Freedom Democracy Equality

HISTORIC 7TH CENTRAL CONVENTION OF THE UNITED KASHMIR PEOPLE'S NATIONAL PARTY (UKPNP) HELD IN KOTLI ON AUGUST 24/25 , 2024. CENTRAL CABINET OF UKPNP IS ELECTED.THE NEWLY ELECTED CENTRAL CABINET INCLUDES SARDAR SHAUKAT ALI KASHMIRI AS CENTRAL CHAIRMAN; MADAM TANIA GUL SENIOR VICE CHAIRPERSON; AFRAIZ SHAHEEN VICE CHAIRMAN; SARDAR ISHTIAQ AHMED KHAN SECRETARY GENERAL; RAJA MUHAMMAD AZAM DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL; ISHTIAQ AHMED MIR CHIEF ORGANIZER; MAHBOOB BHATTI JOINT SECRETARY; SYEDA NIGHAT GARDEZI SECRETARY WOMEN'S AFFAIRS; SARDAR NASIR AZIZ KHAN CENTRAL SPOKESPERSON; JAMIL MAQSOOD PRESIDENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; FARIA ATIQUE SECRETARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; RAJA ZAHID GULZAR SECRETARY FINANCE BOARD; SARDAR TIKKA KHAN TAHIR SECRETARY PUBLICITY BOARD; SYED MUSHARRAF GILANI SECRETARY YOUTH AFFAIRS; SARDAR RASHID HUSSAIN SECRETARY LABOR AFFAIRS; ALONG WITH OTHERS MEMBERS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES WERE ELECTED. DURING THIS HISTORICAL CONVENTION A NEW CENTRAL CABINET WAS ELECTED, DEMONSTRATING THE PARTY'S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF UNITY, PEACE, AND THE LIBERATION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. THE CONVENTION WAS ATTENDED BY CENTRAL LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF UKPNP'S CENTRAL, ZONAL, REGIONAL, AND OVERSEAS BRANCHES WITH GREATEST ENTHUSIASM AND COMMITMENTS. PARTICIPANTS ARRIVED IN LARGE NUMBERS FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN, FORMING A LARGE RALLY THAT MARCHED THROUGH KOTLI CITY BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE CONVENTION VENUE. THE CITY AND VENUE ECHOED WITH PASSIONATE AND REVOLUTIONARY SLOGANS SUCH AS "WE WANT FREEDOM!" "FREEDOM IS OUR RIGHT!"END FORCED DIVISION" LEAVE OUR KASHMIR!"QUIT OUR COUNTRY,OCCUPATION IS UNACCEPTABLE!" "OUR RESOURCES,YOUR CONTROL IS UNACCEPTABLE!" UKPNP: LONG LIVE UKPNP:> RESOLUTIONS PASSED UKPNP 7TH CENTRAL CONVENTION: THE UNITED KASHMIR PEOPLE'S NATIONAL PARTY (UKPNP), A SECULAR AND DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL ORGANIZATION, IS DEDICATED TO THE PEACEFUL PURSUIT OF CIVIL SOCIETY, POLITICAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC, AND HUMAN RIGHTS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE HISTORICAL STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INCLUDING AZAD KASHMIR, GILGIT BALTISTAN, AND THE DIASPORA KASHMIRIS. THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED AT THE 7TH CENTRAL CONVENTION: AFFIRMATION OF POLITICAL UNITY:> THE ERSTWHILE STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR INCLUDING PARTS ARE RECOGNIZED AS ONE POLITICAL ENTITY. ITS UNIFICATION, STABILITY, PROSPERITY, AND SOVEREIGNTY ARE OUR ULTIMATE GOALS. STATUS OF AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN:> AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN ARE DECLARED LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL PARTS OF THE FORMER STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST UNILATERALLY ALTERING THE STATUS OF THESE REGIONS, AS SUCH ACTIONS COULD SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR DISPUTE AND PROVE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. JAMMU KASHMIR STATE SUBJECT RULE OF 1927:> EMPHASIZE THAT THE JAMMU KASHMIR STATE SUBJECT RULE OF 1927, WHICH PROVIDES IDENTITY AND SPECIAL STATUS TO ALL CITIZENS OF THE FORMER PRINCELY STATE, MUST NOT BE VIOLATED OR TAMPERED WITH IN ANY FORM. FORMATION OF A CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY:> DEMAND THE FORMATION OF A CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN TO EMPOWER LOCAL PEOPLE UNTIL THE KASHMIR CONFLICT, ONE OF THE OLDEST CONFLICTS ON THE UN AGENDA, IS RESOLVED. RIGHT TO LIFE AND HUMAN RIGHTS:> ASSERT THAT THE RIGHT TO LIFE IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT, WHICH IS VIOLATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LINE OF CONTROL IN THE DIVIDED STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. WE URGE RESTRAINT