Am collating all information in a chronological order so that all members can understand what transpired till date. It is not only frustrating but downright dismaying that you claim a territory as part of your country, yet paint the people there in one broad stroke of being anti-national.
It is also frustrating to see Indian media and even senior government/army officer's make a mess when firing takes place across RS Pura and in Jammu, Sambha and Kathua, which is a recognised international Boundary as per the Karachi Agreement of 1948 and officially we call it LC ceasefire violation thereby making a legally recognised part of India disputed. The Pakistanis have smartly realised their
faux pas and started terming it the '
working boundary'.
An example of perpetuation of ignorance and harming of national interests.
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/paki...-international-border-in-samba-sector-1235833
That this habit of shooting ourselves in our foot is a norm for us Indians, is something that frustrates me, I see the ignorance here itself. My aim is only to seek all members' help so that we all understand the facts as they stand. Hence all data that I can find I shall be posting. We (Indians) loose our narrative with our ignorance. I don't see anyone challenge the figure of 700000 troops in J&K which comes up ever so often except for
@Joe Shearer who debunks the figure every odd day. That is because Indians themselves are unaware and don't want to learn.
Things which are clear for me:
1. Indian Accession Act of 1947 was the legal binding document at the time which formed the base for existence of both India and Pakistan.
2. The accession of Maharaja of Kashmir to Dominion of India was valid and legal under Para 3(a) of the Indian Accession Act of 1947.
I shall add on to above list once I post the relevant documents. The facts have to be ver clear for all concerned. This war (over Kashmir) is over - Pakistan has lost it diplomatically at the international forum, militarily it is never going to be in a position to force the issue. It remains on India to loose it perceptually, something which we are en-route on seeing the political apathy and ham handed approach there.
Statement of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on Indian States
1946
(Extract)
The Indian States problems are closely linked up with those of British India. They are common both to British India and Indian States. The British are well aware of the position, indicated by the two lines of defence on which British Imperialism could rely. The first line of defence lies in the question of the Congress League understanding, with the implication of Hindu-Muslim unity. The second line of defence rests on the position of the Princes who, in the eye of British Imperialism, should be safeguarded.
With such a prospect before the people of India, it is necessary both for the people of British India and those of the Indian States to coordinate and merge the movements into a single channel. In order to do this, the people's organizations in the States should be strengthened.
The problem of the people in the States is primarily one of removing autocracy and establishing full responsible government. That objective cannot be achieved unless a united front is offered by the people. After the State's people's Conference at Udaipur I feel that the people in the States are now awakened more than ever before. There is now a more widespread political consciousness among them. It is true that sentiments have lately played a great part in the politics of the Country, particularly in British India. Take the instance of the cry of Pakistan. It was born of distress. Now it is stripped of all reasons. The question before the Muslims will be whether the realization of Pakistan is a blessing to them. I personally think that Pakistan will not help the Muslim masses but hinder them in their struggle for political and economic emancipation. In our State this question however, does not arise, because an overwhelming
majority of the people are Muslims and there is no need to fear Hindu domination.
The statements and acts of Sheikh Abdullah in the years preceding Independence are of extreme importance as he was the recognised leader of the masses of the J&K. His shift in position on the question of Kashmir at varying times is an interesting study by itself.
Quit Kashmir speech of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
May, 26, 1946
The tyranny of the Dogras has lacerated our souls. The Kashmiris are the most handsome people, yet the most wretched looking. It is time for action. To end your poverty, you must fight slavery and enter the field of Jehad as soldiers. The fight slogan of our struggle is not only for our State but for the whole of India. India is fighting against Imperialism. The slogan was given on the banks of River Ravi ... Then came the slogan of 'Quit India.' The British gained hold of India by the force of arms and by treachery. The rulers of the Indian States who possess one-fourth of India, have always played traitors to the cause of Indian freedom.
The demand that the Princely Order should quit is a logical extension of the policy of 'Quit India.' When the Indian freedom movement demands the complete withdrawal of British power, logically enough the stooges of British Imperialism also should go and restore sovereignty to its real owners - the people. When we raise the slogan of 'Quit Kashmir,' we naturally visualise that the Princes and Swabs should quit all the States. I am sure this demand applies similarly to a State like Hyderabad where the people will, I am sure, raise their voice, 'Quit Hyderabad.'
Those Hindus who think along with Mr. R.C. Kak that the Dogra rule should remain, should never forget that we are treated in Kashmir as a bought-up race without distinction of religion. Handcuffs jingle. They do not make us afraid. God will dive us faith in victory. The voice of truth will prevail. Prophets have spoken for the truth, which has always triumphed finally.
Sovereignty is not the birthright of a ruler. Every man, woman and child will shout 'Quit Kashmir'. The Kashmiri nation has expressed its will. I ask for a plebiscite on this question.
That was the first time a demand for plebiscite was made. It is pertinent to note that Sheikh Abdullah at this time was himself not in favour of Pakistan and indeed felt that the formation of Pakistan would not be any major step in looking after the interests of Muslims especially.
His demand for plebiscite was from the rule of the Dogras, something which India may have re-affirmed at the tome of signing of the Instrument of Accession.
