Human Rights in indigenous regions in South Asia

 

Human Rights in indigenous regions in South Asia

 

Mubasher Mir

 

Historically this has been learnt that people were living with peace and harmony in Indus Civilization. Indus water basin is source of life from millions of years and we can say since the creation of this Earth.

As for as the present history is concerned different dynasties were the rulers in different areas of Indian Sub Continent whichis called now South Asia. Presently, the South Asia region is consisted on Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal,Pakistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. A huge population of indigenous people of South Asia is living in these countries now.

History tells us that Alexander came from Macedonia and entered Sub-Continent from Kabul. He crossed the Indus River and his battle was fought on River Jhelum, it’s situated 120 Km from Islamabad the Capital of Pakistan now. In these times Western World considered that India is the last destination of this world.

Alexander was not able to conquer the Sub-Continent and returned his home with severe wound which caused his death during Journey. After Alexander other invaders came from Central Asia, Arab and Iran.They ruled many Centuries in Sub-Continent. Religiously they were Muslims. Britishers and French came later, Britisherscame as traders (East India Company) but they captured the whole.

Sub-Continent got liberty and new Countries came in to being presently it is called South Asia.

In ancient times, people were living in tribes; a tribal mindset was prevailed in every Continent politically, economically and socially weak people minorities or families were used to live as salves. Great Prophet Moses (A.S.) challenged the hegemony of Egyptian Pharaoh in favor of Israelites, enslaved minority.

Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) also manifestedequality and Justice System in first Islamic State in Madina, which is a beaconof light in present world as well.

Historically, most of the Muslim rulers established their Governments on secular principles; they did not impose their religion on the Natives. Non-Muslims were equally important in their courts, although the society of Sub-Continent was totally different, low cast minorities were facing social injustice from the privileged and elite class. A religious ritual “Satti” was inhuman act, forwomen. Muslim rulers did not ban or reformed this criminal act. Aurangzeb Alamgir was strict religiously;Hussaini Muslims faced huge problems in his regime.

European nations invaded in every Continent of the world, they made colonies and salves were for their business and industrial motives. In 20^th Century, after two world wars, the world leaders realized that there should be a code of conduct to save and protect the humanity.

So, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was passed as United Nations Resolution NO 217-A in General Assembly of UNO held in Paris 10^th December, 1948 all major aspects of human liberty have been included in this historical document. According to the official website of UNO, this document has been translated in over 500 languages.

According to reliable sources and World Health Organization, Bangladesh have a problem of Arsenic in water, which causes 40 million people have been poisoned. Bhutan anotherindigenous region, a clear political inequality remains their citizens from few areas are unable to exercise the fundamental rights like freedom of movement. The most populated country of South Asia region is India which has several human rights issues like sexual harassment and rape of young girls, more than 200 million Dalits are living in bad condition. Religious minorities are facing extremism even in higher education institutions or universities.World’s highest military zone Kashmir where life is in real trouble, according to the European legislatives and UN Human Rights Commission Report.

Right now, Pakistan is the most volatile country in South Asia region. In 1947, the newly born country was weak, politically and economically. Two million people were massacred when they were coming to new homeland. Before its Silver Jubilee the country was divided, the confession statements of two Indian Prime Ministers are on record, they admitted that there was our role to divide Pakistan.

Afghanistan-Russia war created huge problems for Pakistan, that war changed the social fabric of Pakistani society. Religious extremism started with the involvement of Western world. 9/11 was the major mishap which created again huge problem for Pakistan, a severe wave of terrorism started, more than 70,000 Pakistani lost their lives and more than hundred thousand people were wounded in different attacks. Now they are not living the normal life. Pakistan faced the civil war like situation in tribal areas; more than five thousand military personnel lost their lives thosewere fighting against the terrorists.

Sri Lanka was also succeeded to against the four decade long terrorism. They lost many lives during this period.So,every where there were problems to maintain peace and Justice. The world and regional politics is also a major cause behind this unrest and human rights violations.

After colonialism now the third world countries are in the hands of economic powers.South Asia region is also facing huge threats for its security and sovereignty.Sovereignty is a myth for third world countries.

The cheap labour of South Asia is like a gift for the first world countries.They need finished products for their brands on cheap rates and they are earning the huge profits.Social security is also a major issue for largely populated region is Asia. Food, clean water and energy security are the other major problems.

It’s unfortunate that when we compare the poverty ratio with the military spending in South Asia region. It is totally unfair but its reality. COVID-19 impact on this region is severe because of poverty and less opportunities for employment.

All Nations of South Asia region have to figure out the road map for conflict resolution or management for the next generation. They should bury the hatchet and start the confidence building measures for peace and harmony.

