And they vanished into thin air

Syed Zafar Mehdi

Parveena Ahangar’s small world came crashing down on the fateful night of August 18, 1990 when her 16-year old school-going son Javed Ahmed vanished under mysterious circumstances. The boy was picked up by Indian paramilitary forces during a midnight raid at his uncle’s house in India-controlled Kashmir. The grief-stricken mother spent sleepless nights waiting for her son to return. She never saw him or heard from him again.

This Himalayan valley of shimmering lakes and beautiful meadows has been the bone of contention between the estranged South Asian neighours India and Pakistan for more than six decades. The two nuclear powers have gone to war on two occasions to claim the disputed territory.

In 1989, a full-blown armed insurgency broke out in Kashmir. The anti-India sentiment assumed a whole new dimension. In order to quell the popular uprising, Indian armed forces would resort to unbridled use of force against the civilians. The sense of fear and susceptibility was overpowering. Young boys would leave home for a game of cricket and never return. Many of them would be abducted from their homes and dragged to various interrogation centers. The traumatized families would run from pillar to post to know the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Day of Disappeared:

Like every year, the International Day of Disappeared was observed across the world on August 30. In Indian-controlled Kashmir, people assembled in Pratap Park in the heart of Srinagar to show solidarity with the families of the missing. The relatives – mothers, sisters, daughters – sat quietly, holding the posters, pictures and placards, as cameras zoomed into their wrinkled faces and sunken eyes. One of them was 80-year-old Hajira, who had come all the way from North Kashmir’s Bandipora district to attend the protest. Her three sons were killed at the time when militancy was at its peak, and the fourth went missing. She has become weak but the resilience is infectious. The protest was also joined by JKLF Chairman Yaseen Malik and parents of the youth who were killed by Indian forces during the 2010 unrest.

“For unknown reasons, unmarked graves in the disputed territory of the world’s largest democracy have not been deemed scandalous enough”

This year, the protest had a creative element to it. Many young artists took active part in the daylong silent sit-in. Some of them wrapped themselves in banners with faces white washed, while some scribbled notes in black ink on their bare bodies. The trend of artistic resistance has become increasingly popular in Kashmir of late, with the young breed of artists, cartoonists, singers, and poets taking the center stage. “The resistance movement has become inclusive and youth are taking the lead now. These are the children of conflict who grew up in the turbulent period of the 90s and they pretty much know the art and science of resistance,” says journalist Hilal Mir.

Events to mark the Day of Disappeared were also held in JNU New Delhi, and TISS Mumbai, where Kashmiri students and activists spoke on the phenomenon of disappearances in Kashmir.

Getting together for a cause:

Ahangar’s is not an isolated case. Thousands of young men mysteriously disappeared during the turbulent 1990s. The law enforcement agencies did not move. With no help coming from anywhere, Ahangar decided to run the gauntlet. She got together some of the families whose members had disappeared under similar circumstances. In 1994, the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) was born. Without any formal education, she still managed to create a stir. “I knew there were thousands of poor hapless mothers like me, so I decided to get them on board and carry forward our struggle collectively,” says Ahangar. There is another organisation by same name working for the same cause, run by J&K Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS).

Young boys would leave home for a game of cricket and never return

Over the years, both the associations have become bigger with more than a thousand members who have similar tales of despair and despondency to narrate.

Nazima Jan (31) of North Kashmir district has been waiting for her missing three brothers for the last 15 years. She joins a protest in a public park in Srinagar – the summer capital of Kashmir – on the 10th and 28th of every month, against enforced disappearances.

On August 30, the families got together again and took a pledge to continue their search for the missing. However, their protests are largely ignored by mainstream Indian media. “No doubt India has a powerful and free media but many editors and other key players in the industry, if not all, have drawn a line in certain issues and areas including Kashmir. They call it ‘national interest’,” says Yusuf Jameel, senior journalist who covered Kashmir for BBC in 1990s.

“The phenomenon of enforced disappearances started in 1990, says Zahir ud Din, senior journalist and activist. “Initially it was not part of a bigger design to scare people. Brutal torture claimed hundreds of lives and their bodies were disposed of in rivers, lakes and elsewhere. Then the security agencies realized how it can be used as an effective tool to scare people. It became a policy,” says Zahir ud Din, who authored a book ‘Did they vanish into thin air?’ on Kashmir’s disappeared.

