Gandhigardi in Kashmir

When whole of the subcontinent was in flames, Gandhi saw a ray of hope in Kashmir. For a long time this ray of hope remained on a signboard of Government Womens College, Maulana Azad Road. The board along with the ray was smashed and removed by agitating students of the same college and SP College who were protesting against proposed renaming of the college as Kamla Nehru Women’s College in 1973. Although the ray of hope did seize to exist on the signboard of Womens College, it reilluminated in 2007 in almost every college of the valley through the efforts of Kashmir Chief Minister, Gh Nabi Azad. Gh Nabi Azad received the title of Gh Gandhi Azad from Syed Ali Shah Geelani on this account thus becoming a new edition to the company of politicians using Gandhi name as a trademark. Gh Nabi Azad deserved this title long back not on account of his admiration and association of Gandhi but because of his proximity to Sanjay Gandhi who happened to be antithesis of Gandhi. Gh Nabi Azad owes whole of his political career to this association along with Ambika Sonia and Jagdesh Titler. It is debatable whether Ghandi should be admired for emancipation of India because it was not his non-violence that drove Britishers out of India rather it was Hitlers violence which rendered English incapable of holding India and other colonies. Instead of Gandhi it is Hitler who needs to be revered and accredited for freedom of India and all those countries which achieved independence out of decolonization that was triggered by the Second World War. Gandhi too didn’t subscribe to non-violence out of any conviction. He professed non violence simply because he saw certain merits in non violence to the advantage of his Hindu community as well as his Banya caste. On coming from South Africa and participating in Khilafat Movement, he realized that if Indian freedom movement takes a violent course, it will be the martial races of India, Muslims, Sikhs and Rajputs which will dominate it. Thus leaving Bhramans and Bannias on back foot. Those who dominate a freedom struggle are the ones who dominate a free country. Gandhi saw in non violence a nice way of marginalizing martial races which had hitherto been dominating Indian polity for ages. He thus converted a disadvantage of docile Hindus into an advantage. His other concern was to evade a bloody revolution of the type that was experienced by Russia. This revolution led to annihilation of Bourgeois classes and overturned whole of the power structure over there. He propounded the non violence in order to save the capitalist class of India from becoming victim of a violent communist revolution. Non violence was not the only weapon in his armory but he also sponsored the red herrings for proletariat (working classes) in the form of Bodhan and Gaudhan movements of Vinobabhave for blocking path of bloody communist revolution in India. His passive resistance was thus directed against the very classes for whom he pretended to work. His love for capitalism can be visualized from the fact that he died in a mansion of Birlas, one of the greatest business houses of India. The western universities have developed interest in Gandhi not on account of his pretensions about non violence but Gandhi as a strategist who transformed disadvantages into advantages for social engineering. Thank God, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar sensed his ploy of naming schedule castes as Harijans, otherwise Gandhi was determined to relegate this community to the status of Devdasi of modern India.
