Passport issue of Shaukat Kashmiri: Dr Shabir Choudhry

Sardar Shaukat Kashmiri is a nationalist leader who is always surrounded by controversies. He is among those leaders who have seriously challenged the status quo in Pakistani Administered Kashmir. He has suffered for his politics and sad thing is that, like many others he is accused of being an ‘Indian agent’.

Many people ask me to stay away from him because, in their view, Shaukat Kashmiri is pursuing an Indian agenda and regularly receives hefty amount of money from India, which he distributes to his party members in Pakistani Administered Kashmir. When I ask them for some evidence in support of this serious allegation they produce none; but still urge me to trust them.

Making silly allegations and calling political opponents agent of one country or the other is part of political culture of Pakistan and Kashmir. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is occupied by three countries and they all don’t want to vacate any part of the State, if anything, they want more Kashmiri territory.

Like India and China, Pakistan also wants to maintain its control over the parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir not legally taken over by them. New Delhi is responsible for human rights abuses in Kashmir, but to lesser extent, Islamabad is also directly responsible for human rights abuses; and also responsible for suffering of the people on both sides of the divide by perpetuating the dispute and by ensuring that the status quo is maintained.

Yet those Kashmiris who receive large amounts of funds to advance a Pakistani agenda on Kashmir are considered as loyal, and they feel proud to be ‘soldiers’ of Pakistan. They openly say they want to be part of Pakistan. But those leaders who are accused of being ‘Indian agents’ never say they are ‘soldiers’ of India or that they want to become part of India; and yet they are accused even though there is not a shred of evidence against them.

This double standard must stop, and culprits of this policy must be opposed by all those who believe in equality, freedom of speech and freedom of political activity. If right of free speech taken away from a society, then slowly but surely that society becomes a totalitarian society with no civil rights.

Shaukat Kashmiri was arrested by secret agencies of Pakistan in 1992 and in 1998. Even at that time allegation was that he had contacts with the secret agencies of India. On both occasions, despite solitary imprisonment and torture, Pakistani secret agencies could not prove a shred of evidence against him; but the rumour mill was churning out lies and propaganda against him. On both occasions he was released without any charges.

Those who didn’t like Shaukat Kashmiri and his politics needed no more evidence, to them mere arrest by the ISI was sufficient to prove that Shaukat Kashmiri was guilty. Those who arrested him and those who were making wild allegations against him were not asked to provide any evidence, onus was put on the accused to prove that he was not guilty – what a justice.

My colleagues and I opposed Pakistani sponsored ‘jihad’ and extremism in Kashmir in mid 1990s, but we did that from safety of London and Geneva. Despite that Pakistani agencies and ‘Jihadi’ groups opposed us tooth and nail; and in some cases issued warnings of death and severe punishment. I was and still am subject of verbal abuse and threatening phone calls.

Shaukat Kashmiri, on the other hand, started exposing Pakistani policy on Kashmir in 1992, while he was still living in Pakistani Administered Kashmir, where he was vulnerable and did not have a large following or international contacts which could have been of some help to him during difficult times.

Of course he was guilty – guilty of openly declaring that militancy in Kashmir was a ‘proxy war of Pakistan’, which was designed to ‘bleed India’ and not to liberate Kashmir. He said it was not ‘jihad’, as the aim of sponsors of militancy and the JKLF leadership was to communalise the Kashmiri struggle and divide people in name of religion.

To say such things at that time, and from position of vulnerability, it was tantamount to signing a death warrant for himself and his colleagues. Instead of getting compliments for his vision and courage he is getting criticism and unfounded allegations.

Now in 2010, Shaukat Kashmiri faces a different kind of allegations. Many in position of authority and some political activists claim that he has compromised his ideology and his political stand. This time, according to rumours, he has met the ISI and made some compromise.

If that was true, then why he and his family is denied passports that they could visit their family and friends in Pakistani Administered Kashmir? This denial is clearly human rights issue, as Shaukat Kashmir and his family have every right to travel to their motherland and meet their relatives and friends; and Pakistani government is in breach of this fundamental right and obligations it assumed under the UNCIP Resolutions.

During KNP Study Tour of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Administered Kashmir in October, one political activist said to me: Your friend Shaukat Kashmiri has made a compromise with Pakistan. He has compromised his ideology and political stand.

I said to him, if that was the case then why Pakistani authorities are not issuing passport to him and his family. His claim was that because his deal was with the army or more appropriately with the GOC Murree, and the ISI didn’t like that. Both GOC Murree (military commander stationed in Murree who wields exceptional powers in affairs of Pakistani Administered Kashmir) and the ISI are in direct competition in controlling affairs of this territory. According to him, ISI officers also met Shaukat Kashmir, but they could not reach any agreement; and his subsequent deal with representatives of the GOC Murree have annoyed the ISI; and it was because of that he is having problems with the passports.

To me and many other thinking Kashmiris, this is another propaganda campaign against a nationalist leader and a loyal son of soil. Shaukat Kashmiri is a pro Kashmir leader; and like me and many others, openly oppose forces of extremism, communalism and hatred, and that appears to be his real crime. As a Kashmiri, he doesn’t have to be pro or anti any country, but he has every right to promote a Kashmiri interest; and he must not be punished for this.

It is advisable that Pakistani authorities issue passports to him and his family, as that is their right. By denying what they are entitled to Pakistani authorities are not going to win their hearts; but it is possible that their unreasonable and illogical action might generate anti Pakistan feelings among some other Kashmiris.

Writer is Head Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs.Email:drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com

Kashmiri Journalist filed a Case against Government for the denial of Passport.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir High Court (HC) has issued notices to State Government, Police and Secretary, Union Home Affairs and Regional Passport Officer (RPO) on a petition filed by Ajaz Ahmad War, a journalist by profession, seeking direction to respondents to issue passport to him. 

A single bench of the High Court, comprising Justice Hussnain Masoodi today directed the respondents to file objections with two weeks against the petition. 

