The future of South Asia---Special Feature Article

Special  feature   Article

VIEW: The future of South Asia -by Mohammad Jamil

So far, SAARC has been little more than a talk-shop since its inception in 1985, where
speeches are delivered and leaders express their determination to convert the region into a South Asian Union

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held their first
meeting in nine months on Thursday on the sidelines of the SAARC summit, with a view to
ending the diplomatic stalemate lingering since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. According to a local TV report, both sides have decided, in principle, to resume the Composite Dialogue. According to Pakistan's foreign minister, he and his Indian counterpart have been tasked with the homework for resumption of the dialogue. Though no date has been fixed for the meeting between the two foreign ministers, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, an incorrigible optimist, has called the meeting
between the two prime ministers very positive. There is pressure on India and Pakistan from the
smaller member countries to resolve their differences so that all can work in unison for the
progress of their countries and prosperity of their people. During the two-day 16th SAARC summit in Bhutan, the leaders signed an agreement on the environment, encouraging the exchange of ceo-friendly technologies and knowledge about climate change and wildlife conservation. Another agreement on trade covered services in areas like health, hospitality, communications, computers and air transport.

The future of South Asia, inhabited by more than 1.6 billion people, depends on the leaderships
of the countries of the region. So far, SAARC has been little more than a talk-shop since its
inception in 1985, where speeches are delivered and leaders express their determination to convert the region into a South Asian Union. But these ideas have not gone beyond noble
sentiments. After three years of a free trade regime, the trade between SAARC countries reached only $ 688 million in 2009. It, however, goes without saying that India, being an industrially
developed country in SAARC, stands to gain the most if it normalises relations with its neighbours by resolving all outstanding issues. In case some progress is made on the Kashmir
dispute or if India shows a sincere desire to resolve the core issue, Pakistan could allow India to trade with the Central Asian Republics through its land route.

There was indeed a common .desire of the countries to open a new chapter of Asian prosperity. Where millions live below the poverty line, South Asia could benefit from the proposed economic partnership, and also improve the living standards of its people. Secondly, by trading
with each other they can, in addition to saving the cost of freight, save a lot of foreign exchange because imports from the US and European (EU) countries are expensive. If SAARC countries
can convert the forum into an economic union, all of them will gain. So, far as the South Asia Free Trade Agreement's (SA FTA's) implementation is concerned, it delayed because some
members had expressed reservations over the list of sensitive products rules of origin and compensation mechanism for the least developed countries.

On January 6, 2004, the leaders of the seven SAARC countries reached a landmark decision at
the closing session of the 12th SAARC summit when they adopted Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and SAFTA. The Additional Protocol envisaged declaring the provision, collection or acquisition of funds for terrorist activities as illegal, and taking further measures to prevent and suppress financing of such acts. On April 6, 2005, the representatives of 26 Asian countries participating in the 4th Asia Cooperation
Dialogue (ACD) ministerial meeting in Islamabad on 'Economic Cooperation in Asia' had stressed the need for introducing a common currency, constituting a monetary fund and
liberalizing the Asian bonds market and trade. In other continents - Africa, Europe and the US - such associations and institutions have been effective, but Asia is lagging behind.

Asian leaders, therefore, should rise to the occasion and give a practical demonstration of their
will to resolve all political disputes infesting the continent. It is, however, an irrefutable fact that
no progress can be made unless major irritants like the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan are removed. India and Pakistan have held many rounds of talks in the past and the
question remains what they have to discuss when the Composite Dialogue is resumed. Naturally, these issues are Sir Creek, Siachin and the Kashmir dispute. There have been three wars between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. War is not an option for two nuclear states, but that does not mean that there is no need for the resolution of conflicts between
them. Members of SAARC often talk of emulating the EU. EU came about due to the efforts and joint vision of the then French President Charles De Gaulle and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, which united the European nations that had a history full of wars, in addition to two World Wars.
It was the building of such a sound foundation that even East European countries have become
part of the EU. It, however, took more than 50 years to reach the present stage. Even today, at
least four countries from the original IS-member European Union (now 27) have not accepted the
single currency. The idea of an Asian Union may sound premature, but in the interest of peace and
prosperity in the region, India and Pakistan should resolve all disputes and pave the way for establishment of, at least, the South Asian Union to start with. The benefits to India and the
countries of the region would be enormous.

The writer is afreelance columnist. He can be reached at mjami11938@hotmail.com

67th. Anniversary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka held in Jaffna on 10th. July, 2010

67th. Anniversary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka held in Jaffna on 10th. July, 2010

Reported  by  Chandana  Wijekoon  from  Jaffna

he 67th. Birth Day of our Party – Communist Party of Sri Lanka falls on July 3rd. 2010. To mark this event we decided to hold this Anniversary Meeting today in Jaffna.