Gandhi needs to be admired because he could see a ray of hope for his own rehabilitation in Kashmir in a situation when he stands banished from whole of India. Gandhi was killed by a Rashtriya Soimsewak Sangh (RSS) man. RSS was banned after his death. RSS and its political offshoot Bhartiya Janata Party are dominating Gujarat. People of Gujarat have abandoned Gandhi in favor of his killers, thus Gandhi stands wiped out from his own home state. Violence has over taken non violence in Gujarat that too through a democratic process. People have voted for Narender Modhi, despite his reign of terror and tyranny against Muslims and Christians. Gandhi’s congress was defeated and ideology of violence voted to power. Next pillar of Gandhian ideology was Swadeshi. This jargon has been devastated by New Delhi. New Delhi nowadays is run by Manmohan Singh, ambassador and architect of Videshism (liberalization). It is the result of his policies that right from tooth-pricks upto sophisticated technology; India has become a lucrative market for multinationals. Gandhi stands banished from New Delhi as well. Being a visionary, he might have anticipated this scenario and visualized place of his ultimate refuge in Kashmir. But Gandhi’s soul may be in trauma on seeing that, he is being exported to Kashmir because he is no more relevant and needed in violence infested Gujarat and liberalized India. It is common with elites to give that apparel as a donation to others what becomes irrelevant for domestic use. Apart from providing refuge to haunted soul of Gandhi, purpose of promoting him in Kashmir is to camouflage the reign of terror and tyranny that has been let loose upon helpless Kashmiris by his adherents. This too is not something new. The messiah of non violence Gautam Buddha was used to shield nuclear program of India. When India exploded its first nuclear device, the jargon used for communicating it to the world was “Buddha smiled”. Buddha again smiled when India exploded its new nuclear devices in 1998. If Buddha can smile on explosion of most violent forms of weapons, why can’t Gandhi camouflage the most violent campaign of terror launched against innocent Kashmiris.
So far as utility of this campaign in Kashmir is concerned it is destined to prove counter productive. Its prime weakness is its inherent fallacy and ulterior objectives. Every concept is assessed on the basis of its impact. Gandhi’s non violence didn’t make subcontinent non violent. It is simply because it was not an ideology for him or his followers but a strategy to overtake his adversaries. It was climax of popularity of Gandhi that saw unprecedented violence in India. Millions were killed and crores rendered homeless as soon as the adherents of non violence took over reins of power in India on August 15, 1947. It was this violence that consumed Gandhi as well. Why it happened? Non violence even at that time was used as a camouflage for violent campaign of ethnic cleansing that was perpetrated in whole of Punjab. The Gandhi who had declared that India will be divided on his dead body, patronized demand of Congress for partition of Punjab and Bengal. He blessed the troops which landed in Kashmir for expanding this campaign of violence to this part of the subcontinent that had remained immune to it from August to October, 1947. Kashmiris are also familiar with the fact that Gandhi ascended to the leadership of India on the mobilization achieved through Khilafat Movement but abandoned the same movement as soon as his purpose was served. When asked to nominate some one to accompany a Khalafat deputation he refused saying that “it would be out of place for any Hindu to do so”. This compelled Maulana Abdul Bari of Farangi Mahal (Lucknow) to say that “those who pretended to be our friends at one time and made cats paw of Muslims are now keen to get rid of them.” My only grudge against the campaigners of Gandhism in Kashmir is that they are selective in projection of Gandhi’s views on Kashmir. Along with the quotes relating to Kashmir being only ray of hope, Gandhi also predicted that “Kashmir is predominantly Mussalmaan. It is bound one day to become a Mussalmaan state” (Kashmir in Crucible, Prem Nath Bazaz 176). The way Gandhi’s prediction relating to Kashmir as his place of refuge has proved true same way his prediction relating to Kashmir becoming a Muslim state is destined to become a reality. Isn’t projection of half truth an insult to Gandhi? One also wonders why our local Gandhis remain aloof from whole of this discourse on Gandhigardi.