Mr War, in the petition filed by his lawyer M. Aijaz today, alleged that he has applied for an International passport on February 27, 2008 and deposited Rs 1000. 

He said after the issuance of the passport was delayed abnormally he made a representation to the Chief Minister who directed the Additional Director General of police, CID, for immediate action as per existing policy and also to intimate the action taken in the matter. 

The petition alleged that nothing happened in the matter as a consequence thereof he approached different authorities and also asked for a report under RTI Act. 

The petition said that the CID department in its reply to Chief

Minister on January 9, this year alleged that Mr Aijaz was brother of Hilal Ahmad War, Chairman of the Peoples Political Party (PPP) and Jameel Ahmad War, a pro-freedom leader .CID department has written in its reply that Jameel Ahmad War is the close associate of Syed Ali Shah Gilani and Syed Salahuddin which is one of the reasons of the denial of passport to Ajaz Ahmad War. 

The department declared him a threat to security and warned that separatists may use his visit for anti national activities. 

However, the department said that he himself was not involved in any anti national activities. Finally the Public Information Officer, Police headquarter communicated to the petitioner through a letter that as per the existing guidelines the issuance of passport to the petitioner is denied. 

However, the petitioner approached the First Appellate Authority by virtue of a representation that in the light of the norms

guidelines issued by the Chief Minister that if a relation of an applicant is involved in any anti-social or anti-national activity and the applicant is not directly involved cannot be denied the passport.

The appellate Authority acceded to the request of the applicant and communicated to IGP, CID, to consider my case for the issue of passport. 

However, the IGP CID declined to clear the name of the petitioner

for issuance of the passport. 

Mr War prayed for direction to concerned authorities for issuance

of passport to him.

The notices were accepted by Additional Solicitor General of  India on behalf of secretary union home affairs and RPO, Srinagar and Additional Advocate General for state government, IGP, CID and Senior Superintendent of Police headquarters.

CAN PAKISTAN PRODUCE ONE ARUNDHATI ROY TO SPEAK TRUTH: DR SHABIR CHOUDHRY

Arundhati Roy, a famous Indian writer and human rights activist has, once again, made headlines and won minds and hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She said what she believed – Kashmir is not legally part of India.Kashmir is not part of Pakistan either, although both countries control State of Jammu and Kashmir and have no desire to relinquish their control over these areas.

There is demand in some parts of India that Arundhati Roy should be charged for ‘sedition’. But there are many rational people who support her. Alok Tiwari, a prominent Indian journalist wrote in her defence that what she said was ‘definitely against the government line on Kashmir. It was also against the popular opinion. Mercifully, there is no law that obligates us to toe the government or popular line. Going against it is dissent, not sedition; and democracies thrive on dissent. They do not shun it.’

India claims to be the biggest democracy on earth, and that democracy is alive and kicking, at least, in India, if not in Jammu and Kashmir. Demand of a genuine democracy is that people must be allowed to express their views without fear or intimidation; and Arundhati Roy is an Indian citizen, and at least, she should be entitled to enjoy fruits of democracy. Alok Tiwari further writes:

‘Freedom in a society is tested by its tolerance of what most of its members consider offensive. Freedom to say goody-goody thing is actually no freedom. If we assert before the world that Kashmiris in India are living in freedom, it means even those Kashmiris who would rather not be part of India. They have as much right to air their opinion as the rest of us have to assert Kashmir is an integral part of India. If we find Geelani’s ideas offensive then let us come up with better ideas to counter them.’

It is best for government of India to resolve the Kashmir dispute rather than charge all those who express their disagreement on Kashmirpolicy of government of India. The Kashmir dispute is real. It will not go away by closing eyes; or by using force.

In Kashmir there is a strong resentment against what Indian government do there; and that anger and sense of alienation will not go away by continuation of the present policies. The government of India has to come out with a new policy and new approach and satisfy demands of the people, as policy of gun and bullet cannot win minds and hearts of the people.

Arundhati Roy is brave and honest in her assertions on Kashmir. She had courage to say that India’s claim on Kashmir is not correct; and is against popular will of the people of Kashmir. She said all that even though Jammu and Kashmir ‘provisionally’ acceded to India; andIndia’s claim on Kashmir rests on that ‘accession’.

That ‘provisional accession’ had to be ratified by the people of Jammu and Kashmir; and due to Pakistan’s refusal to withdraw troops from Kashmiri territory, as demanded by the UN Resolutions, conditions for a plebiscite could not be created to hold a referendum to test will of the people, hence the present forced division and suffering of the people on both sides of the LOC.

Despite India’s claim on Kashmir and its claim to democratic ideals, people like Arundhati Roy speak against India’s Kashmir policy. They tell government of India that hearts and minds of people could not be won with use of force. They tell the government that you cannot make people Indian by pulling their finger nails.

On the other hand Pakistan also occupies two parts of State of Jammu and Kashmir, namely Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, from which Pakistan generously gave away around 2200 sq miles to China in 1963 to improve bilateral relations. 

Pakistan has military strength to control the Kashmiri territory under its occupation, but has no legal cover to justify this occupation. It has no legal mandate to be in control of the Kashmiri territory, but still has managed to divert attention away from areas under its control and call them ‘azad’ meaning free; and many Kashmiri collaborators happily advance the cause of Pakistan.

Many in Pakistan, especially writers and scholars know shallowness of Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir. They also know that people of so called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan are not happy with what Pakistan and its secret agencies do to the people of these areas; and yet they decide to remain quiet. Their conscience does not trouble them, and they follow the government policy on issue of Kashmir. They happily promote government’s version on Kashmir, knowing well that it is based on lies.

They know, as it has been confirmed by many impartial surveys that people of Jammu and Kashmir DONOT want to join Pakistan; and yet they broadcast lies that people of Jammu and Kashmir are desperate to join Pakistan. They are reluctant to speak about plight and exploitation of the people living under Pakistani occupation; and will only focus on events taking place on other side of the LOC.