At the outset, I take this opportunity to remember with deep respect and honour the founding leaders of our Party, namely Dr. S.A. Wickremasinghe, Pieter Keuneman, Rev. Udakendawala Sri Saranankara, T. Duraisingham, A. Vaidyalingam and, P. Kandiah etc.

It is also with deep respect that I wish to recall the pleasant memories of Comrades S. Jeyasingham, N. Shanmugathasan, A. Ariyaratne, V. Ponnambalam, M. Karthigesu, P. Kumaraswami, C. Kumaraswami, S.P. Nararajah, M.C. Subramaniam, and S.Wijayananthan. The distinguished members of our Party from the North who nourished and built our Party . There are so many others from the North who were associated with the Left Movement.

Today we are back in politics in the North with sad memories of the past but with full of optimism of our future. I do not propose to recollect that painful and miserable past during this healing and reconciliation period.

Although, our Party was formed 67 years back, its origin goes as far back as 1920s, the historic days of the Jaffna Students Congress, later Jaffna Youth Congress led by Handy Perimpanayagam. The birth of All-Ceylon Youth Congress in 1931 and the Sooriyamal Movement in 1933 and the L.S.S.P. in 1935 were further developments of the anti-Imperialist struggle.

Winds of the Great October Revolution in 1917 brought inspiration to the people of Asia and awakened them to the struggles for independence. Only a few know that it was Ponnambalam Arunachalam who first broke the news of the Great October Revolution to the people of Sri Lanka and he was accused by the British Colonialists for drifting towards Bolshevism. Ponnambalam Arunachalam in 1917, breaking the news of the Great October Rervolution said that “there is nothing to fear we are now in the company of friends”.

Today we are here in the midst of our comrades and friends after a lapse of over 30 years – we were here last in the year 1976 when we put forward our candidate V.Ponnambalam at the by-election for KKS Seat. Much water has flowed under the bridges of our rivers and I do not propose to recollect those painful and dreadful days of the past during this healing and reconciliation period. No one can be happy over what had happened during this dark period. The loss of precious lives, destruction to the property, the economic ruin, prolonged suffering especially to the lower segments the Tamil society, emergence of cult of violence, collapse of national unity, emergence of under-world were all products and by-products of the war.

I do not want to be disrespectful to the departed leaders of any community who guided the destinies of our nation. I do not want to unearth those unfortunate events. But, they are facts of history which we cannot forget even though we can forgive. It is necessary to draw necessary lessons from this history if we are re-emerge from catastrophe and move forward.

We have missed so many opportunities offered by history and let us be determined that we shall not miss, yet again this golden opportunity.

Absence of a national consensus has been the main cause of our failures in the past and even today.

As far as our Party is concerned, we identified the national question from the very inception of our Party. In fact, the concept of regional autonomy within a united Sri Lankla (i.e. devolution of power in day’s context) was introduced to the Country by our Party as early as 1944 based on a scientific analysis of socio-economic-cultural realities and also international experiences.

The ruling bourgeoisie parties since Independence failed to comprehend these realities and were carried away by petty-narrow political interests and privileges – They abdicated their historical responsibility in the task of nation-building.
It was so in the case of bourgeoisie Tamil leaders in the North – Tamil Congress and Federal Party. They played a conservative and at times reactionary role in the realm of politics, prioriting their tasks to their narrow class interests.
They opposed every thing progressive and radical – Paddy Land Act, Nationalization of foreign interests, nationalization of Transport, Port, some even went to the extent of supporting the disenfranchment of workers of Indian Origin and their citizenship rights. Naturally, they were identified with the reactionary politics. That is how they were distanced from the progressive forces and even from people in the South.

As you all know, the events of Black July of 1983, and the subsequent notorious amendment to the 1978 Constitution (4th. Amendment) brought about a change in the political leadership of the Tamil people from the Tamil bourgeoisie to the right-wing petty bourgeoisie in 1980s. This was the turning point of history followed with a policy of blood and iron-chauvinism, terrorism, and separatism. The right-wing petty bourgeoisie sought refuge in support of reactionary forces abroad.

We of the Communist Party and of course the L.S.S.P stood firmly by our political positions in support of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Tamil people. We suffered defeat, set-backs in the political front. We were targets of attack from both the terrorists in the North and the chauvinists in the South.

