Daily Excelsior... Editorial

EDITORIAL

Churning in Pakistan
Has countdown for Musharraf's dethronement begun?

By M. M. Khajooria
Director General of Police
J&K (Retd.)
General Parvez Musharraf of Pakistan is in deep trouble. Through his many antics, he has severely damaged his own . .....more

Nuclearisation of terrorism

By Ravi K Sharma
The world will not be same again'', uttered Otto Hann just after the successful test explosion of first Atomic Bomb. .....more

Road is rough but
Omar has Farooq to bless

By Daya Sagar
Pakistan these days is desperately struggling for her own survival looking for a life supporting system only in a disturbed ......more

EDITORIAL

Fair enough

Elections under Governor's rule have been in news for quite some time. It can all be traced to the declaration by the Prime Minister Vajpayee on the last Independence Day that the elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be free and fair. Probably, the roots of that announcement lie in the diagnosis that the affairs in the state went downwards rapidly after the assembly election in 1987 when the allegations of rigging were widely leveled. Leaders of the state as well as sundry analysts have held that it is the `rigging',the aftermath of the election coupled with misadministration etcetera that lead to the down-slide in the state. Indeed, holding `free and fair' elections has been a sort of universal demand here. Recent utterances of Vajpayee in Lucknow have spelled out the need for not only holding a free election but also showing the nation and the world that all is free and fair there. Conducting election under Governor's rule has been held by almost all the political parties active in the state as a fair guarantee of that.

If holding elections under President's rule which Governor's rule technically is, helps in dispelling the fears there cannot be much objections to that. Elections, whether under a popular Government nearing its term or under Governor's rule, are after all conducted and supervised by the Election Commission. So in a way it does not make much of a difference. However there is one hitch. Normally the election commission conducts elections in this country with the popular elected Government nominally in office. The conduct, rules and practices under which an election is held are not dictated by individuals, parties, interests or even a group of interests ganged together like say the movements for a restoration of democracy etc. There are defined rules and established practices under which the elections are held. Those rules do not change on whims or wishes of even a number of parties. The day people refuse of follow rules and presume to dictate to them, democracy becomes a huge sufferer. And democracy is nothing but a commitment to respect and follow the rules as laid down. Any tampering with the rules promotes lawlessness.

We are not strengthening democracy there but undermining it. It is the refusal to break and bend rules that sustains India as the oasis of democracy in an overwhelming chaos. Nothing should be done, nothing must be done that would even slightly undermine the rule of law and convention. Thus though the Government could hold the elections under President's (Governor's) rule it must not do it; it must in no manner compromise there. For one thing in doing so a wholesome law, approved and applied all over the country, is trashed. And secondly it sets a chain reaction. Would, the Government, for example, dismiss an elected Government if a dozen or two defeated parties raise a din its dismissal? That is not the done thing; it must not be done. Here comes the fairness of Advani's stipulation that the recommendation for the Governor's, rule must come from the state. If the State Government recommends that elections be held under Governor's rule, it can be done. That way no traditions would be trampled. Instead, democracy would be really strengthened. The State Government too can do it in the larger interests of the state, promotion of peace and participation of all in the elections. Farooq has many times offered to step down if his rivals would stand for a fair test of strength. While mid-term stepping down would not be desired, he can offer a fair contest at the due elections. It would be fair, would appear free and could help bring about a resolution.

Not ‘Azad’ at all!

Holding India back in that first war with Pakistan and getting Pakistan to hold part of Indian Territory under the style of 'Azad Kashmir' was one of the dirtiest tricks powers played not only upon the whole subcontinent but also the principles that ostensibly guide the post WWII world. We see curious visitations of that trickster in the shape of certain maps, declarations of different people and sometimes even in the UN documents. India protests, usually for the forms sake and then forgets it. For a long time one saw India even forgetting to make its claim to the territory of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir. It is there in the documents, of course, but there is little articulation of it. And the world that we live in has a very short memory; it needs be constantly reminded or else it would easily slip into the deviant path.

The latest instance of it is the use of the designation in some of the World Bank papers against which the Indian executive director on board of the bank has objected. Indeed, India must not be lax in reminding the world that it is the territory of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir that has legally and lawfully acceded to India and not bit and parts of it alone. In 1947 Pakistan came to occupy a part of the state and India was held back from reclaiming that part by force on the promise that a negotiated settlement would be worked. But none of it dilutes the Indian claim or the legality. On the other hand Pakistan has no legal basis for holding on to a part of the state and Indian territory. That it has divided the part of Jammu and Kashmir into as many as three parts is another illegality piled on the illegal occupation. It has taken over the major part of territory under its direct control and designated a small fraction of it as `Azad Kashmir'. It has done all that without reason, without jurisdiction without authority and sanction. India has to constantly remind the world and powers about it, for they tend to forget the fact in their own interests.