They can achieve the high moral values in human rights by ensuring fair and free justice system for their people. Influential people are the main hurdle in equality and rule of law. In some areas, they act like above the law,they are not in favour of revolutionary reforms in political system. Education and awareness on mass level can make the difference.

It is the duty of the states in South Asia to increase the education and health budgets to change the lives the people. It will be also improve the human rights protection index positively.

 

The writer is President Karachi Editors Club and can be reached at: mubashermir99@gmail.com

Insight India: War on Kashmir, is it going to be an end now?

Insight India: War on Kashmir, is it going to be an end now?

Mubasher Mir

He was Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, who deliberately delayed the announcement of Boundary Commission Report, (Commission was led by Sir Cyril Radcliffe) against his consent. Being, a cousin of the King George VI and distinguished British Royal Navy Officer, Admiral Mountbatten, used this powers unethically and took the decision to change the Boundary Commission recommendations, Tehsil Ferozepur and Zira, and some important areas of District Gurdaspur gave to the India. It was the only land link from princely state Jammu & Kashmir to newly state Bharat. Gurdaspur is adjacent to the state of Kashmir, which (Kashmir) was largely populated by Muslims, about 80%. Hindustan was being divided on Two-Nation Theory; Majority Muslim areas were being included in Pakistan and the rest with Bharat.

It was also Mountbatten’s plan to implement the division of India’s plan in unnecessary hurry, he did not give enough time to transform Hindustan into new born two states, Pakistan and Bharat. Although, Prime Minister of British, Ataley, sat the dead line 1948, for end of British colonial regime in Hindustan. It was all because of Indian congress, they accepted him as First Governor General of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India was a very close friend of Lady Edwina Mountbatten. After partition she visited many times of Prime Minister India’s House in Delhi. This friendship gave a huge benefit to India and the land link from Kashmir to India ensured, otherwise India used air link to station her troops in Kashmir reportedly. When Kashmir was annexed by India in 1948, Mahraja Hari Singh was reluctant to sign the agreement with India, at that time, by the time; Article 370 (Special status for Kashmir) proved a trap from India for innocent Kashmiris. It was again Governor General Mountbatten who was in favour of India, because Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah refused this proposal to accept him the Joint Governor General of Pakistan and India.

In Jan, 1948, India rushed to UN Security Council to Intervene, after UN Security Council’s resolutions India accepted the Kashmiris right of selfdetermination, but the one of  Kashmiri leader at that time Sheikh Abdullah took the Indian side and became the first Prime Minister of an emergency government in Indian Kashmir on 30^th October, 1948.  The United Nations helped to enforce ceasefire between the two countries. The ceasefire line is called the line of control (LOC), now after Simla Accord 1972.

If we look into the previous mediation on Kashmir. Firstly, it was by Canadian President, McNaughton, who gave proposals in 1950, Pakistan accepted but India refused, then Sir Owen Dixan Mission was not also successful India, was not agreed on his proposals. Dr. Frank Graham, who was appointed a UN representative for Kashmir on 30^th April, 1951. He gave proposals to demilitarized Kashmir five times, Pakistan accepted his proposals but again India refused to implement according to him. So plebiscite was not happened, and both countries fought three wars including lots of violation on line of control the major mishaps on Siachen & Kargal were happened as well.

Indus Basin Treaty, a famous water accord was signed between India and Pakistan which was not in favour of Pakistan. It was surprised that both countries were signing on distribution of water, which is running from Kashmir, and not a single clause was included about the dispute. It was signed in 1960, and this was also not mentioned that, how it will review, when Kashmir dispute solved. Separation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was happened, by the support of India. After Shimla Agreement, 1972, India tested Atomic Capability in Rajasthan in 1974. Then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was politically strong enough to change the status of Kashmir so she was succeeded to sign an agreement with Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdullah in 1975, there was a big change in Kashmir status. Although other Kashmiri Leaders rejected this agreement, but Indian Kashmir was declared a province and sheikh Abdullah became the first Chief Minister of Kashmir. Pakistan did not change the status of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Then Prime Minister, Z.A. Bhutto was politically very strong and popular on international arena and after Islamic Summit in Lahore among Ummah. I do not understand why Pakistan did not approach UN Security Council on becoming Indian Kashmir a member of Union of India.

After, 1989, when Kashmir struggle started, soon after that severe political unrest started in Karachi. It was absolutely linked with Kabul and Kashmir. It is on record that whenever Kashmiris called on strike against Indian aggression, everybody witnessed, the strike was announced by a political party in Karachi.

The unrest in Karachi was observed, at huge scale and so it proved later that foreign forces were also involved unofficially. At that time an operation clean-up was also started by Federal Govt. but it was considered against political party MQM.

