| July 14, 2006 Rank and File by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49 Kashmir:
A Bloody Border
Various borders throughout the world have created cultural walls and ultimately destroyed bridges between communities. Ideas, emotions and passions can simply stop at human constructed lines. Not all borders are lined with soldiers, fences, hostility and hate. However, in some border regions, torture, violence and instability run the lives of millions. We do not always look at the people who live on these perilous lines and their perceptions. But sometimes it is necessary to step back and attempt to look through the eyes of the people. The dispute over Kashmir between Pakistan and India happens to be one of those fragile places; a place where the point of view of the inhabitants is generally ignored. Often times the global community forgets that the people of Kashmir are the ones that suffer most at the hands of these powerful nations. India reigns over 63% of Kashmir and the other 37% belongs to Pakistan. However, from 1846 to 1947, a majority of the region belonged to the Dogras, who represent one of the five major ethnic groups inhabiting culturally diverse Kashmir. Yet, for almost sixty years, this border dispute has forced the people to live a life of fear. Many seek a renewal of the Dogra borders. Both the Pakistani and Indian governments label groups that advocate Kashmiri independence as insurgents and terrorists. Why? Because they seek freedom and autonomy from Imperialist oppression? The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) is the staple political party that desires independence. Their political ideologies are democracy and basic civil liberties. According to their doctrine, they believe that “all citizens of the entire State should enjoy equal political, economic and social rights and freedom of expression and faith, irrespective of their race, religion, region, culture and sex.” Yet, the global community often overlooks their principal ideologies, as many believe that Kashmir should be unified under either Pakistan or India. India and Pakistan are ultimately acting as imperialist nations as they attempt to control the region both economically and socially. However, it is also a border that represents power and ego. In other words ... who is stronger? Who is better? Meanwhile, the people of Kashmir suffer. They want their independence back, and for good reason, but in this modern world it seems that if one thirsts for freedom from oppression they are labeled as deviant and wrong ... as insurgents. The oppression runs deep. The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai are believed to have been led by Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist groups. These groups wish to unify Kashmir under Pakistan. Meanwhile, torture and abuse form Indian officials in Kashmir is bound to heighten within the coming weeks. Although the JKLF may not have been involved, they will suffer from the same abuse. Torture against all “terrorist” organizations within this region is brutal and inhumane. According to a Human Rights Watch report, “The most common forms of torture include severe beatings and electric shock. Detainees have also had their legs stretched apart, have been suspended from the wrists or upside down for extended periods, which can lead to paralysis, and have had an iron rod coated with chili paste inserted into the rectum.” In other words, the suppression of the JKLF is real and should not be further ignored. Free Kashmir and stop the violence. Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com. |
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Columnists -
- column archive -
June 30, 2006 June 23, 2006 June 16, 2006 June 9, 2006 June 2, 2006 May 26, 2006 - also by this writer - The Protest Of Petty Power Kings and Pawns Outside My Anchorage Window Prevoland Stop Requested |
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2005
Insurgent Media. All Rights
Reserved. in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership. |
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