Can Pakistani society produce one prominent writer, scholar and human rights champion who has guts to challenge Pakistan’s Kashmirpolicy; and tell the world that Pakistan’s control of Kashmiri territory is not legal? Someone who could tell the world people of Jammu and Kashmir State living on this side of the LOC are also deprived of their fundamental human rights. Or is this too much to ask, and Pakistani writers, intellectuals and scholars will continue to follow the out of date policy of Islamabad?

Writer is Head Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets. Also he is Director Institute of Kashmir Affairs. 

Obama’s visit: Crackdown in Lal Chowk

Srinagar: Police and paramilitary CRPF Thursday carried crackdown in the nerve centre Lal Chowk here.

City reporter said that police and personnel of CRPF carried out surprise frisking of pedestrians and shopkeepers near Ghantaghar (clock tower) around 1500 hours.

They said that apart from frisking the individuals, the policemen and paramilitary troopers checked the identity cards of the people after keeping them in a queue.

Quoting eyewitnesses, he said that people were allowed to move towards their respective destinations after searches.

Official sources said that the searches were carried to keep at bay the possibility of any untoward incident in wake of the US President Barrack Obama’s visit to New Delhi. US president is visiting on three day trip in first week of November. No arrests were made during the operation, they added.

Kashmiris Peace Conference asks India and Pakistan to resolve Kashmir Conflict according to wishes of Kashmiris

Kotli, AJK, Sunday, October 03, 2010. (PCP) Kashmir Peace Conference (KPC) on Sunday urged India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute according to wishes of Kashmiris in order to foster peace and prosperity in South Asian region.

“India and Pakistan should rescind Indus Water Treaty (IWT) to accommodate the Kashmiris and water use charges must be spent on local development under a new justified accord about regional rivers.” the Conference demanded.

The KPC was organized by Press For Peace (PFP) which is an independent research and advocacy organization working for the promotion of sustainable peace and human development.

In the conference venue various pro-peace slogans and were displayed, which included: ‘No Peace without Justice’, ‘War Is Expensive; Peace Is Priceless’, ‘Give Peace A Chance’.

A large number of people, including the heads of political parties, intellectuals, representatives of civil society organisations and lawyers joined the event.

Marvi Memon , Member Standing Committee for Kashmir(National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim, President , Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Party), ), Sardar Ejaz Afzal, President Muttihda Majlis e Amal (MMA), Sardar Saghir Khan Advocate, Chairman JKLF, Shoukat Maqbool Butt, Chairman, Kashmir National Liberation Front,, Qayyum Raja, Chairman Justice Forum, Malik Muhammad Nawaz Minister AJK ,Tahir Khokhar Minister Tourism AJK, Cahudhary Muhammad Yaseen ,Vice President PPP, Muhammad Matloob Inqalabi , Information Secretary PPP, Shazia Akbar, Advisor to PM ,Mir Latif Advocate ,Dr.Mushtaq A Sajid ,Dean University of AJK,Syyed Yusuf Nasim, Chairman APHC, AJK),Mrs Saffia , and officials of the PFP; Mrs Tanveer Latif , Dr Nighat Younas, Khalil Gorsi Advocate, Rafiq Mughal, Youaf Kashmiri and others spoke on the occasion.

The speakers condemned the recent human rights violations committed by forces in Indian Kashmir and pledged to support the right of self determination of Kashmiri people. They also highlighted the miseries of people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, especially affecteees of Mangla Dam and earthquake 2005 and criticized the negligence of government which ‘completely failed to resolve the public problems’.

A declaration was issued at the end of the Conference, which encompassed the core issues related with three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit Baltistain.

Appreciating the peace initiatives between Indian and Pakistani regions of Kashmir, it demanded to rectify the flaws and complicated procedures in Line of Control(LoC) Bus and Truck services to make them people friendly and economic well being of the area as well.

The KPC expressed profound concerns over the alleged embezzlement in the funds of rehabilitation of quake affected areas of AJK and urged to ensure transparency and speedy implementation of projects to lessen the miseries of people.

“All mega development programs and Hydro power projects in all units of Jammu and Kashmir must be executed according to the global standards of ecology, development and water conservation and reservations and concerns of local communities must be addressed as well”, it further said, adding that demands of afectees of Mangla Dam Upraising Project and Neeelum Jhelum Hydro Power Project should be fulfilled.

The conference asked universities of different regions of Kashmir to grant scholarships to students of local areas to cultivate culture of mutual respect, harmony and understanding.

The participants of the Conference also vowed to struggle for merit, rule of law to achieve the goal of a democratic and moderate society.

Member National Assembly of Pakistan, Marvi Memon vowed to support the voice of Kashmiris at every for.

“People of Kashmir are striving for a legitimate and unalienable right, which could not be suppressed by brutal force.”

Minorities of India may Demand ‘Separate Homeland’: Hilal War

Srinagar, October 02, 2010: People’s Political Party (PPP) Chairman, Hilal Ahmad War termed Babri Masjid judgement a politically motivated, simply to appease the fanatic Hindus of India. The judgement is not on the expected lines of justice and has far reaching consequences , in  view of the fact that RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal , Ram Sena, Hindu Maha Saba, BJP etc. along with other pseudo secularists will further their design to carry forward their programme of Hindutva, said Mr.War.  He sad that this judgement will encourage the  Hindu fanatic groups of India to ask for desecration and demolition of many more shrines and mosques and other places of worship of Muslims in various parts of India on the same parameters as fixed in the judgement.  ‘The judgement is legally, constitutionally and logically wrong , biased and is against the golden principles of Justice’ . ‘This has resulted in total miscarriage of justice and the minorities have been reduced to irrelevance’, said PPP Chief.
PPP Chief, Hilal War said that the Muslims of India have been all along at the receiving end. They stand driven to wall and their future course of action will depend on the future circumstances of historical events. The only hope left to such minorities was in the judicial system. The unfortunate part played is that the judgement has attempted to dug history of 500 years from Hindu point of view only. This process shall throw open flood gated of digging more and more  in history which will provide renewed cause of action to divide and sub divide the Indian society on communal basis which does not go in tune with the concept of  spirit of secularism at all .   
The judgement has provided deep rooted tremendous and powerful incentive to the communal forces of India for gearing up their strategies. The judgement has reinforced and added fuel to the fire. Therefore, it will result in chaos and confusion in entire India which ultimately will destabilize and India, said Mr.War. This will lead to a chaotic Indian society where every religious minority will feel insecure and unsafe and will have no faith, trust and confidence in the judicial system of India. PPP Chief said if the same is not checked the religious minorities of India including Muslims, Christians and Dalits etc.  will be constrained to demand for a Separate Homeland within India.