In last three decades, all political and diplomatic struggle gone with the wind to seek Kashmir resolution peacefully. A composite dialogue was occurred at least forty-two months after Kargil War in President Gen. Pervez Musharraf era. India played very cleverly on diplomatic channel and succeeded to Commission Baglihar Power Project of 900 MW, Pakistan was silent on international forums to give support to Kashmir struggle politically, diplomatically and ethically and during this period India worked on proxy war in Afghanistan against Pakistan. India completed the installation of wire on Line of Control which was not allowed on LoC, but the Foreign Office of Pakistan was again showed silence, it’s still a big question.

When Asif Ali Zardari assumed his office as President of Pakistan, he told the media after oath talking ceremony that he will solve the Kashmir issue in one month. In fact he was talking in the light of previous back door channel diplomacy between Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Gen Pervez Musharraf. Gen Pervez Musharraf was in favor of that formula (Chenab Formula) and he was in a hurry to announce but India was reluctant. PM Vajpayee and his foreign affairs team was playing with him, they done their job, first completion of wire on LoC, secondly, keep  Pakistan silent on Afghanistan and Kashmir cause and third one was commissioning of hydro power project on River Chenab that was Baglihar Dam. The most dangerous action which India did during Gen Pervez Musharraf era, was to penetrate in Pakistan’s cultural, business & trade and media industry through high level obliging the concerned people they worked on big political parties, and got soft corner for Indians at every level and created differences successfully on water distribution issue among the provinces. India also created the gap between state and citizens of Pakistan.

They supported secretly in Balochistan, Karachi, Interior Sindh, KPK, Tribal Areas and south Punjab, that was proved after Kulbhushan Jadhav’s arrest in Balochistan. Confession statements of target killers, those were arrested during Karachi operation these are also a strong evidences. The relations between Indian Secret Agency RAW and the London secretariat of MQM and founder Altaf were revealed the truth of that period. After Mumbai Attacks drama, a new controversy started and India quitted from composite dialogue.

When Mian Nawaz Sharif took oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan, he did not show his interest seriously on Kashmir issue. Foreign Affairs Ministry did not perform well because of his interest in business and trade with Indian friends.

He was criticized badly on the so called surprise visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi. He was afraid to appoint foreign Affairs Minister during his tenure. The related stories with Kulbhushan Jadhav were still questions and PML-N has no logical answers about that.

During Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to USA, when President Donald Trump showed his interest for mediation between the two countries as arbitrator, then India loudly oppose. But surprisingly White House took stand firmly on his words which is remarkable. It has been appreciated at large by Pakistan at all levels.

But I think, it is the duty of British, to take interest to solve this issue which was created by his last Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, he was the uncle and mentor of Prince Charles, the Crown prince of Great Britain. He played unfairly on behalf of Crown. Now, this is the best chance for Prince Charles to correct the historical mistake rather blunder which was committed by his elders.

Pakistan should be open her eyes, at every moment. India’s major targets are to complete her power projects in Jammu & Kashmir. PM Modi is after his Targets, he is less interested in favour of Kashmir or Kashmiris.

Now, it depends on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, that it would be affected because the economic diplomacy of India is very powerful. Its top trade partners will not oppose its stance on Kashmir. If Pakistan failed this time then India will commit more cruelty on Kashmiris.

In case of war, it’s a big question among the international political circles, that what would happen if these two atomic states will go on atomic war. Although it could be a total destruction of this region but one question is valid, that who could do the first strike the answer is simple that if one seems to be looking weak in conventional war then the weaker side could be adventurous and second question is also worth mentioning that could it be possible for the victim side to retaliate for second strike. God knows better, but thinking about this is horrible. One thing is obvious that western world could not be comfortable with Pakistan as an atomic State.

The writer is a PhD Scholar at Karachi University and is President of Karachi Editors Club. He can be reached at: Mubashermir99@gmail.com

Analysis Asia: What China can do for Asia?

Analysis Asia: What China can do for Asia?

Mubasher Mir

Historically we all know that after World War-II all major wars like Korea (North & South), Vietnam, (North & South), India-China 1962, Pak-India 1965. Pak-India 1971, Arab-Israel 1967, Afghanistan-Russia, Iraq-Iran, Gulf war against Iraq, Iraq-Kuwait conflict,war against terrorism in Afghanistan ,China-Taiwan, were fought almost in Asia. Millions of people died during these wars, billions of dollars of collateral damages were done there. Right now the world’s major conflicts and proxy wars are witnessed in Asia as well like Kashmir, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Myanmar, Iran-Arab,Yemen, Syria, Turkey-Cyprus and Kurdistan issue belong to Asia also.