Press Statement: Chowdhry Hamidullah Khan
President Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference
10th May, 1947
The British Paramountcy of the States has come to an end. It has been transferred to the people. No solution has so far been found out for conceding the demands of various communities living in India. If Kashmir has to keep itself aloof from carnage and bloodshed, it should lose no time in adopting a strong and bold policy. His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur should declare Kashmir independent immediately.
A separate constituent assembly to frame the constitution for the state according to the wishes of the people, should be established at once. His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur will receive the cooperation of Muslims in carrying out this policy. The Muslims form 80% of the population. They are represented by the Muslim Conference. The Muslims will welcome the Maharaja Bahadur as the first constitutional ruler of independent and democratic Kashmir.
Resolution Kisan Mazdoor Conference
September 5, 1947
The most important national problem facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the present moment is whether the State should accede to India or to Pakistan. The future of the country depends on the solution of this problem. If it is solved in a right way the four million State people can live peacefully and comfortably in future; they will then also make sound progress. Otherwise the State shall have to face civil war and ruin. Five months ago meetings of the Working Committee and the General Council of theKisan Mazdoor Conference were held at Achhabal on 6th and 7th April.
A resolution was adopted in these meetings advising the Maharaja of Kashmir that after establishing friendly relations with both the Congress and the Muslim League he should declare the independence of the State and that simultaneously he should introduce complete responsible Government in the country. Things have moved with lightening rapidity during past five months. On 3rd June the British Government announced a plan of India's independence which has been accepted by both the Congress and the Muslim League. According to the plan the subcontinent has been partitioned on the very day of independence. Today the two dominions of India and Pakistan are in existence. The basic principle which guided the partition of the country according to 3rd June plan was that all the provinces and districts where Hindus are in majority have been included in the Indian Union and all those regions where Muslims are is a majority have been put together to form Pakistan.
The provinces of the Punjab and Bengal have been divided into two parts each under the operation of the same principle. The district of Sylhet in Assam has also been included in the province of East Pakistan according to it. British statesmen and the Indian politicians particularly the Congress leaders have advised the native rulers that they should join either of the two dominions and should in no case remain independent. Lord Mountbatten in his capacity as Viceroy made an important pronouncement that while deciding to accede to either dominion the Princes should take into consideration the geographical position of their respective States, that is, tile right decision for a State will be to accede to the dominion which is adjacent to it.
The Working Committee of the Kisan Mazdoor Conference has fully and carefully considered the developments of the last five months. It has also consulted the majority of the members of the General Council of the Conference. The Committee is of the opinion that there is now no alternative before the State but to join Pakistan. If she does not do so, the country and its people shall have to face immense trials and tribulations.
Hundreds of the States have already acceded to either the Indian Union or Pakistan in accordance with the principle on the basis of which the subcontinent was partioioned. At present only two of the States...Kashmir and Hyderabad...remain which have taken no decision yet. Recent developments show that these two states also cannot remain aloof for a long time and soon they shall have to decide about their future.
The overwhelming majority of Kashmir's population is Muslim. The State is contiguous with Pakistan territories. All the three big highways and all the rivers of the State go into Pakistan. For these reasons the Working Committee is of the opinion that the State should cede to Pakistan. This alone will be the natural and the right course to adopt. The state cannot remain independent; nor can it, owing to its overwhelming Muslim population and being adjacent to the Pakistan territories, accede to India. The Working Committee hold the view that the majority of the population desire to accede to Pakistan and the welfare of the 39 Lakhs of peasants and workers also lies in this.
The Working Committee appeals to all the people of the State in general, to whatever section, caste or creed they belong, and the working classes in particular that they should unanimously request the Maharaja to declare the State's accession to Pakistan.
If the Maharaja entertains any doubts about the obvious public opinion that the State should accede to Pakistan then he should order a referendum in which all adults should have the right to vote on the issue whether the State should accede to India or to Pakistan.
The Working Committee hopes that the people from all parts of the State will support this democratic method of solution so that peace is maintained and the country can progress.
Resolution of Kashmir Socialist Party
September 18, 1947
The Kashmir Socialist party has given their best and closest consideration to the question whether the State of Jammu and Kashmir should accede to India or to Pakistan or it should remain independent. The Party is of the opinion that in view of the developments during the last few months the natural and the best course for the State to adopt would be to join Pakistan and not India. For obvious and substantial reasons the Party believes that the State cannot remain independent. After mature consideration the Party has arrived at the decision that in the best interests of the poor and backward people accesion to Pakistan is desirable. The Party impresses upon the Maharaja that without any further unnecessary delay he should make an announcement accordingly.
Kashmir-Pak Standstill Agreement
Telegram from Prime Minister, Kashmir State, to Sardar Abdur Rob Nishtor, States Relations Department, Karachi
12th August, 1947
Jammu and Kashmir Government would welcome Standstill Agreements with Pakistan on all matters on which these exist at present moment with outgoing British Indian Government. It is suggested that existing arrangements should continue pending settlement of details and formal execution of fresh agreement.
Telegram from Foreign Secretary, Government of Pakistan, Karachi,
to Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir
15th August, 1947
Your telegram of the 12th. The Government of Pakistan agree to have a Standstill Agreement of Jammu and Kashmir for the continuance of the existing arrangements pending settlement of details and formal execution of fresh agreements.