The left-wing political parties in the North who opted for national unity, a democratic path of development, for a political solution within the framework of unity were all marginalized, eliminated or destroyed. Even the moderate bourgeoisie Tamil leaders were not spared.
Even we who gave support for the 13th. Amendment were not spared both by the terrorists in the North and the chauvinists in the South.

I must reveal and reiterate the fact that the Communist Party lost 48 of its leaders at the hands of the J.V.P. and six at the hands of L.T.T.E.
Amazing and mysterious fact of history during the course of the last 30 years is that the L.T.T.E. did not touch the J.V.P. or J.H.U. despite their venomous anti-Tamil and anti-Indian and anti-L.T.T.E. political positions.

Of course, history provides enormous evidence to the effect that the extremists of either side always nourish and nurture each other for their mutual existence and survival.
Both in the North and the South, the chauvinists and extremists survived, thrived, and flourished at the expense of the Left movement and progressive forces. The country thereby lost its balance, and sense of direction and an era of violence and destruction dawned.

Our Party never embraced terrorism or violence as a means of capturing power. Our hands are not stained with blood. Our Party has always been patriotic as well as internationalist.
During the 67 years of our Party’s existence we have contributed much, in many ways for the cause of our people. Above all, we have enriched the social thinking of our people. We have made our people more enlightened, removing from their minds and thoughts, casteism, mysterious beliefs and obscurantism etc, We are proud of our contribution for all those rights of the people – political, economic, and social – that have been achieved through struggles of the Left Movement.

Now is the time for the progressive forces both in the North and the South to work together in the brooder interests of our Country and our people.
I wish to take this opportunity to apprise you of positive and inspiring developments in the international arena.

With the collapse of the Berlin Wall and subsequently of the Soviet Union, many bourgeoisie leaders predicted the end of socialism and the eternal existence of capitalism.

Within 20 years, the face of the world has changed again and continues to change profoundly.
The citadels of world capitalism, U.S. and Western Europe are collapsing, faster than we expected.

The continent of Asia is leading the world economy – with two giants, China and India emerging.

The reawakening of Latin America with 13 Left-wing Governments has altered the political map of Latin America, thus isolating the United States.
The democratization of Africa, has set in. Bridges are being built between China – Africa, Latin America – Africa, Middle East - Africa, Asia – Euro Asia, Russia – China – India. New economic centres, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, and Argentina are emerging.
Power of the omnipotent Dollar is weakening. 75% of the world’s foreign exchange reserves today belong to the developing countries. One third of the world’s foreign exchange reserve is owned by China.
These are the new realities of the world developments – This is why the Western Powers could not have their own way and their own say on matters relating to Sri Lanka. This is what Prabhakaran failed to comprehend.
The world’s Left Movement has revived. Today, there is globalization of Left and Progressive forces, the world over.

So, the international and national political environment is becoming favourable to us. This is the time for the progressive and democratic forces in the North and the South to work together.

This is the message of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka to the people of the North on its 67th. Anniversary.

Dew Gunasekara
General Secretary

Communist Party of Sri Lanka /

Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms

SRI LANKA PAKISTAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES WEBSITE

SRI LANKA PAKISTAN FRIENDSHIP
ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES WEBSITE

In an impressive ceremony held at Pakistan High Commission Colombo, the first ever website of the Srilanka Pakistan Friendship Association (SLPFA) was launched by the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Ms. Maryam Saeed. The ceremony was also attended by the President and other office bearers of the SLPFA, Embassy officials, diplomats and representatives of various media organizations.

The new website of the association http://www.slpafa.org/ is an open source knowledge portal , offering free downloads of all relevant information about the association, its past history, current projects and programmes, latest news and reference material about Pakistan and Sri Lanka in an interactive and user friendly manner. This website will not only cater to the members of the SLPFA alone but the society at large including the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka, other similar associations, NGOs, state agencies, researches, academics, business and civil societies and a host of others.

While speaking on the occasion the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, who is also the patron of SLPFA, applauded the management and members of the Association for the successful launch of the website. She said that the new leadership of Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship Association has injected great dynamism into the organization, which for many years, has been instrumental in strengthening the bonds of friendship between peoples of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The initiative of launching the Sri Lanka – Pakistan Friendship Association website will set the futuristic direction for the organization and will ensure fostering friendships, speedy connectivity, and appeal for the younger generation, she added.

The President of the SLPFA, Mr. Ifthikhar Aziz said that the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association has launched this site with the aim to completely revamp and enhance the image of the association, so that its members could have a sense of belonging and a passion to promote the aims and objectives of the SLPFA. This website can and will play a major role in realizing this commitment. He added that the Association welcomes suggestions, comments and the views of those accessing the website, so as to improve its contents and also to serve society at large in a more meaningful manner.