Arab Spring was started in Africa,which is also post-colonial continent and Bosnian issue belonged to Europe but European Union have not relations with only Bosnia we all know, and Turkey is waiting since long to get its membership and its inclusion in EU seems not possible.

The damage done in World War-I and World War-II in Asia, was of huge nature. Most of the area was under British rule; they recruited soldiers on cheap terms and conditions rather forcibly, so Asia paid a huge price in search for peace during last hundred years.

During World War-I, the Ottoman Empire was abolished and the whole kingdom was turned into small and medium territories. Surprisingly, Arab kingdoms were established by the blessings of democratic USA and their allies UK and Russia.

When we look into political conflicts in Asia like Kashmir, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria and Palestine, the forces behind it belonged to the so-called First Word. After attack with atomic bombs in Asia, Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Japan) by USA with theconsent of United Kingdom, atomic race started and billions of dollars were spent by several nations to protect themselves.

During the cold war between the capitalism and socialism,world was divided into two blocs headed by USA and Russia respectively,and most of the disputes were converted into wars and conflicts.

When we look into the weapon trade figures, the western world is on the manufacturing side and the eastern world (Asia) is the huge buyer from traditional to fatal weapons.

According to the International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) from 2010 to 2014, the five biggest importers of the weapons were India, Saudi Arabia, China, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan; surprisingly all belong to Asian Continent. According to the Poverty Index of the world (CIA world fact book) accurate in January, 2018 population below poverty line, country compression, Index Mundi).

In the first fifty countries only ‘Greece’ is from Europe. It is the alarming situation for the Third World countries that they had to spend more money in their security needs than on their citizens. The human development index shows the worse conditions of their populations.

Although, the Far-East countries had set the wonderful example on the economic development platform SEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) during last three decades, now they are called the Asian Tigers. But even then there are a lot of other issues and difficulties which Asia is facing. That’s why huge military bases of US are established in this region like Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, etc.

Although Asia was blessed during the 20^thcentury, one of the top leadership born and developed to get rid of colonialera and rescue their nations from the affects of the world wars and cold warand conflicts. They were Mao Zedong, Chu En-Lai, Hathiman, Kim Ill Sung, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Imam Khomeini, Dr. Liquan Liu, Dr. Mahathir Mohamed and Din Yiao-Pong, etc.

The vision of the Asian leadership was marvelous, but they faced domestic challenges at the huge level. It was difficult for them to work on international issues. Many of them faced colonial might and set the agenda to liberate and literate their nations. After libration, the second part was the economic development. If we look into the Growth index, Asian Nations, getting huge progress because of their economic leadership

Although they have to work under political and military influence, because security is still a main issue on every nation’s future Agenda. If we look into the all Asian nations, China is the most independent, vibrant and sovereign country right now. It’s as hard as Himalaya and as soft as sea. China’s political economy is the most power tool to attract the modern world and other nations. That’s why the China’s Belt and Road project is the real game changer for developing nations.

The Chinese narrative to include many world nations in their economic growth and share the benefits is in favor of under-developed countries. I think this narrative should be beyond the economic benefits, and extended to the political,ethical and strategic benefits as well.

The Third World (under & developing nations) are looking towards China to solve the political conflicts of this Asian continent. Although China wants to work in the field of business and economics with every nation of the world but the conflict zones in Asia need China’s attention politically, ethically and strategically. If the 21^stcentury will end with Asia, then it will be China, none of other in Asia.

So Communist Party of China (CPC) and State Council are the most effective institutions to turn the table in Asia. All western leadership always tries to be part of the solution in Asian conflicts but now the Chinese leadership should take a step forward for mediation and conflict resolution. Chinese leadership have future vision, this is the high time for them to take the lead in Asia.

The Present President of China Xi Jinping is the most powerful leader of the world. He has a vision to lead the Asia, economically, politically and strategically. Chinese nation believe on him, so it would be worth mentioning that he is leading china to develop Belt & Road project marvelously. China is the only country in Asia have Veto power in UN Security Council and this power could be capitalized for resolution of political conflicts in Asia. 

Pakistan and China have long history of strategic partnership and two major conflicts belong to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kashmir. China supported Pakistan’s point of view for conflict resolution in South Asia and likewise Pakistan supported “One China policy” since long; so, both could be more effective when the CPEC will be fully operational.

Its need of the hour, China should interact widely with Asian Nations at every level China is the big country; if the initiative will be from her side then the communication gap will be bridged rapidly.

China should give political leadership to Asia with the help of her long-lasting and true friends. Pakistan has credit to introduce USA & China with each other and now again its Pakistan’s duty to get close China politically with Asian nations.

The writer is a PhD Scholar at Karachi University and is President of Karachi Editors Club. He can be reached at: Mubashermir99@gmail.com