Kashmiris and Ladhakhis, had been the peace loving people. Despite their religious diversity [ Hindus, Sikhs, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims and Budhists] , the people of this state had been leading a ‘ socially cohesive secular life’ ‘ for Centuries together. Thus they were the model of securalism.
During 1947 Indo – Pak partition, the State of Jammu and Kashmir was acceded to India. That was not taken well by Pakistan. Consequently, during 1947-48, Pakistan had attempted to capture Jammu and Kashmir by launching attacks all along the State Border, to include, Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Baramulla, Gilgit and Kargil . During those attacks, Pakistan Forces, composed of Regular Army and Razakars,, had mercilessly looted, brutalized and massacred Jammu and Kashmir people.That had lead to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians. And migration of lakhs of people of Jammu and Kashmir, who continue to live as refugees to date.
The Indian Army had countered Pakistan aforesaid Offensive gallantly and driven out Pakistani Forces from Kashmir valley and part of Jammu – Poonch Sector. However, when Indian Counter Offensive had gained momentum, and Pakistan Forces were on their back foot, a ceasefire was ordered by the United Nations. Imposition of ceasefire at that juncture had left the State of Jammu and Kashmir divided between India and Pakistan. About 35 % area of the State fell under Pakistan and is called Pakistan Occupied Kashmir [POK]. This division also lead to the emergence of, nearly a thousand Kilometer long, Line of Control [LOC] between Pakistan and Indian Security Forces.
Pakistan has been least bothered about the welbeing and peace of POK people. Instead, she has been using POK as a base for launching militant operations in Kashmir valley and Jammu Division. To add to the misery of the POK people further, Pakistan has virtually handed over a major portion of POK [ Hunza, Gilgit, Baltistan, etc] to China. Thus, the people of POK having suffered at the hands of Pakistan for decades, will hereafter be living a life at the mercy of Pakistan and China.
During 1965, Pakistan launched another offensive in Jammu & Kashmir State. Her strategy was to annex Jammu and Kashmir by making the Jammu and Kashmir people rebel against India and support Pakistan. To do so Pakistan had sent thousands of Pak Razakars in Kashmir valley. To Pakistan’s dismay, the people of Jammu and Kashmir did not oblige Pakistan; and went all out to support India.
Pakistan’s 1965 Offensive was responded by a Counter Offensive by the Indian Defence Forces . India captured large number of areas in Lahore, Jammu, Poonch, Hajipir Pass, Uri, Teethwal and Kargil Sectors. Heavy losses were caused to Pakistan Forces. Razakars were totally decimated. Pakistan had a sigh of relief, when India showed large heartedness and agreed to return the captured areas to Pakistan under the Tashkent Agreement. However, Pakistan initiated war had resulted into rendering lakhs of people homeless on both sides of LoC/International Border (IB).
During 1970-71, Pakistan Army’s atrocities had forced millions of East Pakistan People to take refuge in India. That had lead to 1971 Indo – Pak war, culminating into defeat and surrender of 90000 Pakistan Forces, and emergence of Bangla Desh. The war was also fought across LOC in J&K. Thus, once again lakhs of Jammu and Kashmir people became refugees on both sides of the LoC/IB.
During 1972 Shimla Agreement, Pakistan had agreed to resolve all problems with India through peaceful bi-lateral negotiations, and not to interfere with India’s internal affairs. But, she did not abide by her commitment for long; and started inciting communalism in Jammu and Kashmir. That resulted into forced exodus of nearly four lakhs minority community people (Hindus and Sikhs) from Kashmir valley during the early nineties. All of them have been living as refugees for nearly 30 years.
Pakistan Army had ventured to occupy a part of Jammu and Kashmir in Kargil Sector during 1999. That had lead to 1999 Indo – Pak Kargil war. The Indian Defence Forces, supported by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, had decimated the Pakistan incursion in Kargil Sector. However, the people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of LoC/IB had to leave their homes for their safety.
Despite repeated defeats, Pakistan has not mended Her ways. Her repeated firing and attacks on civil and military targets across LoC/ IB have been forcing people to move to safe places. Thus, lakhs of people on both sides of Loc/IB lead unstable and worried lives.
Pakistan sponsored militants and extremist elements keep coercing the peace loving people of Jammu and Kashmir to provide for all types of militants needs; and punish those who do not obey their directives. Thus the people of the state, especially of Kashmir valley, have been living a terrorised life. Their sufferings get increased when they are caught in the exchange of fire between the Pak sponsored militants and Indian security forces.
Pakistan has also been pumping in lots of money to lure, misguide, arm and use Kashmir Valley Youth as insurgents. She incites the Youth to help Pak sponsored militants, organize strikes, indulge in stone pelting, lob grenades, burn Govt property, and demoralize Civil Administration. All that results into loss of lives, disturbance of peace and interruption of day to day business of Jammu and Kashmir people.
The aforesaid Indo-Pak wars, across LoC/IB firing, communal strife, militancy and coercion have been causing never ending wails amongst the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They curse Pakistan for initiation of repeated wars, attacks across LoC/IB and sponsoring of militancy in the State. They also regret the inability of their political leaders and Governments to restore normalcy and alleviate suferings of the people for last 70 years. They keep praying God to infuse humanity in the hearts of those who are the perpetual cause of their sufferings and wails.
(The author is a former Major General)
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