The new website would further strengthen the bond of friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and Pakistan and provide valuable information to a wider range of public.

web:http://www.slpafa.org/

Sri Lanka has lesson to world on defeating terror - President Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka has lesson to world on defeating terror - President Rajapaksa

We are aware that some countries being battered by terrorism have taken strength from the victories won by Sri Lanka over terrorism. It is time for the countries facing attacks from terrorism to look back and see where they had gone wrong, whereas Sri Lanka has succeeded, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his address to the Nation on the Victory Day celebrations at Galle Face, Colombo today.

It is a grave error of judgment to think that while being opposed to terrorism targeting you, to believe that terrorism that is no threat to you is good...The world has so far trod on this wrong path. Terrorism remains unvanquished because of this incorrect thinking. The countries that show sympathy towards terrorism and separatism will be the victims of terrorism. This is the lesson of history, President Rajapaksa further said.

Among the highlights of the President's address are:

 

* We have already appointed an Independent Commission to inquire into the causes that led to terrorism, the lessons we can learn from this, and the path to reconciliation.

*As long as we remember that those who sacrificed their lives now rest in the soil of our land, I declare with pride that our people shall not leave room for anyone to divide this motherland of ours.

*The people should have complete faith and confidence that the land that was liberated from terrorism through great sacrifice of life will not be handed over to the forces of separatism again.

*Our armed forces comprise those who went to battle carrying a gun in one hand, the Declaration of Human Rights the other, as well as taking food for the liberated people of the North and full of human kindness in their hearts.

*What those from abroad who seek to strengthen separatism are really doing is to once again corral the people of the north into camps...The world should look into what happened to all the aid that was given as relief for the Tamil people of the North. For thirty long years they did not see the development of roads, electricity and schools.

*It did not take us long to restore normalcy to the East that was affected by terrorism. We shall next resolve the problems faced from terrorism by the people in the North, by the end of this year.

*What is most needed to prevent the shedding of blood and tears for the country is to restore the hearts shattered by violence and ease such pain. I am confident that the Sri Lankan nation has the will to achieve this.

*We must line up under the slogan, 'We for the Country'. Many countries in the world have developed through the extra-ordinary endeavors of their people. We, who have astonished the world through success in our humanitarian operation, must do so in development, too. We must surprise the world through the unthinkable.

Sakuntalam in Jaffna

Sakuntalam in Jaffna

By Indian Council for Cultural Relations

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations presented the world famous classical Sanskrit play Abhijñana Sakuntalam (The Recognition of Shakuntala) of Kalidasa in the form of a musical dance drama in Tamil before a packed audience at the Veerasingham Hall in Jaffna on 5th May, 2010. Hon’ble Governor of the Northern Province, Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The Governor and Mrs. Chandrasiri were received upon their arrival by H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India, and witnessed the performance with him. Members of Parliaments, the Mayor of Jaffna Mrs. Yogeswari Patkunarajah, Chief Secretary Mr. A. Sivaswamy, Government Agent Mr. K. Ganesh, Mr. L. Illangovan, Secretary for Education, Culture and Sports, Northern Province and senior government officials were also present.

Speaking at the occasion, the Hon’ble Governor highlighted the importance of epics, classical literature and the fine arts, in particular the performing arts, in the nurturing of the cultural and social life of the society and transmission of culture and human values from generation to generation. The Governor recalled that Jaffna had been a society that had produced many eminent personalities in field of the fine arts and had had close cultural linkages with South India that included regular exchanges of well-known artistes and expressed the hope that these linkages would resume with the end of the armed conflict. Citing the staging of Abhijñana Sakuntalam as an instance, he praised the contribution India was making in the rejuvenation of the social and cultural life of the Northern Province.



Mahakavi Kalidasa was a renowned classical Sanskrit writer and is widely regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist in Sanskrit. The period during which he flourished has not been established with precision, but it was probably during the Gupta period (4th-6th century C.E.). His plays and poetry are primarily based on Hindu mythology and philosophy.



Kalidasa wrote three plays besides a number of “mahakavyas” or epic poems. Among his plays, Abhijñana Sakuntalam is regarded as a masterpiece, the other two being Malvikagnimitram (i.e. Malvika and Agnimitra) and Vikramorvasiyam (i.e. Vikrama and Urvasi). Abhijñana Sakuntalam was one of the first works of Indian literature that became known to Europe and has been translated into English and many other European languages. Besides, Abhijñana Sakuntalam has over the centuries been translated into many South Asian languages, including Tamil, Sinhala and Hindi, and is well known in Sri Lanka among both the Tamils and the Sinhalese.