Life returns to normal across Valley for a day

Srinagar: Barring few areas of Ganderbal and Baramulla districts, life across the Valley on Saturday limped back to normal as Hurriyat Conference (G) called off the strike and government lifted curfew and restrictions to provide breather to the people.
Reports and eyewitnesses told KMW that life in Srinagar and most of the parts of the Valley returned to normal this morning, ever since curfew was clamped across the Valley following massive pro-freedom demonstrations on Eid-ul-Fitr on September 11.
After 20 days of disturbances, particularly due to curfew and restrictions, all shops, private offices, business establishments, petrol pumps across the valley resumed their work. The markets that wore a deserted look in the recent days, were bustling with shoppers.
The transport also returned to almost all the roads and highway in all the ten districts of the Valley.
Choked roads, traffic jams, unruly scenes were witnessed at many places in the city centre as people swarmed to make necessary purchases. Traffic cops had a tough time while regulating traffic at important roads and transaction.
The commuters travelling in the city, particularly through Maulana Azad road, residency road, Hari Singh high and Jehangir chowk faced inconvenience due to frequent traffic jams triggered by the heavy flow of traffic.
Meanwhile, uneasy calm prevailed in Kangan area of Ganderbal district where curfew is in force as militants and a joint team of Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) are engaged in a fierce gunfight.
Sources said that the curfew has been clamped in the area fearing protests against the killing of militants.
Tension also persisted in Palhalan area of Baramulla district where curfew was clamped following protests against the alleged forces atrocities.
However, life was normal in other areas of the district.
Press Bureau of India correspondent from North Kashmir said that after remaining crippled for weeks, life returned to normal in all the three districts of the North Kashmir.
In Baramulla, Bandipore and Kupwara, all shops, business establishments, private offices, petrol pumps resumed their activities while transport plied normalcy on district and inter-district routes.

Sangrama youth succumbs, toll 110

Srinagar: A teenager injured in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police firing in Sangrama area of Baramulla district last month, succumbed to injuries at the SK Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar Saturday morning. With his death, the toll in the ongoing unrest since June 11 has mounted to110.
16-year-old Mohammad Omar, son of late Mohammad Ismail Sheikh was injured when CRPF and police fired upon pro-freedom demonstrators in Potkhah Muqam area of Sangrama on September 16. The teenager with bullet injury in thigh was removed to SKIMS for treatment. He was operated upon by a team of doctors. However, after battling with life for fifteen consecutive days, the teenager succumbed to injuries last night.
“The teenager was brought to hospital with thigh injury on September 16. His blood vessel was damaged due to firearm injury. Last night, he succumbed to injuries,” Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Dr Syed Amin Tabish, when contacted told Press Bureau of India.
Omar, a tenth standard student of Government higher secondary school, Wagura was an orphan. His father was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Naribal forests of Rafiabad in mid-90. After the death of his father, Omar and his widow mother shifted to Sangrama from their Zahampora, Uri residence.
When the body of the Omar was brought to his hometown, thousands of men, women and children came out on roads and staged pro-freedom demonstration.
Amidst chanting of pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the teenager was laid to rest at a local graveyard.

PPP Chief urges the separatist leaders to register a complete boycott against All Party Delegation

