ACHA PEACE
BULLETIN http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACHAPeaceBulletin
A publication of Association for Communal Harmony in
Asia (ACHA) www.asiapeace.org
Editor: Pritam K. Rohila, Ph. D.
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ACHA PEACE
BULLETIN-Volume
V, No. 11, November 5, 2003, (Next issue, December 3, 2003)
Editorial
*India-Pakistan-Kashmir Issues Need Leadership By
People, Pritam K. Rohila, Ph.D.
Peace
& Harmony News From & About South Asia
Organizations
*Pakistan India Peoples' Forum For Peace And
Democracy (India)
*Pakistan India Peoples'
Forum For Peace And Democracy (Pakistan, Lahore Chapter)
*Pakistan Peace Coalition, (Karachi)
*India
Community Center (California, USA)
Feature
*A Road Map For South Asia, Pavan Nair
Arts
& Entertainment
Awards
Conferences & SymposiaCourses & Training Programs
(For a copy send a blank email to pritamr@open.org
with its subject as the UPPERCASE word in the article title. Please limit your
request to 3 articles)
Bangladesh
*The MENACE of militancy, Haroon Habib, Frontline,
October 11 - 24, 2003
Children
*SILENT Victims, Asha Krishnakumar,
Frontline, October 11 - 24, 2003
Communalism
*No TAKERS for the mixing
of religion and politics, but…, Vishal Arora, EFI News, Nov 01.03 *Inside
the Islamic MAFIA: Bernard-Henri Lévy exposes Daniel Pearl's killers. C.
Hitchens, Sep
25, 2003
*...And Jehad GOES on,
Zulfiqar Shah, The News, November 2, 2003
*SCOURGE of Sectarianism,
M.B. Naqvi, 27 Oct 2003 12
History
*HINDUS and Muslims, Ardeshir Cowasjee,
Dawn, November 2, 2003
India
*Will building temples SAVE
India? Amberish K Diwanji,
Rediff.com, October 27, 2003
*Who are
the NAXALITES, A K Diwanji Rediff.com, October 02, 2003
India – Ayodhya
*The formidable Mahant GYAN Das builds up a popular resistance to the VHP, Poornima Joshi
*Ayodhya's Forgotten
Muslim PAST, Yoginder Sikand
*Ayodhya HEN Starts
Laying Eggs, Ram Puniyani, Milligazette Nov. 1, 2003
India-NE
*Manipur: Caught In a
Homeland WAR, W Hussain, South Asia Intelligence
Review, Oct 13
Kashmir
*Srinagar-Muzaffarabad
BUS service: How can any Kashmiri oppose it? 10.30.03
*'Strengthening the enemy
HAND' in Kashmir, Dr Shabir Choudhry, 23 October 2003
*Kashmiri Karzai in
LONDON, Dr Shabir Choudhry
*Politics of terror must
END, Dr Shabir Choudhry
Nuclear weapons
*The compelling HEROISM
of the 'Hibakusha,' T Rahman, The News International, Nov 1, 2003
Pakistan
*RESURGENT Sectarianism, S. S. Shahzad South Asia, Intelligence Review, October 13, 2003
*Pakistan and SOUTH Asian
Muslims, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Daily Times, Sunday, 2 Nov 2, 2003
Pakistan-India Relations
*BUS to Delhi, Dr
Mubashir Hasan, The Nation, October 8, 2003
*Musharraf’s
elusive ‘no-WIN’ scenario, Ahmad Faruqui, Daily Times, 28 Oct, 2003
*Provocation and IGNORANCE, Kuldip Nayar, Dawn, November 1, 2003
Sri Lanka
*Dangers Of Sinhala
Extremism: Hiru Vs. Hela Urumaya: A DRAW For Now? L Gunasekera,
Sunday Observer, 2 November
2003
Women
*Legislator Fights Pakistan's 'BLOOD' Marriages, J Terzieff, Womensenews.com, Oct 20, 2003
EDITORIAL
*India-Pakistan-Kashmir
Issues Need Leadership by People, Pritam K. Rohila,
Ph.D.
The
great people of India and Pakistan have more than a thousand years of common
history. Despite all that they have in common - culturally, historically,
linguistically, and physiologically - these two nations are engaged in one of the world's longest
running conflicts.
The
struggle over Kashmir has claimed thousands of lives. It has resulted in
physical and mental disability in tens
of thousands of people.
Every
year Kashmir-related expenses cost India and Pakistan billions of rupees, which
could otherwise be used to provide better services to their people.
Since
their Independence from Britain in 1947, successive governments of India and
Pakistan have failed to resolve Kashmir issue. Instead they have actively
fostered hatred in their people against those across the border.
The
failure of India and Pakistan to become good neighbors has been exploited by
some other nations for their own selfish ends. Also it is the single biggest
obstacle to a lasting peace in South Asia.
We
believe that peace is possible in Kashmir and between India and Pakistan. But
people of these two nations everywhere will have to take a more active role in
determining their fate.
Therefore,
having lost faith in ability of the governments of India and Pakistan,
Association for Communal Harmony in Asia (ACHA) has resolved to involve people
of India and Pakistan in a campaign to resolve the Kashmir issue and to ensure
peace and progress in their homelands.