Last year, the Aru Sri Art Theatre had produced Abhijñana Sakuntalam as a musical dance drama in Sinhala for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and it was staged in Colombo in September 2009 to a full audience at the Kularathne Hall at Ananda College. Following its success and the excellent media reviews it received, Abhijñana Sakuntalam was produced as a musical dance drama once again, this time in Tamil, by the Aru Sri Art Theatre under the able direction of Kalasuri Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan, a senior broadcaster, a reputed musician, composer and choreographer who needs no introduction to the cultural scene in Sri Lanka. The choreography has been done primarily in Bharatnatyam style, with flavours from Kathakali, Kathak, Oddisi, Kuchchipudi and Kalari. Also, the merging of Carnatic music and different Indian classical dance styles is unique.

The people of Jaffna turned out in large numbers to witness the performance and the High Commission and Indian Council for Cultural Relations are greatly moved and encouraged by the overwhelming response and would work to organize cultural activities on a regular basis in the Northern Province.



The High Commission and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations thanked the Hon’ble Governor of the Northern Province, Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri and his team for their support in organizing the performance.

UN Chief appeals to Sri Lanka show restraint and refrain from violence

Concerns over Gen. Fonseka's arrecst

On hearing the reports of the arrest of Sri Lanka's defeated opposition presidential candidate, General Sarath Fonseka by the Sri Lanka military, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday appealed to all the parties in Sri Lanka and their supporters to show restraint and refrain from violence.
The UN chief urged all parties to adhere to the electoral laws and to avoid provocative acts, not only in the election period, but also in the post-election stages.
Responding to the questions from journalists today about the General's arrest Martin Nesirky, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General said the United Nations was monitoring the situation.
The spokesperson for Mr. Ban said that "the peaceful conduct of the first post-conflict national election and its aftermath is of the highest importance for long term peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka."
The statement was issued following media reports that the Sri Lankan military has arrested Sarath Fonseka, the former army chief who contested the recent presidential elections.
He was arrested by the military police on charges of military offences conducted during his time as the army commander, the Sri Lankan government said yesterday. Military investigations are in progress and a detailed statement will be issued later, the Media Center for National Security said.

Genaral Sarath Fonseka arrested

Genaral Sarath Fonseka arrested

BBC

The defeated candidate in Sri Lanka's presidential election, General Sarath Fonseka, has been arrested at his office in Colombo.
Gen Fonseka was defeated by incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa last month by six million votes to four million.
Gen Fonseka rejected the results and vowed to challenge them in court.
The initial allegations brought by the government against Gen Fonseka, 59, were put simply as "committing military offences".
The government had earlier been seeking legal advice on bringing a court martial on charges of plotting to overthrow the administration.
The BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says he later learned from National Security Director-General Laxman Hulugalle that the charges against the general relate to the alleged violation of rules preventing the discussion of political matters while being a member of the military.
He was dragged away in a very disgraceful manner in front of our own eyes
Rauff Hakeem,Muslim Congress leader
Mr Hulugalle said the general would be questioned and put on trial in a military court.
Military law still covered Gen Fonseka despite his retirement, he said.
Gen Fonseka was in charge of Sri Lanka's army when it defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels last year after a destructive civil war lasting more than a quarter of a century.
However, he fell out with President Rajapaksa soon after and the pair fought a bitter election campaign.
War crimes
Gen Fonseka's wife confirmed to the BBC that her husband had been detained after the security presence around his office in Colombo had been stepped up during the day.
Gen Fonseka's secretary, Senaka de Silva, was also said to have been arrested.
Gen Fonseka was meeting a number of politicians who had supported his candidacy.
The Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem told Reuters news agency: "He was dragged away in a very disgraceful manner in front of our own eyes."
Mr Hakeem said the action was "authoritarian and vindictive".