FROM THOSE WIELDING WEAPONS, AS VIOLENCE ONLY ADDS TO THE MISERY AND SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE. THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION, EXTREMISM, AND VIOLENCE SINCE 1947. THIS FORCED DIVISION AND SUFFERING MUST END, ALLOWING PEOPLE TO ENJOY THEIR FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND RIGHT TO LIFE. EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL:> EXPRESS STRONG RESOLVE THAT HUMAN RIGHTS MUST NOT BE SELECTIVE. EQUALITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND JUSTICE MUST BE GUARANTEED FOR ALL CITIZENS. INTERESTS OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES:> ACKNOWLEDGE THAT INDIA AND PAKISTAN HAVE INTERESTS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR, BUT OUR INTERESTS MUST BE PARAMOUNT, AS WE ARE THE PRINCIPAL PARTY TO THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR DISPUTE. CONDEMNATION OF LAND GRABBING:> STRONGLY CONDEMN THE GROWING ‘LAND GRABBING’ IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE HISTORICAL STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR BY STATE AND NON-STATE ACTORS, AS WELL AS OTHER INFLUENTIAL INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ILLEGALLY AND FORCEFULLY SEIZING PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PROPERTY, HILLTOPS, AND TOURIST RESORTS. NATURAL RESOURCE EXPLOITATION:> CRITICIZE THE SYSTEMATIC PLUNDERING OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF MEGA DAMS THAT DIVERT THE NATURAL FLOW OF RIVERS IN THIS DISPUTED TERRITORY. THESE ACTIONS CAUSE SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE, INCLUDING ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER. URGE AN END TO THE EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND DEMAND OWNERSHIP OF WATER, OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES, AND THE DAMS ALREADY BUILT WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE. STOP PROMOTION OF EXTREMISM AND VIOLENCE:> RECOMMEND THAT THE GOVERNMENT TAKE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO CONTROL THE ACTIVITIES OF THOSE WHO PROMOTE EXTREMISM, VIOLENCE, AND INTOLERANCE IN AZAD KASHMIR AND GILGIT BALTISTAN. FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT:> EMPHASIZE THAT FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT. ALL CITIZENS OF THE FORMER PRINCELY STATE OF JAMMU KASHMIR WHO HOLD STATE SUBJECT CERTIFICATES SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO FREELY MOVE WITHIN BORDERS TO INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER. GOVERNMENTS SHOULD ISSUE SPECIAL ELECTRONIC CARDS TO FACILITATE TRAVEL WITHIN JAMMU AND KASHMIR, ENABLING FORCIBLY DIVIDED FAMILIES TO MEET AND INTERACT. RESPECT FOR THE STATE SUBJECT NOTIFICATION OF 1927:> URGE THE GOVERNMENTS OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA TO RESPECT THE STATE SUBJECT RULE OF 1927, WHICH GRANTS A SPECIAL STATUS TO THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. STOP SETTLING PEOPLE IN DISPUTED TERRITORIES TO CHANGE THE DEMOGRAPHY OF THE AREA. CONCERNS ABOUT RELIGION AND VIOLENCE:> EXPRESS DEEP CONCERN ABOUT THE POLICY OF USING RELIGION AS A WEAPON AND VIOLENCE AS A TOOL TO ADVANCE POLITICAL AND STRATEGIC AGENDAS, SUPPRESSING DEMOCRATIC AND PROGRESSIVE VOICES. ABOLITION OF DISCRIMINATORY LAWS:> DEMAND THE ABOLITION OF DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AND ACTS THAT PREVENT PRO-INDEPENDENCE PARTIES, GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUALS FROM PARTICIPATING IN ELECTIONS. NATIONALISTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE WITCH-HUNTING OF PRO-INDEPENDENCE KASHMIRIS, RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, AND JOURNALISTS MUST BE STOPPED. IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS:> HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS TO BUILD BRIDGES OF CONFIDENCE AND HELP RESOLVE DISPUTES. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO OPEN ALL TRADITIONAL ROUTES OF THE FORCIBLY DIVIDED STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR SO THAT PEOPLE CAN INTERACT, ERADICATE MISUNDERSTANDINGS, DIFFERENCES, AND HATRED. SOUTH ASIA’S ROLE IN GLOBAL POLITICS:> UNDERSTAND THAT SOUTH ASIA HAS A TURBULENT HISTORY WHERE THE INTERESTS OF MANY COUNTRIES CLASH WITH THOSE OF THE REGION. WE MUST ENSURE THAT JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND SOUTH ASIA DO NOT BECOME BATTLEGROUNDS FOR A ‘NEW COLD WAR’ OR A ‘NEW GREAT GAME’. WE MUST LIVE TOGETHER IN SOUTH ASIA, FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY, AND WORK TOGETHER TO COUNTER THREATS OF TERRORISM, VIOLENCE, AND XENOPHOBIA. PROTECTION OF KASHMIRIS IN PAKISTAN:> EXPRESS SERIOUS CONCERN ABOUT THE KILLINGS OF KASHMIRIS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF PAKISTAN. RECENT MONTHS HAVE SEEN SEVERAL KASHMIRIS RESIDING IN PAKISTAN KILLED, WITH NO CULPRITS ARRESTED OR PUNISHED. WE URGE PAKISTAN TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE LIVES, PROPERTY, AND LIBERTIES OF KASHMIRIS WITHIN ITS BORDERS AND UNDER ITS ADMINISTRATION. WE ALSO CALL FOR ADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES AND THE FACILITATION OF THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION. FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT:> DEMAND THE LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS ON PEACEFUL ADVOCATES FOR BASIC POLITICAL AND SOCIAL RIGHTS IN GILGIT BALTISTAN, WHO FACE STRICT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION. THE UKPNP DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE LIFTING OF THE BAN ON STUDENT UNIONS, SO THAT EDUCATED, TALENTED, AND CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP CAN EMERGE. THE UKPNP IS DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ONGOING WARS AND THEIR DESTRUCTION AROUND THE WORLD. WARS ARE NOT A SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS; INSTEAD, THEY LEAD TO THE DESTRUCTION OF HUMANS AND THE BANKRUPTCY OF ECONOMIES. THE UKPNP CALLS FOR MEANINGFUL AND IMMEDIATE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF ONGOING WARS IN PALESTINE, UKRAINE, AND OTHER COUNTRIES AND REGIONS, AND FOR THE RESTORATION OF PEACE. THE UKPNP STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE POLICIES AND ACTIONS OF GLOBAL WAR CAPITAL, WHICH ARE NOT ONLY KEEPING OLD CONFLICTS ALIVE BUT ALSO CREATING NEW ONES TO SELL THEIR WEAPONS, LEADING TO THE DESTRUCTION OF HUMANS AND COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE. ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SINCE 1947, THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION, EXTREMISM, AND VIOLENCE. THIS FORCED DIVISION AND SUFFERING SHOULD END SO THAT PEOPLE CAN ENJOY THEIR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RIGHT TO LIFE. RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION:> EMPHASIZE THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION, AS ENSHRINED IN THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS. STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF ALLOWING THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR TO FREELY DETERMINE THEIR FUTURE STATUS. RESOLUTION OF THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR CONFLICT:> THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR CONFLICT IS NOT A TERRITORIAL DISPUTE BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN; HENCE, IT CANNOT BE RESOLVED BILATERALLY. THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR, AS THE PRINCIPAL PARTY TO THE DISPUTE, MUST HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON THE FUTURE OF THEIR MOTHERLAND. UKPNP URGES THAT JAMMU KASHMIR CONFLICT SHOULD BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS AND AS PER THE WISHES AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE NATIVES OF THE ERSTWHILE PRINCELY STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR.

Introduction

The Party is continuously struggling to organize the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their national liberation. But to strengthen the roots among general public and revolutionary sections, the revolutionary movement of our mother land must flourish from its soil.
