Kashmir Mediation: Obama Intensions

Karl Inderfurth, an assistant secretary of state in the Clinton administration, is a key foreign policy advisor to Barack Obama, guiding him past the landmines of America's South Asia policy. He spoke to Ashish Kumar Sen on US-India relations. Excerpts:Q. US-India relations blossomed under the Bush administration. What are your predictions for this relationship under President Obama?KI: We have seen a remarkable transformation in US-India relations in a relatively brief period of time starting under president Clinton and his visit to India in March 2000. This was accelerated under president George W. Bush. It's a very important signal that our new relationship with India is bipartisan, that there is strong support for this new direction in foreign policy. I expect and strongly believe that this upward trajectory will be continued under President Obama.Q. In a recent interview, Obama said: "We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focused not on India, but on the situation with those militants." Is this a sign that an Obama administration would like to mediate in the Kashmir dispute?KI: From my reading of Obama's comments, I think more has been read into that than he intended. I can go back to what he told Outlook in July — that the US should encourage the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan aimed at resolving the dispute over Kashmir, that the US should be a strong supporter of this process.There have been some important backchannel discussions taking place between India and Pakistan on this issue; there have been some front channel discussions, most recently between the two national security advisors.That's where the action should be in terms of moving forward on the Kashmir issue through those bilateral channels. Obama will be supportive of that process, will encourage that process. We do know that if these talks are ultimately successful, it will have enormous benefits for both India and Pakistan and the region as a whole. You will see President Obama being a strong supporter of that process.Q. Would Obama press India on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)?KI: I don't see it becoming a problem. Now that we can work together on the subject of civilian nuclear power, we should see that as a way to broaden this dialogue, including areas such as ensuring that nuclear materials and expertise don't get into the wrong hands.We, with India, have an opportunity to join together with other like-minded countries to address this. Obama believes the US should ratify the CTBT. He also wants to see greater reductions in our nuclear weapons—something on which we will have to work with the Russians.These are all subjects that, in my view, the US must lead by example. If we do these things, we will be in a better position to go to other countries, including India, and say let's work together on this.Q. So, you think the CTBT won't be a problem for US-India relations going forward?KI: I don't anticipate it being a problem because we have now recognised that we are tied together on these kinds of issues and have now surmounted a major obstacle that existed for over a quarter of a century—and that was being on opposite sides of the nuclear cooperation issue. We are now partners; and that is going to open up a new area for us to deepen our relationship.Q. What are the likely areas in which US-India relations will grow in the near future?KI: Obama has made it clear, most recently in a letter to Prime Minister Singh in September, that "deepening and broadening the friendship between our countries will be a first-order priority for me in the coming years".Obama is going to see that the relationship is broadened in a number of ways, for instance, strengthening our strategic ties including our military and counter-terrorism cooperation. Clearly, the economic potential for the two countries has a great deal to add. He'd also like to work with India in combating global climate change.Q. What key foreign policy shifts do you anticipate in an Obama administration?KI: Many. Some will take longer to accomplish, but three that I could envision his taking immediately would be to first close Guantanamo and second, outlaw torture. And third, he will send a message that the US wants to take a leadership role on climate change. (Courtesy: Daily Times)

News Source:http://thearynews.com/

Kashmir votes: low turnout in first phase

SIRINAGAR: The first phase of so-called elections in 10 constituencies of held Kashmir concluded Monday with lack of interest and low turnout of voting.However, the occupied authorities have claimed more than fifty percent turnout.The voting held in Bandipora, Poonch Laiha and Kargil districts of Kashmir.The leadership of All Parties Huriyat Conference (APHC) have already announced to boycott and remain unconcerned to so-called polls.Meanwhile, people of many areas vehemently protested against Indian authorities during votes chanting pro-freedom slogans.Occupied forces resorted severe tear gas shells and baton charged unarmed Kashmiries during protest in old town of Baramula.Fake votes have been caste in various polling stations including Sonawar and Pashpora, Indian media reported.A curfew-like situation prevailed in the region as authorities have deployed thousands of security personnel.The authorities have announced to continue the polls till 24 December in seven phases.

News Source:http://thearynews.com/

Kashmir polls open amid boycott

SIRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir goes to polls on Monday in the first phase of so-called elections covering 10 constituencies of four districts amid boycott call by All Parties Huriyat Conference (APHC).The polling stations of Pooncha, Bandipora, Kargil and Leha seemed deserted as the number of voters is nominal on certain polling stations.Polling started at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm evening.Heavy contingents of Indian forces have been deployed in the valley; however, unannounced curfew has been imposed in Kashmir.The APHC has already declared to boycott polls and people are staging protest demonstrations in front of various polling stations.APHC leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Mir Waiz Umar Farooq, Abass Ansari and Miyan Abdul Qayoom have been house-arrested by occupied forces.The leaders talking to journalists via phone, reiterated that Kashmiri people want freedom not polls.