Churning in Pakistan
Has countdown for Musharraf's dethronement begun?

By M. M. Khajooria
Director General of Police J&K (Retd.)

General Parvez Musharraf of Pakistan is in deep trouble. Through his many antics, he has severely damaged his own credibility in the world community. The most disillusioned is, perhaps the establishment in the United States of America. Noted political commentator, Khalid Hussain writing from Washington in a recent issue of the Daily Times quotes a leading US expert on south Asia as saying" The USA is said to be privately distressed at Musharraf's actions and his failure to have delivered on his promises. Washington feels that the General has neither staged a meaningful crackdown on terrorism nor liberalized his regime nor acted to put a complete end on what India call "cross-border" terrorism". "So far", he says "publicly, Washington has been expressing its appreciation for Musharraf but tensions are building among policy and decision makers as to what extent and for how long Musharraf can be defended or supported."

Pakistan nuclear physicist Parvez Hoodybhoy addressed the issue of Musharraf's duplicity more candidly. "To run with the hares and hunt with the hounds and imagine that the world will not know has become impossible "he blunty stated in his write up in Dawn (28 May, 2002). "Today" he said "in spite of General Musharraf's soothing statements, there is little doubt that militant camps shelter under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella. Having operated openly for over a decade in full public view and with obvious state backing. Only magic or a massive military action can eliminate them. "The general, obviously possess no magical skills and skills and there is no evidence of "massive military action against domestic terrorism in Pakistan. About the untenable of Pakistan's Kashmir policy, Hoodybhoy was forthright. "Whatever Pakistan might choose to think "he wrote "the rest of the world remains incredulous of the continuing official Pakistan position that it provides 'only diplomatic and moral support' to the people of Kashmir Earlier denials of military involvement in Kargil, or of providing military support to the Taliban regime have hugely diminished Pakistan's international credibility "And significantly added "It is now a matter of survival for Pakistan to visibly demonstrate that it has severed all links with the militant groups it had formerly supported, to be firm about providing 'only diplomatic and moral support' and to implement what General Musharraf promised in his January speech". Musharraf apparently has no desire to heed such sane advice. Serious doubts are being entertained even about his capability to undertake the course correction.

An assurance to cry a permanent halt to the cross border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir was given by the Pakistan President to Deputy Secretary Armitage of the United States of America on 6th of June, 2002 in Islamabad the International media and world leaders hailed this as a 'positive' development'. The Indian media and political leadership of all hues and at all levels recited these assurances like the 'mantra' for peace in Jammu and Kashmir and a happy augury for better Indo-Pak relations. Considering Pakistan's record, the euphoria was, however tempered with cautions. Welcoming the assurances held out by General Musharraf, everyone that was anyone wished to wait for their implementation on the ground. Everything appeared to be moving in the right direction. There was definite feed back from the field that General's diktat was having effect.

The New York Times quoted Hussain Rizvi, leader of Hizabul Momineen as saying "We have not sent any one across for the past month." "Now we have two armies against us, the Indian and the Pakistani. Our problems have doubled, "he lamented but asserted, "We are trying to devise a new strategy". The Times concluded that the claims of difficulties by Kashmiri militants fit into recent assurances by President Musharraf and statements from Indian leaders, who acknowledged a reduction in the number of fighters coming from across the borders that the orders had issued down the line through the ISI was confirmed by the 'News Week'. In its issue of June 07, 2002, it reported that a Major General of ISI conveyed General Mascara's order to two dozen Commanders during a meeting at a Pakistan army base, 25 miles from the front lines. However, one commander of militants had told the weekly that the commanders 'denounced President Musharraf by name ' One of the commanders was reported to have shouted 'After ditching the Taliban. Musharraf has now betrayed the Kashmir cause". "How can we accept this? He demanded. The over ground Pan-Islamic parties, groups and individuals of eminence reacted with equal vehemence and anger.

Strong and unequivocal condemnation of General Mascara's 'assurance' to permanently stop cross border movement of terrorists, and dismantle the Terrorist Training Camps were voiced in the fundamentalist extremist's "IZTIMAH' at Muzaffarabad (PoK). It was attended by heavy weights like the former Chief of the Pak Army General Mirza Aslam Beg, former chief of the ISI, Major General Hamid Gul and Qazi Hussain, the Pak Jammat-i-Islami supremo. Criticizing the Pakistan President for 'surrendering before Indo-American pressure' they vowed to carry on the Jehad in Kashmir. The instances of anger and frustration as well as many threats to harm Musharraf personally underscore the validity for Musharraf's commitment to permanently halt the cross border movement of terrorist on the Line of Actual Control (LOAC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir. The commitment was given through none other than the world's lone policeman the United States of America.