In a neo-imperialist society, the concept of socio-political and economic emancipation is not an easy task. In all parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir the people are living a life of utter poverty, unemployment and backwardness. They have no political and democratic rights. Particularly in Gilgit and Baltistan that are integral part of the state, the concept of election is still unknown. People there are still deprived of the right to vote.
Occupant forces and their agents are still playing their foul play in these regions. The resource of the state are being exploited and utilized by the occupying forces. The traditional conservative parties of the state equally share this exploitation. These parties work against the national interest and for their own interest. They promote tribal sectarian and regional prejudices for their own political and economic gains and motives. They instigate and fire the sentiments of general public to keep them politically disintegrated and economically backward.
United Kashmir People's National Party is striving hard to raise the political and ideological rationale of the people to shun orthodox ideas and accept democratic and revolutionary ideals. It is working to fight against all types of prejudices and narrow mindedness at all stages. Party will continue its struggle to promote democratic and plural approach among the people of the state. It will continue its struggle for unity, integrity, fraternity and friendship so that people of the state may achieve their higher ideals in an organized form. As the struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their national liberation is getting faster and faster, its impact in international community and particularly India and Pakistan is very positive.
The deprived and oppressed nationalities of these countries are sympathetically supporting the national cause of Kashmiris.
The people of India and Pakistan who believe in liberty, democracy and justice are openly favoring the national democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir as whole and particularly in the areas under the administration of Pakistan. Due to ever increasing political and economic crisis in India and Pakistan, their national and class ridden society is worsening day by day. All these factors are favorable for the national liberation struggle of the people of Kashmir.
At international level, the conditions are also favoring for marginalized and oppressed nations. The concept of democracy and freedom is becoming common and comprehensive. The economic crises of capitalism are deepening every day. This system is declining.
The markets are contracting. Trade restrictions against one another are being imposed. The contradictions of capitalist countries are widening. It will result in small wars leading to a great war among these countries. No revolutionary movement can succeed without revolutionary ideology. Party believes that revolutionary ideology is not static or stagnant. It is also not like a religious faith. Neither is there any eternal theory or ideology to replace historical and social human changes. The scientific theory of proletariats (labor class) is conditioned with changing realities for human emancipation, and general acceptability. It is a science of continuous progress and growth. Our revolutionary movement can get impetus and force from our public soil and history. Therefore, the universality of our revolutionary ideology will be shaped by our own sound conditions.
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has full faith in our people. It is our considered opinion that duty to understand social changes and to promote social behavior rests only with workers, public lovers and pro-revolutionary forces. Slavery, hunger, paucity, exploitation and class struggle are not our destiny. Nor is there any heavenly bang for our deliverance.
It is only workers and oppressed people who if organized can achieve this target. Our party declares its firm commitment to deliver Kashmiri people from all types of internal and external exploitation. The Party promises to organize its struggle on scientific lines and to guide public opinion to right directions. As a party of workers and oppressed people, United Kashmir People National Party firmly believers in public democracy and exploitation free classless society. It believes that socio-economic and political situation of our country demands us an extensive cooperation with all patriotic, pro-public, progressive and truly democratic forces for the success of national democratic and historical revolution. Without completion of national democratic revolution, true democracy, free society and economic growth cannot be attained.
Note that this revolution is not only in the benefit of general public, workers and lower sections of the society; it will also be of great value for middle classes of Kashmiris. Party must prepare workers, patriots, progressive forces, women and students to perform historical role in realization of the ideals set in its manifesto.
Historical Background
Kashmir is one of the oldest countries on this planet. Its name in itself has great visionary and mythical value. Like China, Bharat, Egypt, Iraq and Greek etc., its ancient significance is acknowledged in history. Its co-relationship with all the ancient civilizations is an established fact.