Srinagar, Sept 19 :People’s Political Party (PPP), Chairman, Hilal Ahmad War, before Press Conference Kashmir is in the middle of one of the worst crisis since 1947 – a crisis that is humongous both in terms of its impact and the far reaching fallouts that it carries along. This fresh round of uprising against the Indian occupation has already consumed more than a hundred lives in just 100 days and the worst part is that the victims are being projected as perpetrators by the Indian State.  Through sheer might of its military, police, media and other wherewithal, government of India is crushing our legitimate movement and also trying to portray us as troublemakers who can’t rest in peace. India wants to continue with its oppressive policy   by arming its forces with “unimaginable” powers to kill anybody, anywhere, at any point of time just to make sure that this Intifada passes off as a matter of misgovernance and misgivings between Kashmiris rather than an independence movement.
The post-Eid persecution that the Kashmiris are facing is something that isn’t spontaneous but it is a sinister plot that was hatched before the auspicious day after the Indian agencies started seeing the writing on the wall. A couple of incidents of arson where blown out of proportion and given prominence in the media to overshadow a mega show of people’s sentiment for the independence on Eid. An abrupt war hysteria was created through the news channels and a vicious propaganda was unleashed against the peaceful Kashmiris to discredit our genuine struggle and just cause.
Any political & economic packages or other sorts of appeasements or nefarious plans implemented through K. C. Pant, Dulat, Jethmalani, Wajahat Habibullah, Advocate Ashok Bhan etc by Govt. of India are destined to meet a disgraceful failure. By buying loyalties using traitors and pseudo-freedom fighters for elections or dialogue will get India nowhere and neither will it help in creating peace in Kashmir. It is highly advisable for Dr. Manmohan Singh & other Indian leaders to accept the hardest realities of Kashmir problem & concede the right of self-determination to the people of J & K State, so that the South Asia gets guarded against the otherwise inevitable horrors of nuclear war.
In view of the aforesaid position and ground realities our party PPP has rightly and thoughtfully advocated a 3-point formula since 10th August , 1996 which if acted upon, shall save J & K State from armed turmoil & also ensure peace & prosperity in the subcontinent of India & Pakistan. People of J & K State shall never allow any person, political party or conglomerate to act as their political attorney in connection with the settlement of Kashmir dispute. The Kashmir problem is the question of life & death for the people of J & K State who alone can directly settle this problem through fair & impartial referendum. The role of India & Pakistan is the role of co-operation only but the role of adjudication is the prerogative & inherent right of the people of both sides of control line. Let Indian leaders learn a lesson from Algerian liberation war against France, American war of Independence from Britain, Indian war of Independence commanded by Subhash Chander Bose, Irish war of Independence from Britain etc. and bow before the aspirations of J & K people by conceding their right of self-determination before it is too late.
A slew of lies, fabrications and cooked stories has now been topped by a typical Chanakya policy of deceit and cunning formation of the All Party Delegation to visit Kashmir. May I ask the UPA Chairperson and the Prime Minister of India what purpose this delegation will serve in calming the tempers and bringing about peace except it being a time biding tactic and an attempt to co-opt a handful of people secretly by the use of money and other sops. We warn the Indian government that it should face the ground realities and understand no peace is possible unless the burning Kashmir issue is resolved. Kashmiris won’t settle for anything less than Azadi and the sooner India realizes it, the better it would be for all the parties involved i.e. India, Pakistan and the principal party Kashmir. We didn’t sacrifice a hundred thousand youth in the last twenty years, and many thousands before that, to go for a sell out or accept a solution within the Indian constitution that the Kashmiris have never accepted.
Can the All Party Delegation walk on the streets of Srinagar and talk to the youths? No. Can it reach out to the people? No. Because it knows if it does, the reality will dawn before the world once more. Kashmiris who have been taking to streets by tens of thousands continuously for more than three months now have an unshakable resolve to fight India within the jurisprudence of United Nations Charter for the legitimate right of Self-determination and get freedom.
It’s such a shame that these people are coming here to rub salt into our wounds by unleashing their forces on us on one hand and trying to sweet talk us into their trap on the other. This show of hypocrisy and subterfuge must end and it should occur to India that the only resolution to the crisis is giving Kashmiris their right to self-determination.
This visit of the delegation is nothing but another drama in the political theatre of Kashmir directed and produced by the Indian Home Department. No pro-freedom leader is going to meet them and they are seen as unwelcome guests by the Kashmiris. I request all the Kashmiris and our pro-freedom friends too to completely stay away from this deceitful exercise and not fall in the Indian snare. Let India come out with a concrete, honest and genuine initiative to resolve the issue, every Kashmiri would welcome it. We’ve nothing against India except that she has subjugated us and is unwilling to set us free. But India must know freedom is a birth right and nobody, however mighty, can snatch it.  

Some Prominent leaders are working for RAW and IB: PPP Chief

Srinagar September 10, 2010:On this auspicious Occasion of Eid, People’s Political Party (PPP), Chairman, Engineer, Hilal Ahmad War asked the people of Kashmir, “do not forget those who lost everything in the devastating floods in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of Pakistan in your prayers? And do not forget those valiant youth of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who kept the torch of freedom burning by facing Indian bullets”. Mr. War further asked people to beware of Pseudo Freedom fighters who are dressed in pro-freedom clothing but in actually they are working for Indian RAW and Intelligence Bureau of India. These Pseudo Freedom fighters are acting like monsoon frogs. These leaders suddenly appear before public when their masters asked them to do so in order to serve their interest and to sabotage the freedom movement. He has appealed people of Kashmir to refrain from attending function or public gathering of such so-called leaders. He said that these leaders are trying to fool common Kashmiris by exhibiting photo-ops and fake unity shows.

Mirwaiz, Malik join hands

Srinagar, September 10, 2010: Srinagar: In a major development chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the JKLF chairman Yasin Malik joined hands on Friday and announced to carry forward the ongoing movement jointly.

Both the leaders while addressing the Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid here in old city said that they would share a common platform from today onwards and vowed to take the ongoing movement to its logical end. After offering Friday congregation prayers both the leaders led a massive procession from Jamia Masjid onwards. This is the first time that Mirwaiz and Malik shared public space since September 2003 when the then Hurriyat Conference suffered a vertical split with Syed Ali Shah Geelani floating a parallel amalgam with the support of hardline elements.

Speaking on the occasion, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed Malik’s participation in the Friday prayers at the historic mosque as “positive” response to the amalgam’s unity call. “Whenever, we have called for forging unity among the pro-freedom leadership, Yasin Malik and his party has been at the forefront,” Mirwaiz said, adding he was happy that Malik had repeated the same at “this critical juncture of the freedom movement.”Reiterating that unity was imperative was taking the martyrs’ sacrifices to the logical conclusion; Mirwaiz said his led factions of the Hurriyat Conference will double the efforts for forging unity in the pro-freedom camp after Eid-ul-Fitr. He also appealed men, women and children to march towards the Eidgah grounds tomorrow and urged people across the Valley to participating in the congregational Eid prayers at the place. In his Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid in interior city, Mirwaiz welcomed Malik saying he had "exhibited positive response" to the unity appeal at this crucial juncture.

"I am hopeful that other separatist leaders will also respond positively in the larger interest of the movement so that a consensus can be arrived at in bringing uniformity," Mirwaiz said.

Addressing the gathering, Malik also called for unity in order to achieve the goal of the ongoing movement."Today, our struggle is peaceful and if attempts are made to crush it by use of force, the youth will be forced to pick up the gun again. The responsibility for such an eventuality will rest with the government," Malik said.

Last Friday, the moderate Hurriyat had appealed for unity among separatists and sent two delegations to Geelani and Malik in this regard. Mirwaiz had requested them to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah as the first step towards unity. Although Geelani had planned to offer Eid prayers at Hazratbal, he urged the people to offer prayers at Eidgah minutes before his arrest on September eight.