On its part, the Government of India took number of de-escalatory measures. Pakistan planes were permitted to over fly Indian airspace, ships of the Indian Navy where ordered back to peace time locations and decision to hand pick a future High Commissioner for Islamabad taken. Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes went to the extent of declaring that 'the infiltration had almost stopped'. The tension began to ease on the borders. People in both countries prayed for peace and return to normalcy. In fact, the Pakistan President was reported to have assured the Bush administration as late as on 24th June 2002 that he would enforce a permanent end to infiltration from the Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) into the Valley. There can therefore be little doubt that Musharraf is resorting to double speak under irresistible domestic compulsions. This has marred the chances of an early disengagement of armed forces on the borders and engagement on the diplomatic front to resolve problems that have bedeviled the relations between the two neighbours.

Surprisingly, there was not even a hint of resentment or contradiction from Pakistan while United States repeatedly certified Musharraf's sincerity of commitments and his determination to translate them into action. The Russians and the Chinese also joined the chorus apparently to address Indian reservations. And then to the utter surprise of the world community particularly the United States, General Musharraf public ally executed a virtual U turn. In an interview to the News Week last June, he flatly denied having given any "assurance" to the United States to permanently ending cross border terrorism. "I have told President Bush, nothing is happening across the Line of Control.

This is the assurance I have given" and added, "I am not going to give you an assurance that for years nothing will happen...." The United States was, however quick to come out with a categorical contradiction. The State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said on 25th of the 'Deputy Secretary Armitage was given assurances by President Musharraf on June 6 that ending of infiltration across the Line of Control would be permanent. These assurances were also given to the Secretary of State, to the President of the United States in their conversations as well as repeatedly to our representatives, our charge and ambassador in Islamabad." The Pakistan President was reported to have assured the Bush administration as late as on 24th June, 2002 that he will indeed enforce a permanent end to infiltration from the Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) into the Valley.

In January this year, the Pakistan appeared to be all set to banish fundamentalist control over the 'Madrassas' the breed 'Jehadis'. Bit instead of initiating effective measures, he opted to engage in prolonged and somewhat facile negotiations with the Mullahs managing the cash rich institutions. It was only on 19 June that an Ordinance was promulgated to regulate the functioning of 'Madrassas', teaching' about 6 lakh students including fifteen thousand foreigners. The Ordinance presribes that contravention of the provisions of the ordinance will attract closure of the 'Madrassas' or a fine or both. Interestingly, the Ordinance informs that 'The details of fine are being worked out'. Apparently, Musharraf establishment is dragging its feet.

The Pakistan Minister for religious affairs let the cat out of the bag when he stated in a PTV discussion that the Ordinance contained nothing new. "The provisions already existed in various laws and have only been compacted for facility of enforcement". He also assured the Mullahas that "the Government did not intend to interfere with the autonomy of the management of the institutions." Even tough the General's thunder ended in a whimper, the 'Ithad-i-Tanzeemat', an alliance of organizations representing about 8,000 Madrassas in Pakistan is on the warpath. They have now threatened to come on the roads if the Regulations were not abandoned. The main bone of contention interestingly is the source of their funding, which they stubbornly refuse to disclose.

General Musharraf's 27 May speech though a virtual rehash of his 12 January address discernibly played down the campaign against domestic terrorism. This was pointed out the same night by PPP's Iqbal Hyder during a PTV discussion. Hyder expressed surprise that the General had not announced further measures to contain domestic terrorism. The action against Jehadi leadership post January speech was similarly lukewarm and cosmetic the arrests were made but no evidence adduced. Detentions were ordered under laws that mandated release after a brief spell in jail unless certain conditions were met. In absence of any fallow up majority of the detainees especially those who mattered were set free. The duplicity being practiced and the contradictory policy thrusts pursued by Musharraf in respect of Pan-Islamic terrorists place a question mark not only on his credibility but also his ability to curb the scourge of international terror breeding in his country.

"The task of cleaning up Pakistan", writes Khaleed Ahmed in Friday Times" is a colossal one. The Jehad was generated with many year's effort at the expense of the State sovereignty. To roll it back and to regain internal sovereignty is going to take many years and General Musharraf knows he can't do it in his short tenure there are far too many vested interests attached to this phenomenon, and the State is used to cooperating with it."