The history of Kashmir is about five thousand years old. Up to 1339 AD, twenty one dynasties ruled over this state. During this period Kashmir remained an independent state for thousands of years. In the middle of third century BC, a ruler of ancient India Ashok occupied it for the first time. It was perhaps the first time that Kashmir came under-foreign yoke. After the death of Ashoka, its sovereignty was again retained. Up to 1585 A.D, different local rulers of Kashmir ruled over this state. In 1586 once again subjugation started when Akbar the great annexed this state with India by force. This subjugation still continues. The brief account of this slavery is as under:-
1. From 1586 to 1752 AD- Mughal rule
2. From 1752 to 1819 AD- Afghan rule
3. From 1819 to 1846 AD- Sikh rule
4. From 1846 to 1947 AD- Dogra rule
5. From 1947 up to date India and Pakistan rule
From 4 Oct 1947 up to 23 Oct 1947, only 22 days are exceptions when an independent revolutionary government formulated by the people of Kashmir ruled over it in name of ³Democratic Kashmir´. Since 24th Oct 1947, the state is being ruled by neo-imperialist agents across the cease fire line now called as LOC by occupying forces.
This back ground shows that for 4500 years of history, the state remained independent. During these years the state flourished as a center of civilization and rich culture though we cannot surely say that there was democracy as we conceive it today. Because in those earlier days absolute and hereditary rulers ruled. Therefore, Kashmir can be no exception.
But on the concrete historical facts, we can say with certainly that only that period was marked with peace, progress, harmony, civility, culture, knowledge, art and prosperity as it was free and independent. Foreign invaders had not yet stamped their ominous steps on this land of scenic beauty. The era of paucity, poverty and torture started when foreign invaders plundered and subjugated it. One can say with any reservation that its backwardness and helplessness will continue till any type of slavery, neo-imperialism and modern imperialism exists here as we see it today. These are simple but established facts. No rational person can deny it. If slavery could change the fate of nations, no nation would have ever passed through the river of fire and blood for independence.
Struggle for Democracy
By the start of 20th century, the people of Kashmir were politically awakened to some extent. The effects of political changes in the world were being felt here also. Particularly when in 1905, in Srinagar and later on in Jammu colleges were opened. The youth in state started realizing for democratic rights and with it the zest for national liberation grew stronger. That time the slogan of ³foreign occupation down´ was raised for the first time.
By that time people of Kashmir were consciously feeling their backwardness. Hindus were comparatively more educated than Muslims but they too were deprived of employment as jobs as alien sections were
dominant in administrative set ups. As a result a movement named “Kashmir for Kashmiris” started that continued from1925 up to 1931. The popular demands of the movement were:
1. Provision of jobs.
2. Provision of education.
3. Independence of press
4. Right of associations/unions.
5. Right of formation of representative assembly
By the middle of 1931, the people of Kashmir protested against the despotic rule of Hari Singh the then ruler of state.
Now the people were struggling for their political and economic rights. On 13th July1931, the first clash between ruler and ruled took place in Srinagar when people staged a protest against despotic ruler. Police opened fire in which 21 innocent Kashmiris were shot dead and many injured. But this movement failed as it was not an organized move.
As a result of this sacrifice it became imperative to raise an organized political forum and on 15th Oct-1932, Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference was incepted. Because this political organization represented elite Muslim class therefore the people of other religions in the state were not ready to join it.
After thorough deliberations, in 1939 the name of this political party was changed as National Conference. The aim of this change was to make state politics more nationalistic and realistic for a genuine political more nationalistic and realistic for a genuine political struggle realistic for a genuine political struggle for democratic rights of all sects and sections of the state.
The true patriotic supporters and workers felt that National Conference is also biased and has soft corner for Indian Congress. This story did not end here. In1941 Muslim Conference was again revived.
After revival of Muslim Conference started looking out wards to South West and practically became a branch of Muslim League. This is how both parties lost their national character. History stamps its verdict according to natural justice. After passing through hard experiments, Kashmiris realized that National Conference and Muslim Conference both are basically against their national interests. They serve external forces for their personal gains. Both these parties have helped India and Pakistan to occupy the state. They are working to fortify the occupation of occupant forces. They are parties in oppression, exploitation and slavery with occupant forces in Kashmir.
In 1934 a political organization named ³Kashmir Youth League´ was raised. It was nationalist and progressive party. It had an agenda of perfect independence and freedom. In 1942, two new political organizations named as ´Kashmir Socialist Party and Young Socialist League´ were incepted Parja Parshed was a conservative party which advocated accession with India. The “Jammu and Kashmir Kisan Conference” was raised in 1945. In 1946, its name was changed as “Kisan Mazdoor Conference”. This lastly mentioned party after analyzing prevailing conditions in the state put forward a sound political program.