APDP has played an instrumental role in bringing the issue of enforced disappearances in Kashmir into limelight. Ahangar (49) is now a member of AFAD (Asian Federation of Involuntary Disappearances). She has travelled to many parts of the world like Philippines (2000), Indonesia (2004), and Europe (2008) to speak on the phenomenon of enforced disappearances in Kashmir. In 2008, the United Nation’s Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture granted funds to APDP, which are spent on the medicines, clothes and other necessities of the families of victims.

Mass graves and missing people:

The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance adopted by UN General Assembly on 20 December 2006 explicitly terms the systematic practice of enforced disappearances a ‘crime against humanity’.

Human rights activists in Kashmir claim that close to 8,000 people, including combatants and non-combatants, have been subjected to enforced disappearance in the region over the last 20 years. The International Peoples’ Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Indian-administered Kashmir (IPTK) in its report released in December 2009 revealed 2,700 unmarked graves containing more than 2,900 bodies in more than 50 villages in north Kashmir. Due to some operational constraints, the research was confined to select villages, so the observers believe the number could be much higher.

In August 2011, the 11-member police investigation team of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) verified 2,156 unidentified bodies in unidentified graves in Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Handwara districts. It was a moment of vindication for the families of victims; however, no further investigation was done to get to the root of matter. “For unknown reasons, unmarked graves in the disputed territory of the world’s largest democracy have not been deemed scandalous enough,” says Mirza Waheed, author of The Collaborator, a critically acclaimed novel set in Kashmir. “Doesn’t such an astonishing discovery merit a serious inquiry and investigation by the Indian State?” he asks. “In the long run, state will not want to penalize itself on anything, least of all disappearances which it enforces as a matter of representational threat to people to safeguard its imagined sovereignty,” says Ather Zia, Kashmir-born and US-based anthropologist and writer.

Many believe the missing persons have been killed and dumped in these unmarked graves. “Many families are ready to volunteer their DNA samples to confirm if their kin is buried in these graves to gain closure, at the same time many see it as another deferral tactic by the government, since the tests are not happening any soon,” says Zia.

To be or not to be

Twenty-nine year old Nusrat (name changed) is a resident of southern Kashmir district. She is known in her locality as a ‘half-widow,’ a term used for women whose spouses are missing. “The simple fact that their men have disappeared and not been declared dead has left thousands of these women in a wretched state with no legal protection,” says Aliya Bashir, Kashmir-based journalist, who has done extensive research on the half-widows of Kashmir.

“Half-widows face the worst kind of economic, social and emotional insecurities. They live between hope and despair, hope of seeing their loved ones again, and despair of not finding a clue since last 25 years,” says Zia.

Perpetrators and inaction:

On December 6, 2012, the IPTK released a report, “Alleged Perpetrators – Stories of Impunity in Jammu and Kashmir”. The meticulous research work of two years uses data from official state documents and witness testimonies. It examined 214 cases of human-rights abuses and the role of 500 alleged perpetrators. Among the 500 perpetrators were 235 army personnel, 123 paramilitary personnel, 111 Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel and 31 government-backed associates. The list of alleged perpetrators included two major generals, three brigadiers, nine colonels, three lieutenant colonels, 78 majors and 25 captains. “Cases presented in this report reveal that there is a policy to not genuinely investigate or prosecute the armed forces for human-rights violations,” said a press handout by the IPTK.

Taking serious cognizance of the report, Amnesty International called for an “impartial probe into the allegations of human-rights violations made in a report”. The Asian Federation Against Enforced Disappearances said the study “clearly points to a high level of command decision, given the involvement of top ranking officers of the Indian Army”. So far, no action has been taken on the report. “Many people in Kashmir,” says Waheed, “have resigned to the idea that justice is a far-fetched dream, and the perpetrators may never be booked.”

Notwithstanding the hopelessness and helplessness, Ahangar is not tired of waiting for her son. “There is light at the end of the tunnel,” she says.

(First published in The Friday Times, Pakistan)

Afghan cricket team returns home to a rousing reception

Syed Zafar Mehdi

Afghanistan cricket team returned home on Monday after participating in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The members of cricket team and support staff received a rousing reception at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

The officials of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and hundreds of fans had turned up at the airport to receive the team that returned home after more than a month.

It was Afghanistan’s maiden appearance in an ICC World Cup, which kicked off on February 14, and they did not disappoint their fans and well-wishers in Afghanistan.