Musharraf's latest 'constitutional acrobats' are seen as part of the strategy to strengthen his position after he suffered a severe erosion of moral authority in a sham referendum' According to Ayaz Amir the referendum 'was a gift from the Gods for the people of Pakistan for it achieved the impossible, reducing the level of arrogance and cockiness flying about in Islamabad. Referendum 'say phelay' (before referendum) and referendum 'kay baad' (after referendum) are two different stories. If the truth be told there are hardly any takers for Musharraf's boast that 'he was going to be around to serve Pakistan for a long time to come'. The October deadline mandated by the country's apex court, the formidable mainstream political parties line up against him and opposition by the religious parties combine spell his doom. The Pakistan Army top brass are also said to be in no mood to extend to him unconditional support. They do not wish to be seen to be 'reinforcing. Failure' 'as that would be a cardinal violation of military strategy.'

In the write up titled 'Pakistan's crisis of destiny' published in Dawn in its recent issue, Ayjaz Amir commends for the benefit of Pakistan dictator a quote from the famous address by Cromwell to the long Parliament, which reads "You have sat too long here for any good you have done. Depart. I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God Go." This exhortation perfectly rhymes with the slogans 'Go Musharraf Go' given by Benazir Bhutto at the time of referendum - Musharraf's self-contrived disaster the sentiment is finding increasing echo with in the four walls of dwellings across the length and breadth of Pakistan. Sooner than later it will explode into an open and powerful demand for Musharraf's ouster. The count down to dump one more Pakistan military dictator in the dustbin of history seems to have begun.

Nuclearisation of terrorism

By Ravi K Sharma

The world will not be same again'', uttered Otto Hann just after the successful test explosion of first Atomic Bomb. Time elapsed and eventually USA and erstwhile USSR started building up their nuclear stockpiles. At one time the count of total nuclear devices in the hands of both superpowers was calculated to be enough to destroy this planet several times.

Over the last one and half decade after the end of cold war both US and Russia eventually toned down the tempers and entered into a series of disarmament agreements. In fact, a considerable number of nuclear devices were destroyed by both the superpowers. But despite of the ''cooling off'' of the cold war and the 'deglamorisation' of nuclear weapons by the superpowers, they had intentionally or unintentionally introduced a new culture in military echelons of most of the countries i.e attainment of nuclear status so as to achieve the ultimate immunity from the external threats to the security of the states. UK, France, Israel, China and North Korea followed the trend and became nuclear powers. The nuclear proliferation continued unabated .

In 1998 India carried on a series of Nuclear tests to reiterate its nuclear status which was declared for the first time in 1973. Simultaneously, Pakistan also-as is its policy to emulate India- clandestinely carried on its nuclear plan by resorting to every possible mean viz theft, smuggling, imitation etc. Remember, its nuclear scientists have been charged of stealing nuclear secrets from US and working to develop and provide Nuclear weapons to Osama bin Laden. Unlike India's primary focus to use Nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, Pakistan's nuclear programme was exclusively started to make an ''Islamic Bomb'', which they did in 1998 days after India's nuclear tests. Pakistan declared that it was the fortress of Islam and it ought to have a weapon of the caliber of an Atomic Bomb to defend the Ummah 'the world of Islam'.

In his speech after India's Diplomatic offensive Pakistan President General Musharraf didn't seem to speak the manner which behoves the head of a state. To say the least it was irresponsible, illogical, undignified and dangerously provocative. At times he seemed to be scared and confused. Keeping in view his thorough military background the General Musharraf's brandishing of the nuclear button is at best nothing beyond rhetoric. For, it is unthinkable that he is unaware of the mass destructive capabilities of nuclear devices. General Musharraf with his basic traits of a soldier has a knack for 'quick action' without the sufficient pondering over the consequences. Otherwise why would be undertake Kargil misadventure one of the biggest military blunders of Pakistan after Bangladesh war.

The fact of the matter is that he has set a dangerous precedence for small rogue nations and transnational terrorist groups, that you can carry on terrorist activities while holding the nuclear gun on the head of the victim nations. He has nuclearised the terrorism for the first time in history. After developing the 'Islamic Bomb' Pakistan has sent ominous signals to the likes of Osama bin Laden that as long as Pakistan has the Atom Bomb in its hand they can carry on with their jehadi activities without any fear. Musharraf seems to tell India : ''silently keep bleeding by the terror machine unleashed by it or be prepared for nuclear assault'' But did he forget that Nuclear Weapons work on the principle of MAD'' i.e Mutually Assured Destruction. With the Pakistan's declared policy of 'First Use' of nuclear weapons and India's 'No First Use', Pakistan has to prepare for a massive retaliation from India after it drops the first nuclear bomb in India, which it is not capable of.