The democratic struggle in Kashmir was at full swings when India was divided in two sovereign states Bharat and Pakistan. The people of Kashmir who were already against despotic rule of Hari Singh liberated one third of Kashmir from Hari Singh. On 4th Oct 1947 the state of “Jammhoria Kashmir” was declared.
On 24th Oct1947, Pakistan abolished the government of “Azad Jammhoria Kashmir” and in its place installed a puppet government. Meanwhile Maharaja of Kashmir offered the accession of state with India and requested for military assistance. India accepted this offer conditionally and promised to honor the general will of the people of Kashmir as and when peace and order in the state is restored. She declared to accept the future fate of Kashmir according to free will of the people of Kashmir.
The war between India and Pakistan to occupy Kashmir was in progress when Indian government blamed Pakistan for intrusion in Kashmir and appealed UN Security Council for ceasefire.
India laid stress on Security Council to compel Pakistan to call back her forces and armed tribal detachments from State. On 13 August 1948, a resolution for the withdrawal of armed force along with tribal detachments was passed on the condition that a free and fair plebiscite will be held to decide the future fate of the state as and when situation gets normal. India and Pakistan accepted this resolution and on 1st January 1949 truce was declared. The subject-matter of this cease fire is as under: -
Ceasefire order Part I
Cease fire order has 5 sections A, B, C, D and E. These sections contain the proposal of ceasefire. The gist of these sections refers to honor the ceasefire line.
Truce agreement Part II
Truce agreement has three sections A, B, and C. According to these sections Pakistan has to withdrew all its forces and tribal detachments while India will withdraw bulk of her forces stage wise
Future status Part III
In this part of resolution, it is clearly mentioned that future and status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir shall be determined in accordance with fair will of the people of state in consultation with UNCIP. Later on India and Pakistan focusing their national interests sabotaged this resolution on many pretexts and deprived the people of the state of their democratic birth right of self-determination.
National Question of Kashmir
Whatever problems we face in our movement, the national question stands first. Though the national question or national issue is synonymous to deprivation of political, economic and cultural rights of our different nationalities even then we cannot advance a single step ahead in achieving our national goals unless we find the solution of our basic problems.
1. The question of our national freedom is insignificant without its pros and cons. Rather; it is of a secondary nature as compared with our ultimate goal of justified national relationships and exploitation free society. Without settling the nature of national and class relationships, the idea of national freedom becomes meaningless. In this context the national question of Kashmir would be explained as under:-In the struggle of Kashmir’s national liberation, the significant question is that all the nationalities, ethnic groups and follower of different religions could be welded into one political entity for national freedom movement. We cannot universalize our struggle for
freedom unless we determine afresh the status of all the nationalities with regard to their ethnic. Linguistic and religious affiliations. Nor can we provide intellectual basis to our movement.
2. While determining internationality relationship, in addition to class. Relations, ethnic, linguistic, geographic and religious problems can never be over looked because Kashmir is a multi-religious and multi-nationalities state where people of different religions and nationalities cohabitate. Without guarantying them the free growth of their customs, languages, literature and religious faiths, we cannot solve our national question.
3. Kashmir is a national colonial issue which is closely and directly related with imperialist powers and their dependents. In other words the question of our national liberation is linked one hand colonial oppression and on other hand with the attainment of internal democratic liberties and social revolution for equal opportunities of progress for different nationalities.
Keeping the above inter related points, the question of national freedom of Kashmir can be summed up in the words that political, economic and cultural liberties of all the nationalities and religions living in 84471 sq. miles of this state must be given the right to shape their socio-political and economic system
Kashmir Nation and Nationalities
Kashmir is a multi-nationalities state where people of different nationalities and religions live who has their own civic and cultural identities. Among these areKashmiri, Kishtawari, Dogri, Ponchi, Ladaki, Balti, Broshashki and Gilgit (Shina).Besides, Vakhi Pahari, Gujri and Khawar languages speaking linguistic groups also live here. Therefore Kashmiri nation is a political entity which comprises of a different nationalities and linguistic groups.
What is freedom?
At present, India, Pakistan and China ruled Kashmir and Kashmiris are living in slavery. There is ignorance, poverty and backwardness everywhere. People are deprived of basic necessities of life. The people of Kashmir aspire for freedom, but they do not want a so called independence. Rather they want and search for a real freedom that means geographic unity and political sovereignty.