SHIMLA AGRREMENT July 3, 1972.

The Government of India and the Government of Pakistan are resolved that the two countries put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred their relation and work for the promotion of a friendly and harmonious relationship and the establishment of durable peace in the ,sub-continent, so that both countries may henceforth devote their resources and energies to the pressing task of advancing the welfare of their people.

 In order to achieve this objective, the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan have agreed as follows:-
i. That the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations shall govern the relations between the two countries.
ii. That the two countries are resolved to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations or by any other peaceful means mutually agreed upon between them. Pending the final settlement of any of the problems between the two countries, neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation and both shall prevent the organisation, assistance or encouragement of any acts detrimental ,to the maintenance of peaceful and harmonious relations.
iii. That ,the pre-requisite for reconciliation, good neighborliness and durable peace between them is a commitment by both the countries to peaceful co-existence, respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
iv. That the basic issues and causes of conflict which have bedeviled the relations between ,the two countries for the last 25 years shall be resolved by peaceful means.
v. That they shall always respect each other’s national unity, territorial integrity, political independence and sovereign equality. 
vi. That in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, they will refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of each other.
Both Governments will take all steps within their power to prevent hostile propaganda directed against each other. Both countries will encourage the dissemination of such information as would promote the development of friendly relations between them.
In order to progressively to restore and normalize relations between the two countries step by step, it was agreed that:
i. Steps shall be taken to resume communications, postal, telegraphic, sea, land including border, posts and air links including over –flights. 
ii. Appropriate steps shall be taken to promote travel facilities for the nationals of other country.
iii. Trade and cooperation in economic and other agreed fields will be resumed as far as possible.
iv. Exchange in the fields of science and culture will be promoted.
In this connection delegations from the two countries will meet from time to time to work out the necessary details.
In order to initiate the process of the establishment of durable peace, both the governments agree that:
i. Indian and Pakistani forces shall be withdrawn to this side of the international border.
ii. In Jammu & Kashmir, the line of control resulting from the cease-fire of December 17, 1971 shall be respected by both sides without prejudice to the recognised position of either side. Neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations. Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat or the use of force in violation of this line.
iii. The withdrawals shall commence upon entry into force of this agreement and shall be completed within a period of 30 days thereof.
This agreement will be subject to ratification by both countries in accordance with their respective constitutional procedure and will come into force with effect from the date on which the instruments of ratification are exchanged.
Both Governments agree that their respective heads will meet again at a mutually convenient time in the future and that in the meanwhile the representative of the two sides will meet to discuss further peace and normalization of relations, including the questions of repatriation of prisoners of war and civilian internees, a final settlement of Jammu and Kashmir and the resumption of diplomatic relations.

RESOLUTION OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 2 DECEMBER 1957

The Security Council,
 Having received and noted with appreciation the report of Mr. Gunnar V. Jarring, the representative of Sweden, on the mission undertaken by him pursuant to the Security Council Resolution of 21st of February, 1957;
 Expressing its thanks to Mr. Jarring for the care and ability with which he has carried out his mission;
 Observing with appreciation the expression made by both parties of sincere willingness to co-operate with the UN in finding a peaceful solution;
 Observing further that the Governments of India and Pakistan recognize and accept the provisions of its Resolution dated 17 January 1948 and of the Resolutions of the UN Commission for India and Pakistan dated 13 August 1948 and 5th January 1949, which envisage in accordance with their terms the determination of the future status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the will of the people through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite, and that Mr. Jarring felt it appropriate to explore what was impending their full implementation;
 Concerned over the lack of progress toward a settlement of the dispute which his report manifests;
 Considering the importance which it has attached to demilitarization of the State of Jammu and Kashmir as one of the steps towards a settlement.
 Recalling its previous Resolutions and the Resolutions of UNCIP on the India-Pakistan question;
1. Request the Government of India and the Governments of Pakistan to refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the settlement and to appeal to their respective peoples to assist in creating and maintaining an atmosphere favourable to the promotion of further negotiations;
2. Requests the United Nations Representative for India and Pakistan to make any recommendations to the parties for further appropriate action with a view to making progress toward the implementation of the Resolution of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan of 13 August 1948 and 5 January 1949 and towards a peaceful settlement;
3. Authorises the UN Representative to visit the Sub-Continent for these purposes; and
4. Instructs the UN Representative to report to the Security Council on his efforts as soon as possible.

RESOLUTION OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 21 FEBRUARY 1957

The Security Council,
Recalling its Resolution of January 24, 1957, its previous resolutions and the resolutions of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan on the India-Pakistan Question,
 Requests the President of the Security Council, the representative of Sweden, to examine with the Governments of India and Pakistan any proposals which, in his opinion, are likely to contribute towards the settlement of the dispute, having regard to the previous Resolutions of the Security Council and the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan to visit the subcontinent for this purpose; and to report to the Security Council not later than April 15, 1957;
 Invites the Governments of India and Pakistan to co-operate with him in the performance of these functions;
 Requests the Secretary-General and the United Nations representative for India and Pakistan to render assistance as he may request.