It is flabbergasting that he did not shudder for a while before issuing nuclear threat to India. While, Z A Bhutto once said that Pakistanis shall develop Atom Bomb even if they have to eat grass, they may not find blades of grass to eat- for the soils will have lost the growing capabilities due to the 'nuclear pollution''- shall their General go ahead with his threat to India.

Road is rough but Omar has Farooq to bless

By Daya Sagar

Pakistan these days is desperately struggling for her own survival looking for a life supporting system only in a disturbed Kashmiri. The local social fabric has gone too weak and octopus even succeeding extending tentacles of communal lusts beyond Chenab-Line. And it is where Omar has stepped in to shoulder the responsibilities on 23 June 2002 as President of National Conference. The conditions are not that congenial as were on 21 August 1981 when Dr Farooq was blessed with Sheikh's hand on his head. Kashmiri Pandits among many will hopefully look at Omar. He has to play at both social and political fronts.

His people were quite innocent :

Times are hard. Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was a real tall personality and his tall order rested more in the company of Nehru and Gandhi. His people were quite innocent. They did have some illusions about Pakistan but were otherwise quite open and still looked towards India.

Dr Farooq Abdullah has lead through very very hard times. He too has proved to be too all in courage and humanism.

He has paid price for it :

Dr Farooq could truly preach and practice nationalism, humanity, courage and challenge those who have been attempting to weaken India by fracturing Hindu Muslim ties. The dare devil Indian as he could be called, he has all along challenged the enemy so daringly both from with in Indian boundaries as well those from across the borders. He has begged ''death'' while fighting the enemy than being a mute spectator to the killings of the innocent sleeping in huts. At occasions Farooq might not have been able to rationally stand to the standards of the class of a super leadership under the old dubious convictions (mostly created during the period from 1954 till 1975 and some repetitions after 1986) and pressures from his colleagues those have their life line resting in the name of the so called Kashmiriat cause and has made some comments and statements making him controversial on National issues of international magnitude. He has paid enough of price for it. It is human to err and one has right for correction too.

Omar steps in :

Omar Abdullah steps in as the National Conference President on 23 June 02. And now it is time for Omar Abdullah to enter into a new era. Stand against the controversies that would be heaped on him. Sheikh Sahib did do so very firmly till 1977 and events thereafter were less of his home compulsion and more the result of the political gamesmanship that the other Indian leadership had been playing after the fall of Congress in 1977.

Shed old convictions & conventions :

People of J&K and senior leaders of National Conference expect Omar to do much more. People of India in particular and J&K in general want him to shed the convictions and conventions that for staying in power in J&K the must requirement is to accuse. New Delhi at occasions of having neglected the Kashmiri, having undone the promises made with the Kashmiries at the of time accession, having never believed in the commitment of Kashmiries to Indian nationalism, and the like.

Omar saw the light when the Two Nation theory had already lived it's time and for him only stories were left with many around beating the shadows of two nation theory along with the fantasies of delayed offer of accession of J&K with India.

Omar could, rather must, attempt new ways and means to retain power with his party and of course he is too young to fear a dearth of chances/opportunities which would increase the day he would stop taking the help of factionalism in the name of Kashmiriat. He would find that Jammu Kashmir (not J&K) has enough for him.

Path will not be easy :

But Omar has many who may stand in his way. His tender political age may encourage such elements. But the innocent and honest political face that I often see in his expressions could be frustrating for them. He will have to always identify his self as a representative and care taker of common and suffering subjects of JK and not only as the President of National Conference since to take up the job of President there are many experienced and senior leaders around him.

May God bless him with courage, patience and preserve the innocent human heart that he is carrying this day. Farooq Abdullah has much to do in his state and must stay as Elder here. No Delhi, no England. Omar needs him more now. He has played enough. Face of Kashmir that fascinated Gandhi, is blemished today. The Kashmiri Pandits had been so helplessly looking at Farooq. Omar has the hard task. Pakistan has still enough fuel to frustrate.

Reconstruction of social fabric, rebuilding the communal matrix and economic reconstruction this day are only need of ''Jammu and Kashmir''. Will Omar stand to the hard task, one could hope and pray.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said on 18-6-2002 at a function to felicitate police officers at Raj Bhawan Srinagar that'', I am not making way for any one. I am making way for myself'. Let it be his way to reconstruction of Jammu and Kashmir.