Mr Rajapaksa won the election by 57% to 40%
A spokesman for the People's Liberation Front told Agence France-Presse: "The general refused to be taken away. They grabbed him and virtually carried him away after threatening the others. There must have been over 100 soldiers."
The politicians at the meeting said the military police had given no reasons as they made the arrest.
Mr Hakeem said Gen Fonseka had complained that because he was no longer in the military he should not have been arrested by military police.
Earlier in the day, Gen Fonseka had said he was prepared to give evidence in international courts on any war crimes charges brought in relation to the civil war.
"I am definitely going to reveal what I know, what I was told and what I heard. Anyone who has committed war crimes should definitely be brought into the courts," Gen Fonseka said.
Our correspondent, Charles Haviland, says the arrest was dramatic but not unexpected and there must now be questions about whether this is the start of a bigger clampdown on the opposition.
After the election, the government had accused Gen Fonseka of divulging sensitive information to the public, and of plotting both a coup and to assassinate the president and his family.
Gen Fonseka has vehemently denied the charges.
He said he feared an assassination attempt against him and had been told that airports would not allow him to leave the country.
Analysts had predicted a closely fought election contest between the two architects of the government's victory over the Tamil Tigers.
But in the end President Rajapaksa won the vote comfortably - capturing 57% of the vote, while Sarath Fonseka won 40%.

FROM OTHER NEWS SITES

1.http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6f997986-151a-11df-ad58-00144feab49a.html?nclick_check=1

2.http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/08/sarath-fonseka-arrested-coup-charge

3.http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6173I320100208?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FUKWorldNews+%28News+%2F+UK+%2F+World+News%29

4.http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2010-02/09/content_9446949.htm

5.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1518-general-fonseka-arrested.html

THE KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY- FEBRUARY 5th:

FEBRUARY 5: THE KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY-

By M Raza Malik
Pakistanis, here and across the globe, have been observing 5th February every year since 1991, as Kashmir Solidarity Day to convey the message that at this time of trial they are with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been rendering matchless sacrifices, for the last 63 years, to secure their inalienable right to self-determination, promised to them by the international community.

The people of Pakistan are bound to express solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren, as they share common cultural, ideological, geographical and emotional ties, which have fastened them into one unity for centuries. There is no denying of this historic fact that the Kashmir dispute is the unfinished part of the partition of the Indian subcontinent and peace in the South Asian region can not be established without resolving it in accordance with the Kashmiris’ aspirations.

President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, while addressing a joint session of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Assembly and Kashmir Council in the Assembly Hall on January 05, said that settlement of the Kashmir dispute was vital for regional peace. “As world attention is on Pakistan, then together with Pakistan, the world has to talk about the Kashmir problem as well because only then can peace be brought to the region,” he said. “We cannot de-link regional peace from peace in Kashmir ... we have highlighted this thinking in the world and will keep projecting it,” he added.

The President maintained that Pakistan and India should learn to live in peace. “We know that we cannot change our neighbours but they (India) should also know that they can also not change their neighbours.” He hoped that the people of Kashmir would succeed in their struggle.

In order to realize the importance of the Kashmir Solidarity Day one needs to understand the history of India’s occupation on Kashmir, which dates back to the partition of the Indian Subcontinent. According to Partition Plan in 1947, the Indian British Colony was to be divided into two sovereign states: India comprising Hindu-majority areas, and Pakistan constituted by the Muslim-majority areas of Western provinces and East Bengal.

The partition plan had given the princely states the choice to accede either to Pakistan or to India, considering their geography and demography. As Jammu and Kashmir was a Muslim-majority state, with 87% Muslim population, it had a natural tendency to accede to Pakistan. But the then Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh and the Indian National Congress by announcing Kashmir’s accession with India under a well thought out conspiracy sowed the seeds of destruction of the future of the Kashmiri people. India landed its paramilitary forces in the territory by totally violating the partition plan and against the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiris.

Right from October 27, 1947, the day when Indian forces landed in the occupied territory, the people of Jammu and Kashmir never accepted India’s illegal occupation of their motherland and they have been struggling to liberate it from Indian subjugation. Their liberation struggle forced India to seek the help of the international community to settle the Kashmir dispute. On January 1, 1948, sensing the defeat to its forces, it approached the United Nations Security Council, which in its successive resolutions, accepted by both Pakistan and India, promised that a free and impartial plebiscite would be conducted by the UN and the people of Kashmir would be given the opportunity to decide their future themselves.

On October 27, 1947, the first head of the Indian state, Lord Mountbatten, is on record having said that since the “question of accession [of Kashmir] should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of the state, it is my government’s wish that as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir... the question of the state’s accession should be settled by a reference to the people.” The first Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, whose government took the Kashmir dispute to the United Nations, on June 26, 1952, told Indian parliament, “If ... the people of Kashmir do not wish to remain with us, let them go by all means; we will not keep them against their will, however painful it may [be] for us.”