True freedom means that people of Kashmir could shape their political, economic and social development according to their own will because social development without national liberation is impossible.
How to achieve freedom?
Through scientific principles and historical analysis, the party has learned that true freedom can only be achieved through democratic revolutionary struggle. The party will manage the liberation of Kashmir stage wise through national democratic revolution.
National democratic revolution is the only and true path for deliverance of people of Kashmir. Party is following this track of perfect-freedom and independence with determination to raise a prosperous Kashmir.
The status of Nationalities in New Kashmir
Our party is struggling to establish a just society in Kashmir in which all the nationalities would enjoy equal status. Till we organize our national liberation movement keeping all the nationalities involved, we cannot
translate our dream of just Kashmir. All the nationalities will enjoy equal rights in new Kashmir. To this end our approach will be as under:-
1. Because Kashmir is a multi-nationalities and multicultural state. Therefore, new national democratic state will be formulated on the principles of multi-nationality, United States. In other words, new state will be shaped on the free and voluntary co-operation among the nationalities. This unity will continue on free and voluntary principles.
2. In this new democratic state all the nationalities will enjoy their social, economic and cultural rights with constitutional guarantee and safety.
3. In this multi-nationality United States all the nationalities will avail equal opportunities of free development and growth with constitutional guarantee. In addition special steps will be taken to bring backward nationalities at par.
4. In this new national democratic state, the right of self-determination and separation will be acknowledge if any nationality would like her free and independent government, she would be constitutionally allowed to do so.
5. In this new national democratic state, all the nationalities will get equal share in higher institutions of power and authority. Moreover equal opportunities will be given for the promotion of their cultures, language and literature at national level.
Political Status
1. In multi-nationalities United States, all the nationalities will enjoy the status of province with authority. They will play equal important sole in formulation of higher political structuring of this united democratic state. Moreover, the new state formulated by these nationalistic will be named as United State of Kashmir. These nationalities will be named as United States of Kashmir. It means that united nationalities in democratic state will get its formation by free and voluntary principles of unity,
2. The states comprising this united Kashmir will have the status of provinces. These provinces will be free to promote their customs, language, literature and religious faiths. In United Kashmir, the nationalities comprising it will have constitutional surety for free and equal development and growth. The nationalities of united Kashmir who will enjoy the status of powerful provinces are:-
1. The democratic state of Kashmir (Valley)
2. The democratic state of Gilgit (Dardistan)
3. The democratic state of Baltistan.
4. The democratic state of Jammu (Dograt).
5. The democratic state of Ladak,
6. The democratic state of Broshal,
7. The democratic state of Poonch,
8. The democratic state of Kishtwar.
The united states of Kashmir will come into existence by free and voluntary unification of different nationalities. Basically it will be multi-nationality United States and its basic functions will be to unite these different units into one and to promote a just national relationship among them for all covering progress and growth. Because this state will be a federation of the said nationalities. Therefore, its foundation will
be laid on the voluntary unity. As a result federating units will enjoy full rights to promote and lead their lives according to their cultural and religious faiths.
Economic Policy
Human life is basically dependent of economics as human being needs food to live. After that, clothes, housing, medical help, education and recreation come respectively. Hence, to understand the working of a society, it is imperative to understand its economic system. The individual and social behaviors of human being are determined by economic forces.
Party makes it clear that all resources of production will be the public property. The wealth out of these resources will be used for the betterment of public. But people will also have private property for their needs. The economy of new Kashmir will be founded on following lines:-
Agriculture
The agriculture and industrial revolutions will go side by side. The remains of feudalism will be eliminated. Agriculture will work as backbone of economy as it is a source of not only food but also supply of raw material to many industries. Therefore, co-operative and state agricultural farms will be set up to increase agricultural products. The use of machines and good seeds will be introduced. Dairy, poultry, sheep and fish farming will be promoted. Fruits gardens and vegetables farms will be encouraged. Rural industries, farms and nurseries will be boosted. The prices of agricultural goods will be fixed keeping in view the prices of industrial products.