After the prayers, Mirwaiz and Malik jointly led a protest march from Jamia Masjid compound to nearby Nowhatta Chowk. The protest rally dispersed off peacefully.

Omar meets Pranab, Antony over Kashmir problem

New Delhi: Ahead of Friday’s crucial Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meet in New Delhi to discuss the ongoing violence in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister A K Antony on Thursday to seek their supports for his demand for amendments in the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Abdullah, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday, had then highlighted the need for making AFSPA more humane, and requested Manmohan Singh to kick start a political dialogue with the separatists at the earliest.

“Yes, I have requested the Prime Minister to take a decision on amending the AFSPA or at best withdrawing it from some areas where it was not required. To begin with we may choose four districts in the state on experimental basis. Some calculated risks have to be taken. Let us see,” said Omar Abdullah after his meeting with Singh, which lasted for around 45-minutes.

“If I am not hopeful, I won’t be here,” he added, when asked whether the ongoing turmoil in the Valley would come to an end. Over sixty-nine people have been killed in the ongoing unrest in the Valley till date.

Army kills civilian in Bandipora

Srinagar, Sep 9: The army allegedly shot dead a civilian in Bandipora district on hursday.

The army had laid a siege in Kudra forests 75 kms from here. “They fired upon one youth. He was lying in a pool of blood. He had bled to death,” locals told.

Troops of 14 Rashtriya Rifles had laid an ambush in Kudar forests of Bandipora, 75 kms from here, last night when they noticed some suspicious movement at around 2.30 am today, the spokesman said.

"The man was challenged by the troops but he started running away, forcing the soldiers to open fire which resulted in injuries to the man," the spokesman said.

He said after ascertaining that the injured person was not armed, the troops gave him first aid and tried to evacuate him to a hospital but he succumbed to injuries.

A civilian was shot dead by Army in a case of ''mistaken identity'' during an ambush in the forests of Bandipora district, a Defence spokesman said.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Manzoor Ahmad Pathwal, who was returning from his hut located in the forests. Police have registered a case and started investigations, the polie sources said, adding the body of the deceased has been handed over to his family after legal formalities.

Omar meets PM, Eid Political package likely

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday evening and reportedly discuss ways to end the current impasse in the Kashmir valley.

It has been reported that Abdullah will brief Manmohan and his senior cabinet colleagues on the situation in the Valley and suggest measures to break the deadlock.

Official sources told that, the discussions will be followed up at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and a full cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Political circles have been hinting at a relief package to the violence-hit valley to be announced on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday.

The package is expected to include revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Srinagar and some other districts, withdrawal of causes related to stone-pelting in the past three months and an employment scheme.

Abdullah also wants to push for the release of political prisoners, new employment schemes, swift action against human rights violations, and an all-party meeting on Kashmir, followed by an all-party delegation's visit to his state.

This contentious issue is to be discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). A top source says the Kashmir crisis will be discussed "threadbare." What's likely to dominate the agenda is whether to amend AFSPA. Those in favour of changes, sources say, would like to ensure that warrants are secured in advance for arrests, and that grievance cells are able to address citizens' complaints against the Army. The Defence Ministry's view, however, is that while these amendments are acceptable in a scenario where the army is called in to aid civil authority - for example, in the case of riots and civil unrest -but they are too restricting in Kashmir where the army has to take on well-trained, heavily-armed fighters.

4 killed in Kashmir, Death toll reaches to 69

Srinagar: Four more youth were shot dead on Monday in security force firing at North Kashmir's Pahallan Pattan taking the death toll to 69 since the unrest began on June 11.

Killing took place in Pahallan Pattan when security forces opened fire at protesters in a village on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway in Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said.

The incident took place at Palahalan village, 35 km from Srinagar.

The injured were shifted to Srinagar for medical care, police said. Police used batons to chase away a group of youths who blocked the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad at Palhalan in Pattan area, 30 kms from here.

But the protesters indulged in heavy stone pelting, prompting security forces to open fire, said police.

The area was tense after the incident as villagers blocked traffic on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway. Eyewitnesses said that escort of senior police officer resorted to indiscriminate firing to disperse the protesters killing teenager Showket Ahmad on spot and injuring thirteen others who were hospitalized. The condition of three of the injured is stated to be very critical.

Three of the injured who sustained bullet injuries were taken to a hospital in Srinagar for specialized treatment. One of them, identified as Mohammad Ramzan Mir, 35, succumbed to his injuries on the way. Later the death of another two injured protester, identified as Noor Din Tantray and Mudasir Ahmad Mir was announced.

The fresh deaths brought more people out on the streets of Palhalan, chanting pro-independence slogans, witnesses said.

With the Hurriyat conference (G) led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani calling for a break in the ongoing agitation, people thronged markets for the second day today to prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr to be observed later this week.’

Muslims in the Valley will be offering special prayers throughout the night to celebrate ‘Shab-e-Qadr’ (‘the night of power’ marking the revelation of the holy Quran to Prophet Mohammad).

While private and a few public transport vehicles were plying since this morning, Srinagar city and other major towns of the Valley were agog with activity in the afternoon.

Schools and other educational institutions remained closed, while work in government and semi-government offices, banks, courts and other establishments was partially affected.

Traffic jams were witnessed at many intersections in the city as shoppers flocked to shops and bakeries.

Although other parts of the Valley remained by and large peaceful, residents of Batmaloo in central Srinagar staged a sit-in in their area demanding removal of CRPF picket.

Senior police officers visited the spot and assured the protestors that their complaints would be looked into, persuading those to call off their ‘protest’, police said.

However, a group of youth among the protestors started pelting stones at the security forces leading to clashes between the two sides. There were no reports of anyone getting injured.

Meanwhile police have taken a serious view of the firing and an enquiry has been initiated. Ammunition of the policemen is being checked to fix the responsibility. Those found involved shall be proceeded against strictly according to law without any favour.