RESOLUTION OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 24 JANUARY 1957

The Security Council
 Having heard statements from representatives of the Governments of India and Pakistan concerning the dispute over the State of Jammu and Kashmir,
 Reminding the Governments and Authorities concerned of the Principle embodied in its Resolution of 21 April 1948, 3 June 1948, 14 March 1950 and 30 March 1951, and the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan resolution of 13 August 1948 and 5 January 1949, that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.
 Reaffirms the affirmation in its resolution of 30 March 1951 and declares that the convening of a Constituent Assembly as recommended by the General Council of the “All Jammu and Kashmir National Conference” and any action that Assembly may have taken or might attempt to take to determine the future shape and affiliation of the entire State or any part thereof, or action by the parties concerned in support of any such action by the Assembly, would not constitute a disposition of the State in accordance with the above principle;
 Decides to continue its consideration of the dispute.

RESOLUTION OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 23 DECEMBER 1952

The Security Council,
 Recalling its Resolution of 30 March 1951, 30 April 1951 and 10 November 1951;
 Further recalling the provisions of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan Resolutions of 13 August 1948 and 5 January 1949 which were accepted by the Governments of India and Pakistan and which provided that the question of the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations;
 Having received the Third Report dated 22 April 1952 and the Fourth Report dated 16 September 1952 of the United Nations Representative for India and Pakistan;
 Endorses the general principles on which the United Nations Representative has sought to bring about agreement between the Governments of India and Pakistan;
 Notes with gratification that the United Nations Representative has reported that the Governments of India and Pakistan have accepted all but two of the paragraphs of his twelve-point proposals;
 Notes that agreement on a plan of demilitarization of the State of Jammu and Kashmir has not been reached because the Governments of India and Pakistan have not agreed on the whole of paragraph 7 of the twelve-point proposals;
 Urges the Governments of India and Pakistan to enter into immediate negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations Representative for India and Pakistan in order to reach agreement on the specific number of forces to remain on each side of the cease-fire line at the end of the period of demilitarization, this number to be between 3,000 and 6,000 armed forces remaining on the Pakistan side of the cease-fire line and between 12,000 and 18,000 armed forces remaining on the India side of the cease-fire line, as suggested by the United Nations, Representative in his proposals of 16 July 1952 (Annex III of S/2783) such specific number to be arrived at bearing in mind the principles of criteria contained in paragraph 7 of the United Nations Representative’s proposal of 4 September 1952. (Annex VIII of S/2783)
 Records its gratitude to the United Nations Representative for India and Pakistan for the great efforts which he has made to achieve a settlement and
 Requests him to continue to make his service available to the Governments of India and Pakistan to this end;
 Requests the Governments of India and Pakistan to report to the Security Council not later than thirty days from the date of the adoption of this Resolution; and further request the United Nations Representative for India and Pakistan to keep the Security Council informed of any progress.

RESOLUTION OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 10 NOVEMBER 1951

The Security Council
 Having received and noted the report of Dr. Frank Graham, the United Nations Representative for India and Pakistan, on his mission initiated by the Security Council Resolution of March 1951, and having heard Dr. Graham’s address to the Council on 18 October.
 Noting with approval the basis for a programme of demilitarization which could be carried out in conformity with the previous undertakings of the parties, put forward by the United Nations Representative in his communication of 7 September 1951 to the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan:
1. Notes with gratification the declared agreement of the two parties to those parts of Dr. Graham’s proposals which reaffirm their determination to work for a peaceful settlement, their will to observe the cease-fire agreement and their acceptance of the principle that the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir should be determined by a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations;
2. Instructs the United Nations Representative to continue his efforts to obtain agreement of the parties on a plan for effecting the demilitarization of the State of Jammu and Kashmir;
3. Calls upon the parties to co-operate with the United Nations Representative to the fullest degree in his efforts to resolve the outstanding points of difference between them;
4. Instructs the United Nations Representative to report to the Security Council on his efforts, together with his views concerning the problems confided to him, not later than six weeks after this Resolution comes into effect.