Although the team failed to qualify for the knockout stage, they performed way above the expectations in the biggest cricketing carnival.

Their remarkable rise, despite limited resources and enormous hardships, has earned them tremendous praise and admiration from all and sundry.

In the six matches Afghanistan played, they won one and lost five. They had their moments in this World Cup, beating Scotland in a thriller and almost pulling off a memorable upset against Sri Lanka.

Players like Javed Ahmadi, Samiullah Shenwari, Shapoor Zadran, Hamid Hassan and Najibullah Zadran will remember this World Cup for their superlative individual performances.

Shenwari, an experienced campaigner, was one of the consistent performers for Afghanistan in this tournament. Javed Ahmadi, the elegant top-order batsman, showed glimpses of his talent.

Zadran and Hassan earned tremendous praise and adulation for their lethal pace and unnerving swing from fans and experts.

Hassan, who emulates former England pacer Andrew Flintoff, also hogged headlines for his cartwheeling celebrations and colorful bandana.

The historic win against Scotland, which was Afghanistan’s first World Cup victory, saw jubilant fans across the country pour into the streets with country’s flags and banners.

Cricket fans in Nangarhar, Khost, Paktia, Kandahar and Kabul celebrated the historic win by dancing in the streets, chanting slogans, and firing celebratory gunshots in the air.

The last time people in Afghanistan danced in the streets was when the national football team trounced India 2-1 in the finals of South Asian Football Federation Championship (SAFFC) in 2013.

There is nothing that unites people in this country more than popular sport like cricket and football.

“We are proud of our team and the way they performed in their first World Cup,” says Parvez Hameedy, cricket fan. “In the next five years, it will be a different story.”

(First published in Afghan Zariza)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raza Khan aka ‘Baba Cricket’ the biggest fan and mascot of Afghan cricket team

Syed Zafar Mehdi

India has Sudhir Gautam Chaudhary, a staunch fan of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, as the mascot of national cricket team. Pakistan has Chaudhry Abdul Jalil, popularly known as Chacha Cricket (uncle cricket), as the mascot of their national cricket team.

Afghanistan, which is fast emerging as another cricketing giant in the sub-continent, also has a mascot now. His name is Raza Khan, aka ‘Baba e Cricket’ or ‘Cricket Baba’.

Khan, who originally hails from southeastern Paktia province, has been living and working as a manual laborer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since many years.

A diehard follower of the Afghan national cricket team, Khan has travelled to many countries over the past ten years to cheer for his home team.

A diehard follower of the Afghan national cricket team, Khan has travelled to many countries over the past ten years to cheer for his home team 

By his own admission, he has never missed a match Afghanistan has played in the UAE, which is also the home ground of Afghanistan.

Recognizing his unflinching support for the Afghan cricket team, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to confer the coveted title of ‘Cricket Baba’ (father of cricket) on Khan.

Nasimullah Danish, the chairman of ACB, said Khan has made invaluable contribution to Afghan cricket by supporting the national team inside and outside the country.

Like his counterparts from India and Pakistan, Khan wears a special dress made with Afghanistan’s national flag during the matches.

He has expressed his gratitude to the ACB for honoring him with the title of ‘cricket baba’ and pledged to continue supporting the team.

He hopes the national team of Afghanistan will soon compete against the ICC Test-playing nations and become the powerhouse of cricket in Asia.

Despite limited resources and enormous hardships, Afghan cricket team has remarkably evolved over the years. There is nothing that unites people in this country more than cricket

Despite limited resources and enormous hardships, Afghan cricket team has remarkably evolved over the years. There is nothing that unites people in this country more than cricket.

Earlier this year, Afghanistan participated in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, its maiden appearance in the biggest cricketing event.

The historic win against Scotland saw jubilant fans pour into the streets across the country.

Last month, Afghanistan sealed a place in the ICC World Twenty20 2016, which will be played in India.

(http://www.afghanzariza.com/2015/08/19/raza-khan-aka-baba-cricket-is-the-biggest-fan-and-mascot-of-afghan-cricket-team)

Our longest war in Afghanistan will come to an end this year: Obama

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

United States will conclude its combat mission in Afghanistan this year and bring the longest war to an end, said a statement issued by the U.S. President Barack Obama. From the peak of 100,000 U.S. troops to roughly 32,000 today, he said the transition has allowed them to steadily draw down their forces.