Incidents of stone pelting have also been reported Pampore in Awantipora, Bohri Kadal and S D Colony Batamaloo.

WAR QUESTIONS MIRWAIZ’S ‘UNITY’ MOVE

Srinagar: PPP Chairman Engineer Hilal Ahmed War has questioned Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s hollow unity initiative terming it as mere political stunt. War said that Kashmiris who are laying down their lives for the attainment of right to self-determination cannot be fooled by such gimmicks. “More than sixty youths have been martyred by police and paramilitary for raising their voice against Indian occupation and nobody would be allowed to play with their blood,” said War adding “I think Mirwaiz hasn’t done enough homework or else it is some foreign idea which Mirwaiz wants to experiment.” War said that unity shouldn’t be restricted to three people offering Eid namaaz. “Such trinity shows can’t be used to hoodwink the masses. These are mere photo-ops and the pro-freedom leadership needs to be more practical,” said War. “It is beyond me why Mirwaiz called All Parties Meeting at Mirwaiz Manzil Rajouri Kadal in the month of June if his definition of unity is bringing just two more people in confidence. Confining the effort to three people and barring other pro-freedom parties and genuine resistance forces is highly questionsable,” said War. He said that the resistance movement has reached the decisive phase and the Kashmiri youths are doing a commendable job by taking it out from mosques and shrines by reaching out to the world through all possible means. “From internet resistance to street resistance, Kashmiri youths have given a fresh lease of life to the movement spilling their blood for the attainment of the right to self-determination,” said Er Hilal War. He said Mirwaiz needs to refrain from such futile, childish exercises and try to understand the dynamics of Kashmir issue.

Resume life after 2 pm on Monday: Geelani

Srinagar: In view of Shab-e-Qadar, Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sunday while making a light change in the protest calendar urged people to resume normal life after 2 pm on Monday.

Geelani said people should resume normal work after 2 pm on Monday, so that they would be able to buy essentials and other items for the auspicious night of Shab-e-Qadar.

According to a statement issued here, Geelani also appealed youth to maintain discipline and not to disrupt the transport.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani rolls out strike programs in shape of protest calendars on weekly basis.

Earlier he has set five conditions to pave way for restoration of peace in the region.

Meanwhile, normalcy returned to Kashmir including Srinagar Sunday for a day following no strike call from Hurriyat (G).

Routine activities were resumed across major towns with markets open and businesses functional. People flooded the markets to do necessary shopping and traffic was also seen plying normally on roads.

According to city reporter many places and intersections people was to bear the massive traffic mess for hours together.

The Kashmir has been witnessing massive pro-freedom protests over the past more than two and a half month. At least 65 people most of them teenagers were killed in police and paramilitary shooting.

Normal life again cripples in Kashmir

Srinagar: After a day break strike call called by Hurriyat Conference (G), and curfew restrictions in some parts cripples normal life in Kashmir valley.

According to Agence India Press, shops and business establishments remained closed today, after doing brisk business yesterday, in, Srinagar and its adjoining areas.

Transport was off the roads. The State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses also remained grounded. However, Attendance in the government offices, banks and educational institutions remain thin today.

Streets, which were flooded with people yesterday, again wore a deserted look today with security forces deployed on both sides of the Nallahmar road from Qamarwari to Bashimbar Nagar.

Elsewhere, in the south Kashmir a complete shutdown has crippled life with all shops and business establishments closed and traffic off the roads.

However, adequate security forces remained deployed to thwart any untoward incident.

Life remained paralysed in this and other towns and tehsil headquarters in north Kashmir, a report from Baramulla said. Business and other activities remained paralysed and traffic remained off the roads.

Only a few public vehicles were seen plying while all private ones remained off the roads in Srinagar.

Kashmir Valley has been on the boil since mid-June with 65 people killed till date as a result of clashes between stone-pelting mobs and security forces, which regularly have to restore to firing to control the situation.

Zahid Farooq killing: Family wants trail expedited

Srinagar: The family of Zahid Farooq, the teenage boy killed by Border Security Forces Commandant RK Birdi and Lakhwinder Kumar, Saturday demanded expediting of the trial while as a local court deferred hearing in the case by September 14.

Official sources said that while counsel for Birdi and Lakhwinder was present, the court deferred the hearing owing to the absence of the prosecution.

The BSF personnel are accused of allegedly killing teenager in an unprovoked firing near his residence at Nishat in city outskirts on February 5 last.

The family of the victim later staged a protest demonstration in Press Colony here, demanding speeding up of the trial.

“More than seven months have elapsed since the death of my brother (cousin) but the accused are still not punished,” cousin brother of the slain teen told of India. He said the case is a very sensitive one for everybody in Kashmir. “Everyone is looking forward to see the BSF men are handed down exemplary punishment.”

In its 3-page charge sheet, the Special Investigation Team of police charged the BSF personnel under Section 302 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), an offence punished with death, or imprisonment for life and fine.

The duo was also charged under Section 201 (destroying or tampering with the evidence) and Section 109 (abetment of offence).

Mirwaiz calls for unity in pro-freedom camp

(Urges for mass participation in Eid prayers in Eidgah)

Srinagar: In an important development related to pro-freedom politics, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday expressed hope that the pro-freedom leadership would forge unity for the larger interest of the “movement” while as made an appeal for participating in the congregational prayers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at the Eidgah grounds here.

Mirwaiz who addressed a massive gathering at the historic Jamia Masjid on Jumat-ul-Vida, which was also observed as a Yaum-Quds and Yaum-Kashmir, said unity and consensus in the pro-freedom camp was imperative for taking the movement to its logical conclusion, and his led Hurriyat faction will be sending delegations tomorrow to meet both Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief, Yasin Malik in this regard.

“History is witness to the fact that the pulpit of Jamia Masjid has been at the forefront as far as maintaining unity and seeking justice for Kashmiris is concerned.

As the Mirwaiz and chairman of the Hurriyat Conference I have been striving for the same.