Despite these pledges and commitments by the Indian rulers, the people of Kashmir keep on suffering atrocities at the hands of the occupation troops and their miseries continue unabated. One of the most awful aspects of the Kashmir dispute is the fact that India had taken the dispute to the United Nations itself but later backed away from the promises, it had made before the international community, to resolve the dispute over Kashmir and to let the Kashmiri people chose their destiny by themselves.

It is very lamenting that India claims itself to be the biggest democracy of the world but it continues to suppress the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people with military might. It also describes the Jammu and Kashmir as its integral part in total contrast to the UN resolutions, which describe Jammu and Kashmir as disputed territory. Furthermore, the most deplorable aspect of the picture is that while Pakistan demonstrates considerable flexibility in the dialogue process, Indian intransigent approach remains the biggest hurdle in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

History stands testimony to the reality that despite exhausting all its resources, India has failed to deter the Kashmiris from continuing their struggle for securing the right to self-determination. Its forces have broken all the records of human rights violations in the occupied territory. Indian troops have martyred over ninety-two thousand civilians in occupied Kashmir, killing thousands in custody. These killings rendered more than twenty five thousand women widowed and over one-lac children orphaned. The troops have molested around ten thousand Kashmiri women during the past 20 years and have constantly been using the molestation of women as a tool to suppress the Kashmiris’ spirit of freedom. The whereabouts of thousands of innocent Kashmiris, disappeared in troops’ custody, are yet to be revealed. But all these cruelties could not refrain the Kashmiris raising their voice for freedom from Indian bondage.

Thousands of people in occupied Kashmir poured into streets during the second half of 2008 against the transfer of Kashmiris’ land to non-Kashmiris and in 2009 following the rape and subsequent murder of two Kashmiri women in Shopian in May. They conveyed a strong message to India and the international community that the human rights violations would continue to occur in the occupied territory as long as Indian troops were present there.

To reaffirm their political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir like always, this year too, Pakistanis will hold conferences, seminars, demonstrations and various functions. These activities will be aimed at highlighting various dimensions of the Kashmir dispute besides the state terrorism unleashed by India in the occupied territory would be projected in a factual manner. The observance of the day is also intended to remind the international community that it has a moral obligation to play its role in resolving the dispute over Kashmir in accordance with the Kashmiris’ aspirations.

The fact is that the hearts of the Pakistanis throb in unison with their Kashmiri brethren. They feel not only the pain of Indian state terrorism against the Kashmiris but also their sufferings due to natural disasters, the glaring example of which was witnessed after the devastating earthquake of October 2005. The world observed how massively the Pakistani people transported relief goods and provided aid for the rehabilitation to the people in the calamity-hit areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

In the nutshell the 5th of February is a day to pay tribute to the unique sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who have been carrying on their struggle of freedom with devotion. The observance is also intended to convey India that it cannot hold on Kashmir against the will of the people for long and that it will have to give the Kashmiris the right to live freely.

The writer is a Senior News Editor at Kashmir Media Service and can be reached at razamalik849@yahoo.com

S.B.Dissanayake to contest from Kandy as the organizer for Udunuwara

S.B.Dissanayake to contest from Kandy as the organizer for Udunuwara

Former UNP member S.B. Dissanayaka, who crossed over to the SLFP prior to the Presidential elections, has been appointed as the chief SLFP organizer for Udunuwara and will contest the upcoming General elections from the Kandy district.Speaking to Daily Mirror online Mr. Dissanayaka said that his latest appointment came in the wake of a full presidential pardon.President Mahinda Rajapaksa had granted a full pardon to the UNP dissident, who was earlier sentenced to jail on contempt of court charges by the Supreme Court.S.B. Dissanayake a minister in the then United National Front government was found guilty of having insulted the Supreme Court at a cultivation ceremony in Habaraduwa. He was released on a presidential order before completing his jail sentence.
Read More:http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1429-sb-to-contest-from-kandy.html

Come June, India will play Pakistan in Asia Cup

Come June, India will play Pakistan in Asia Cup

Sports

NEW DELHI:

India, which is vying with Pakistan in almost all sports disciplines at the ongoing South Asian Games in Dhaka, will also take on the rival neighbours in cricket soon, though again at a neutral venue - in the Asia Cup from June 15 to 25.

According to sources in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the tournament is likely to be hosted most likely in Sri Lanka. Apart from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh is the fourth team in the tournament. When the tournament was last played in Karachi in 2008, the Lankans had defeated India in the final by 100 runs. India last played Pakistan in the Champions Trophy last year in Centurion.