President Obama made a whirlwind visit to Afghanistan this weekend and met U.S. soldiers at Bagram military base. He also met the U.S. Ambassador and Commanding General but left without meeting Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

“I would like to update the American people on the way forward in Afghanistan and how, this year, we will bring America’s longest war to a responsible end,” said the statement issued by the U.S. Obama.

Defending his country’s intervention in Afghanistan, he said the United States did not seek this fight. “We went into Afghanistan out of necessity, after our nation was attacked by al Qaeda on September 11th, 2001,” said the statement. “We went to war against al Qaeda and its extremist allies with the strong support of the American people and their representatives in Congress; with the international community and our NATO allies; and with the Afghan people, who welcomed the opportunity of a life free from the dark tyranny of extremism.”

Paying tribute to the U.S. soldiers and diplomats who have been killed in Afghanistan over the years, he said their sacrifices have helped in striking significant blows against al Qaeda’s leadership. “We have eliminated Osama bin Laden, and we have prevented Afghanistan from being used to launch attacks against our homeland,” said the U.S. President. “We have also supported the Afghan people as they continue the hard work of building a democracy. We have extended more opportunities to their people, including women and girls. And we have helped train and equip their own security forces.”

The U.S. President hailed the people of this beleaguered country for giving their verdict to democracy, progress and development in recently held elections. “Afghans turned out in the millions to vote in the first round of their presidential election, defying threats in order to determine their own destiny.  And in just over two weeks, they will vote for their next President, and Afghanistan will see its first democratic transfer of power in history,” said the statement.

He said his country’s objectives after 2014 are clear. “Disrupting threats posed by al Qaeda, supporting Afghan security forces and giving the Afghan people the opportunity to succeed as they stand on their own.”

He said they have a strategy to pursue these objectives. “First, America’s combat mission will be over by the end of this year. Starting next year, Afghans will be fully responsible for securing their country.  American personnel will be in an advisory role. We will no longer patrol Afghan cities or towns, mountains or valleys. That is a task for the Afghan people,” said the statement. “Second, I have made it clear that we are open to cooperating with Afghans on two narrow missions after 2014: training Afghan forces and supporting counterterrorism operations against the remnants of al Qaeda.”

At the beginning of 2015, he said, there will be approximately 9,800 U.S. service members in different parts of the country, together with NATO allies and other partners. “By the end of 2015, we will have reduced that presence by roughly half, and we will have consolidated our troops in Kabul and on Bagram Airfield. One year later, by the end of 2016, our military will draw down to a normal embassy presence in Kabul, with a security assistance component, just as we have done in Iraq,” the statement said.

The security transition this year does not mean the country will be totally abandoned, the U.S. President assured.  “But our relationship will not be defined by war; it will be shaped by our financial and development assistance, as well as our diplomatic support.” He said America’s commitment to Afghanistan is rooted in the strategic partnership signed in 2012.

He said the U.S. will sustain this military presence after 2014 if the Afghan government signs the Bilateral Security Agreement. “This Agreement is essential to give our troops the authorities they need to fulfill their mission, while respecting Afghan sovereignty.

In a separate statement, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said with this announcement of U.S. President, the longest war in Afghanistan will come to an end. He said the stalemate over Bilateral Security Agreement will end once the political transition takes place.

“The Afghan people have an opportunity now to build on the progress that has been made, to achieve a more secure, more prosperous, and more peaceful future. President Obama has made it clear that as they do, the United States will stand with them,” said Mr. Kerry.

He also paid tribute to the fallen U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. “On Memorial Day yesterday, we remembered the more than 2,100 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. We continue to honor the fallen, and all those who came home from the battlefield with injuries both visible and invisible.”

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, in another statement, said he supports President Obama’s decision to maintain a limited U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan after the combat mission ends later this year. “This presence, which is contingent on a signed bilateral security agreement, will help ensure that al Qaeda cannot reconstitute itself in Afghanistan, and it will help us sustain the significant progress we have made in training and equipping the Afghan National Security Forces,’ said Mr. Hagel.

He commended General Dunford for his “exceptional leadership of this mission”, and the continued contributions of ISAF partners. “As we bring America’s longest war to a responsible end this year, all Americans are grateful for the sacrifice and service of the men and women who deployed there over the past thirteen years,” he added.

(First published in Afghan Zariza)