Therefore, the pro-freedom leadership must unite at this critical juncture for the broader interests of the Kashmiri nation and to counter the government’s strategy to undermine the freedom movement,” he said.

Mirwaiz said he was happy that the pro-freedom leadership, including Syed Ali Geelani, is emphasizing the same demands put forth by his led Hurriyat faction before the Indian government. “India must therefore start a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir so that the region may witness a new era of peace, stability and prosperity,” he said, adding that “bitter” experiences in the past had made it clear that Kashmir can only be resolved through a sustainable and meaningful tripartite dialogue.

Mirwaiz said India should realise that using brute force in Kashmir hasn’t weakened, but intensified the resolve of the Kashmiri people who, he said, have already given numerous sacrifices for freedom.

Appealing people to observe the coming Eid-ul-Fitr with simplicity and austerity, Mirwaiz said people must help the poor and the needy in this hour of crisis.

Referring to the Yaum-Quds, Mirwaiz said the issue of Bait-ul-Muqaddas is a matter of religious importance to the Muslims across the globe and efforts need to be doubled for its “repossession, which is necessary.”

Mirwaiz also expressed support on behalf of the people of Kashmir to the flood ravaged Pakistan and its people.

Meanwhile, several Hurriyat Conference (M) leaders sought support for the resolution passed on the day at different mosques, shrines and imambaras.

At Jamia Masjid, thousands of people responded with slogans as Mirwaiz passed the resolution which besides pledging to fight for the right to self determination denounced the killing of 65 innocent civilian killings including women and children; repression and denial of political, social rights of the majority Muslim community, including restrictions on Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid; the “criminal” silence of the world over the grave human rights violations committed by India in Kashmir; the illegal Israeli occupation of the Bait-ul-Muqaddas while demanding demilirization of Kashmir, repealing “black” laws like AFSPA, PSA; an end to killings of innocent civilians, arbitrary arrests, human rights violations and allowing access to international rights groups to Kashmir;

unconditional release of political prisoners and youth arrested during the recent unrest; allowing people their democratic right to protest and concrete steps from both to initiate dialogue with the other two concerned parties to the Kashmir dispute, Kashmir and Pakistan so that the issue is resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Army opens fire in Baramulla

(15 persons hurt, 2 are critical)

For the first in present unrest that has claimed at least 65 lives, army troops allegedly opened fire to disperse a group of protesters in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district this evening.

Seven persons including a woman sustained bullets while eight others were injured in police and paramilitary CRPF action that followed it, reports and official sources said.

The trouble erupted when troops of 46 Rastriya Rifles spotted an “objectionable” flag hoisted atop mobile tower in Sabzi Market in the town. As the army went to remove it, people stage protests.

The army personnel opened fire in which seven persons were injured.

The injured have been identified as Tanveer Ahmad Gojri son of Sonaullah, Mohammed Yaseen Dar son of Mohammed Rajab, Amir Qadeer son of Mohammad Qadeer, Shabir Ahmad son of Abdul Rehman, Irfan Ahmad Son of Manzoor Ahmad, Farooq Ahmad Tantray Son of Abdul Rehman and woman Shareefa wife of Ghulam Mohidin of Handwara were injured.

Gojri who was hit on thigh and Yaseen Dar, who sustained bullet in leg, have been removed to SHMS hospital here where their condition is said to be critical.

Later, they said, police and paramilitary forces reached the spot and resorted to massive baton charge. Eight persons sustained injuries in the beating, they added.

.

In a statement here, a police spokesman said: “One objectionable flag was spotted by forces on a mobile tower in the Sabzi Market in Baramulla.

The force personnel climbed up the tower to bring down it.”

“A mob gathered and pelted stones on the force personnel. In the retaliatory action five persons were injured, two of them are reported to be serious and referred to Srinagar.”

The police spokesman did not clarify on force personnel whether they were from army or paramilitary CRP

The message of Lailatul-Qadr:By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

  

Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Lailatul-Qadr.

 And what will make you know what the Night of Qadr is? The Night of Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months.

Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! Until the appearance of dawn.” (97: 1-5)

The term Lailatul-Qadr is made of two words.

 In Arabic, Lailat means night and Qadr means honour and dignity.

 Therefore, the term Lailatul-Qadr refers to the night of honour and dignity.

 It is this night in which the first Divine Revelation came to the Prophet (PBUH), when he was in meditation and prayer in the Cave of Hira, Mecca.

 Since this night enjoys the honour of having the first revelation brought to the Prophet (PBUH), it has been named Lailatul-Qadr r.

 This is one of the holiest and most blessed nights, which is likely to occur on one of the odd nights on the last ten days of Ramadhan, most likely to be the 27th.

 The reward of worship on this night is better than the worship of a thousand months of worship, equivalent to a person’s lifetime. So, on this night one should perform the night prayers, recite the Quran, do much remembrance of Almighty Allah, make duas as much as possible and send blessings to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

 “The person who offered prayers to Allah in the night of Dignity with faith and with hope of reward from Allah, all his past sins have been forgiven.” (Bukhari)

“Seek the night of Dignity in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan.” (Bukhari)

By odd nights, the reference is made to the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th night of the month of Ramadhan.

 No one night has been fixed so that the yearning to find it may increase and people may spend more nights in worshiping Allah. From this aspect, the importance of ‘Itikaaf (seclusion) during the last ten days of Ramadhan is clear.

Let us seek abundance rewards from our Creator by performing extra actions in these last few days of the noble month of Ramadhan as it could be our last Ramadhan of our life.

 One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld.

 Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Iman and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allah will forgive his previous sins.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Iman and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven.” (Bukhari)

It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from A’shah, (May All pleased with her) that she said: “O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, and then what should I say in it?” He said: Say: “Allaahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee.” (O Allah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

May Almighty Allah forgive all of our sins on the occasion of this coming Lailatul-Qadr.

(The writer can be reached at:.bilalbashirbhat@gmail.com, www.bilalbashirbhat.blogspot.com)