News Source:http://thearynews.com/

Five militants killed in India-administered Kashmir

Srinagar, India - Five suspected members of the Islamic militant Hizbul Mujahideen group were killed Monday by Indian Army soldiers in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, army sources said.
The soldiers launched a search operation in the Nawapitchi area of Kishtwar district, about 250 kilometres west of the state's winter capital, Jammu, after a tip-off, the sources said.
Five militants were killed in an exchange of fire, they added.
Army officials said the operation was important as militants were infiltrating the region from across the border with Pakistan, possibly with plans to disrupt elections in the state.
India's Election Commission has announced a seven-phase staggered election in Jammu and Kashmir from November 17 to December 24.
Meanwhile, there was an undeclared curfew in the summer capital, Srinagar, as security forces stopped people from moving on the streets and into shops and offices remained closed.
The move was aimed at preventing any incidents in view of a call by separatist groups to form a human chain in the Lal Chowk area in the centre of the city to protest recent actions by security forces against demonstrators, local administration officials said.
Protests against a land allotment to a Hindu temple earlier this year snowballed into agitation for greater autonomy and self-determination in the predominantly Muslim Kashmir valley region of Jammu and Kashmir.
The disputed Kashmir region is divided into two parts, one administered by India and the other by neighbouring Pakistan.
More than 50,000 people have died in Jammu and Kashmir since a violent secessionist militant movement emerged in the 1980s. (dpa)

News Source:http://www.topnews.in/

Curfew lifted in Baramullah town of Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 27 : Curfew has been lifted in Jammu and Kashmir''s Baramulla town this morning.
On Sunday, one university student was killed and eight others injured in police firing here in the wake of protests over alleged high-handedness of security forces.
The district administration clamped curfew in the area after the situation went out of control. The protesters were demanding the release of five detained persons by the police.
The crowd was protesting against the detention of some functionaries of the separatist Teherek-e-Hurriyat on Saturday night by security forces. (ANI)

News Source:http://www.topnews.in/

Five militants killed in J&K

Kishtwar (J-K), Oct 27 : At least five Hizbul Mujahideen militants were shot dead in an encounter with army personnel in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir today.
According to a senior army officer, acting on a tip off, troops launched a search and cordon operation in Nawapachi area and came under fire from militants.
Four AK rifles, arms and ammunition and explosives were recovered from the site. (ANI)

News Source:http://www.topnews.in/

5 top Hizb militants killed in J&K

Kishtawar, Oct 27: Five top Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in a fierce gun battle with the security forces in the wee hours on Monday in the Kishtwar districts of Jammu and Kashmir. According to initial reports, the militants were killed during an ongoing encounter in the Nawabechi area of the Kishtwar district since last night. Acting on a tip off, troops launched a search and cordon operation in Nawapachi area early this morning and came under fire from militants, a senior army officer told reporters. The troops retaliated and in the ensuing encounter five top Hizb militants were killed, he said. Four AK rifles, arms and ammunition and explosives were recovered from the site, the officer said. Meanwhile, in another incident a Pakistani national who had infiltrated into the country was also arrested along the Indo-Pak border today. Dilawar Khan, 26, was nabbed by BSF troops while he was roaming under suspicious circumstances in Kanachak area of Jammu district, official source said. Khan, a resident of Sialkote in Pakistan, had entered the Indian territory along international border, they said adding that some objectionable documents were recovered from his possession.

News Source:http://www.zeenews.com/

One killed as police clash with Kashmir protesters

SRINAGAR (AFP) — A student protester was killed and 20 people hurt on Sunday when Indian police opened fire to disperse thousands of Muslims demonstrating in revolt-hit Kashmir, police and witnesses said.
The protesters, who attacked police with stones and bricks, were demonstrating against the arrest of several youths in the town of Baramulla, 55 kilometres (34 miles) north of summer capital Srinagar.
"The police had to open fire to quell a violent demonstration," an officer who declined to be named said. "One person died and 20 people were injured."
Thousands later joined the funeral procession of the dead man -- an 18-year old science student -- chanting "we want freedom" and "Allah is great".
In the past few months, Kashmir has witnessed the biggest pro-independence demonstrations since the separatist insurgency erupted in 1989. The protests have been met by a tough crackdown by Indian security forces.
The recent protests were triggered by a row over a government donation of Kashmiri land to a Hindu pilgrimage trust and spiralled into anti-India demonstrations that left nearly 50 Muslim protesters dead.
Police have been arresting people who took active part in the rallies ahead of state elections to be held between November 17 and December 24.
Separatists spearheading the protests have called for a boycott of the polls. They argue Indian-held elections strengthen New Delhi's hold over the region, which is held in part by Pakistan.

News Source:http://www.news.google.com/

J-K EC to procure 80 lakh security holograms for photo I-cards

Srinagar, Oct 25 : Keeping the forthcoming assembly polls in view, Jammu and Kashmir’s State Election Commission will procure 80 lakh tamper-proof security holograms for Electoral Photo Identity Cards.
The holograms are aimed to ensure that there is no misuse of Cards during the polls.
The State’s electoral officials said, "We have started the process for getting 80 lakh tamper-proof and sticker style security holograms for the I-card so that nobody misuses them during polling."
They said that tenders have been floated and the process is in final phase of procuring the holograms.
The holograms would be round in shape of 20 mm diameter, silver metallised in colour with polyester film of 24 microns, officials said.
It would depict the Ashoka Emblem at centre besides Satyamaive Jayate and Election Commission of India (ECI) over their round shape.
Further, the holograms will be laser numbered with a unique serial number code written inside them and can be detected through electronic scanner only.
The seven-phase assembly polls starting on November 17 in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to draw over 65 lakh voters at 8,000 polling stations in the state. (ANI)

News Source:http://www.topnews.in/