The ACC has reportedly been forced to consider Sri Lanka as a possible venue as the broadcasters and sponsors rejected first choice Malaysia due to weather concerns. However, sources also maintained that the final call on the venue is yet to be taken. "It's a toss up between Sri Lanka and Malaysia," an ACC official told TOI on Wednesday. "Malaysia was a front runner... but as the broadcasters didn't show interest in having the event in Malaysia, we have changed our plans," ACC president Ejaz Butt was quoted as saying recently. Incidentally, Asia Cup will be clashing with the football World Cup and it will be held right after the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

However, ACC doesn't seem too bothered about the timing. "It a championships involving the best in Asia and we are confident it will generate enough excitement," the ACC official added. In the backdrop of Pakistani players being snubbed in the recently held IPL auction, the proposed meeting of the neighbours in Asia Cup will certainly generate excitement. However, It's still too early to talk about the possibility of a bilateral series in near future. "As of now, there is no question of having a bilateral series between India and Pakistan. We don't know what will happen tomorrow. We hope the relationship between the two countries improve, which is very important for cricket," a BCCI official said

Asia Cup in Sri Lanka

Asia Cup in Sri Lanka
Chennai: The Asia Cup ODI tournament will be held in Sri Lanka from June 16 to 25 this year.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Syed Ashraful Huq told The Hindu here on Thursday that only the four Test playing nations of Asia — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — would take part in the event.
Ashraful, in the city to hold discussions with BCCI Secretary N.Srinivasan, said “The matches will be staged in Colombo and Premadasa Stadium is the likely venue. In all there will be six league games and the final.
“In the last edition of the Asia Cup, we had Hong Kong and UAE in the tournament but we had to shorten the format this time because of the lack of time available for the major teams.”
He admitted Malaysia was in contention to host the championship. “Yes, Malaysia was in the running. Eventually, the ACC has settled for Sri Lanka.” — Special Correspondent

Sri Lanka’s Independence Commemoration in France

Sri Lanka’s Independence Commemoration in France

(Asiantribune.com):
The 62nd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was commemorated at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Paris with special religious observances at the Embassy premises yesterday (4th February 2010).
Clergy representing all the main religions in Sri Lanka participated in theceremony and invoked Blessings on His Excellency the President, the Cabinet of Ministers, armed forces, the Public Service, the country and people.
The National Messages of Sri Lanka’s President, Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out at the ceremony.
Sri Lanka President in his message recalled with gratitude the role played by patriots in the struggle for independence and also paid tribute to the heroic troops and their families for the sacrifices made in the battle against terrorism. Special mention was also made of the friendly nations from the East to the West, who understood and supported Sri Lanka ‘to achieve the objective of true freedom for our country and people’.
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka in his National Message opined that ‘the value of freedom is deeply felt when it is lost, more than when it is enjoyed.’ He called on ‘all citizens of the country to unite to bring a brighter future to our motherland.’
Marking the Anniversary of Independence, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama pointed out that ‘rising from the shackles of colonialism sixty two years ago and annihilating and almost three decade long grip of terrorism from our shores eight months ago,’ ensured the celebration of independence with a sense of oneness and pride. He also observed that ‘a new era of peace and hope has dawned for the country with a renewed mandate for the continued leadership of President Rajapaksa, that too with the beginning of a new decade.’
Addressing the gathering the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in France, Lionel Fernando noted that independence was being celebrated under one writ after a considerable period of time and this bade well for the future as the country was about to embark on a new era of development and reconciliation.
A special alms giving was also arranged at the Embassy.

Celebrating Sri lanka independence

Celebrating Sri lanka independence

http://www.dailymirror.lk/

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse hoists the national flag during the island's 62th Independence Day celebrations outside the highly venerated Temple of the Tooth in the central town of Kandy on February 4, 2010. Sri Lanka, which won independence from Britain in 1948, marks the first national celebration following the crushing of Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009. AFP

62nd Independence Day has special significance - President

The 62nd anniversary of independence we mark today has special significance being the first such celebration of our freedom since the defeat of terrorism in our country last year, and also as it takes place soon after our people have expressed their firm and resounding commitment to democracy, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message.
The freedom from colonial rule that we gained 62 years ago is now more meaningful, the President added.
As we move into the new era of peace in our country, we are ready to face the challenges of the future. It is necessary that we give equal priority to the tasks of national reconciliation and the building of trust among all sections of our people, as well as to development that will take us to our rightful place in the community of nations, he continued.
On this historic and significant anniversary of freedom, let us re-dedicate our nation to the ideals of peace, tolerance, mutual trust and progress, in the democratic tradition our people have cherished and protected as the oldest democracy in Asia, President Rajapaksa further stated.
Following is the full text of the message :http://www.news.lk