Industry
For the progress and prosperity of country, industrial set up is indispensable. All types of minerals are abundant in Kashmir. We can make Kashmir a strong industrial country by using these natural resources. Hence a fast industrial revolution will be raised in this country. Special attention will be paid to defense industry. Small scale home industries will remain in private ownership. Co-operatives will be encouraged. In our industrial policy; third priority will be given to small, medium and large scale industries respectively. In this way country will be self-sufficient in everything. Unemployment will be done away with raising the standard of living of the people.
Water Resources
Everywhere there are small and big rivers with river let in Kashmir. Party program includes construction of thousands of small, medium and large dams that will produce sufficient electricity for the domestic and industrial use. Fish farming has great potential. Its production will be exported even to earn sufficient foreign exchange.
Forests
There are dense forests in width and breadth of state which produce very costly wood. But due to foreign possession, they are not being properly looked after. These forests are being cut down mercilessly. Party assures public that forests will be safeguarded and more trees will he planted to increase the wealth of the country.
National Bank
The national bank of the Kashmir will be established that will issue the currency notes.
Trade
Trade is basic need for a country to import importable and export surplus products. Kashmir can export wool products like rugs (Ghaleechas, shawls) raw wool, vegetables, and meat and handy-craft goods. Besides many other goods produced in Kashmir can be exported. On the basis of mutual benefit we will extend trade relations with many countries.
Labour Export
Presently millions of our people are working in foreign countries. These poor workers go abroad and suffer many difficulties only because they get no jobs at home. The foreign exchange that these people earn is of no use for Kashmir. This costly foreign exchange is taken away by India and Pakistan. Party assures working poor people that they will be provided employment at home and strong demand will be made for the foreign exchange earned by them.
Prices
The prices of basic necessities are increasing so alarmingly that life for commoners has become very hard. Party assures public to provide necessities of life at low prices.
Taxes
Taxes are the curses of feudalism and capitalism. Their load always falls on poor people. Party is determined to end present system of taxes. Hence taxes will be abolished stage wise.
Political Policy
The democracy is the outcome of centuries experience of human political history. It is essential for individual and collective progress. Democracy means that-public may make decisions at all levels.
Democratic State
The Kashmir will be an independent democratic state. Its unity will be founded on the basis of voluntary and equal rights of nationalities and linguistic groups.
Sovereignty Will Flow From Public
In the united states of Kashmir, all the institutions authority from low to high level will be elected and answerable to public. Every citizen of 21 years will have unconditional right to elect or be elected irrespective of his race, religion, caste, creed or color.
Freedom of Expression
Thinking is not independent of speech and expression. Freedom of expression means the freedom to write and speak all though it may be different from the faith, ideology, customs or rites of others. Party assures perfect-freedom of expression to everyone.
Internal Policy
The public will be guaranteed perfect social security of life, property and respect. Internal policy will be based on discipline, peace and justice.
Department Of Judiciary and Justice
The concept of judiciary and justice has always been basic and sacred in all parts of world. Human world has been a center of oppression, exploitation and injustice since centuries. It can exist only on the lofty ideals of equity and justice therefore, party will abolish old judicial system and will replace it and will establish new system of judiciary in which people will avail justice in true sense. The people will not bear expenses for justice in this new system.
Public Courts
These courts will be raised at tehsil, district, provincial and federal levels. These courts will decide cases within three months at the maximum. The people will be provided legal aid freely.
The Labour Court
To provide quick, cheap and easy timely to working classes, labour courts will be installed.
Selection of Judges
The judge elected by the vote of the people will have more public confidence. The people will elect them on the basis of legal experience, knowledge and integrity. The party assures public to give them the right to elect judges.
The Police Department
The real duty of police is to safe guard the life, liberty, property and respect of public. But in present system the police are used as an instrument of oppression, terror and exploitation against public. Party promises with public to abolish the present police system. In its place security detachments will be raised who will be responsible to serve and save the life, property and respect of the general public.
The Department of Jails
Basically the institution of jails is the outcome of the present exploited system that aims at torturers for vindications. It has nothing to do to reform anything. The party will abolish this department for ever. Instead institutions for the reforms of accused or criminals will be introduced.
Foreign Policy
Basically foreign policy of a country reflects it domestic political and economic policies. A pro peace, independent, non-aligned and progressive, external policy will be followed. It will be designed for our political freedom, economic independence and peace with a guarantee against every supremacy, unjust system, neo-colonialism and exploitation. It will discourage all military and nuclear strikers for peaceful and equitable international co-operation.