In
cooperation with Portland State University's Institute of Asian Studies, ACHA
is organizing "India-Pakistan-Kashmir: A Civic Dialog" in Portland,
Oregon (USA). Local Indians, Pakistanis, and Kashmiris will participate in a
frank discussion on all outstanding issues.
The
dialog will take place before a live audience, 7:0 0-9:30 p.m., on Thursday,
November 6, in 327-328 Smith Memorial Center at Portland State University. The
event is open to public and admission is free.
To
ensure an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect, the participants will meet
a week before to get to know each other and to set rules and procedures for the
dialog.
People-to-people
efforts of this kind offer an opportunity for common folks to demonstrate to
the governments back home that they can overcome their differences and resolve
all disputes between them in a peaceful and just manner.
We
are confident that if people resolve to lead, government and political leaders
of India and Pakistan will follow.
We
hope that other South Asian peace and harmony activists and organizations will
join us in this effort.
PEACE & HARMONY NEWS FROM & ABOUT SOUTH ASIA
(Readers are
invited to submit similar information
from other areas of South Asia to help us broaden of our coverage. Please
send the info to pritamr@open.org
, a week before the date of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace
Bulletin)
*Bangladesh & India
India, Bangladesh agree on trade draft http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/oct/28trade.htm
India, Bangladesh agree to discuss water woes
Marking a significant breakthrough, Joint River
Commission (JRC) talks between India and Bangladesh ended 30 Sep 2003 with
India agreeing to involve its neighbour in future discussions on a US$ 200
billion (EUR 172 billion) controversial river-linking project, which Bangladesh
calls a potential weapon of mass destruction. The ministerial-level meeting was
held after nearly three years. The next meeting of the JRC will be held early
next year. (OneWorld.net, 1 Oct 2003, http://www.oneworld.net/article/view/69335/1/)
*India
India proposes dates to talk overflights issue http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/27indopak.htm India proposes twelve Confidence Building Measures for relations with Pakistan: On October 22, 2003, India proposed 12 Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) with Pakistan, including full resumption of cricketing and other sporting links and launching of a bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). India has also offered a second round of talks to restore air links and over flights, technical-level discussions for resumption of the Samjhauta Express rail service and increasing the capacity of the Delhi-Lahore bus service. India also proposed setting up of links between the coast guards of the two countries on the pattern of Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO), non-arrest of fishermen within certain specified areas in the Arabian Sea, holding of visa-approval camps and allowing senior citizens above the age of 65 years to cross the Wagah border check point in Punjab on foot. New Delhi has also suggested a ferry service between Mumbai and Karachi, a bus or rail link between Khokrapur in Rajasthan and Munnabao in Sindh, besides the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus connection, free medical treatment for another 20 ailing Pakistani children in India, and mutual increase in staff strength of the two High Commissions. The Hindu, October 23, 2003. India game for cricket with PakistanIf Pakistan responds positively, it would open up the possibility of Test cricket between the two traditional rivals. http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/22pak1.htm
Free treatment for 20 Pak kidsThe move was part of the 12 proposals put forth by India.http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/22pak2.htm India places new peace proposals before Pakistan http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/22pak.htm
'Made in Pakistan' exhibition in Delhi in November http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/oct/01cii.htm
VHP's Ayodhya plan foiled http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/17ayo2.htm
Sena bid to hold meet in Ayodhya foiled
Party's state unit vice-presidents Babu Mishra and
Mahesh Ahuja were arrested along with 500 party workers at Naya Ghat, close to
Ram Katha Park, the venue of the proposed meet, when they tried to breach the
security cordon. http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/11ayo.htm
SC seeks details of 12 riot cases
The court directed the Gujarat government to file in
a sealed cover a report detailing the status of each of these cases and the
witnesses named therein by October 31. http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/17guj.htm
Bakery witnesses will be protected: Gujarat police http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/09best1.htm
It is a positive development: Dr Shabir
Choudhry
Commenting 23 October 2003 on the new initiative
taken by the government of India to break the dead lock on the issue of Kashmir
and improving relations with Pakistan, Dr Shabir Choudhry, Chairman of JKLF
Diplomatic Committee said, 'It is a positive development, and we hope that the
other parties to the dispute namely Pakistan and the Kashmiri leadership will
also respond in spirit of co operation'.
Govt ready to talk to Hurriyat http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/22ccs.htm
J&K govt committed to peace: Mufti
The CM said attacks will not shake his government's
resolve to take the state forward on the road to normalcy http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/17jk2.htm
Muslims return to Marad, and so does peace
On Friday, 72 of the 400 Muslim families that fled
after the May 2 attack returned, thanks to a peace plan that Chief Minister
Antony chalked out. http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/10iype.htm
Kerala cabinet approves Marad peace package
On possibility of recommending a CBI inquiry into
the May 2 violence, which left nine people dead, the cabinet decided to seek
the advocate general's advice. http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/08kerala.htm
India-NE
Continue dialogue in Nagaland: Vajpayee
The prime minister was accompanied by three Union
ministers C P Thakur, Bijoya Chakraborty and Ashok Pradhan. http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/27vaj.htm
Rebels pledge to shun violence
Some rebels of the United Liberation Font of Asom & National Democratic Front of Bodoland laid down arms and pledged to shun violence at a surrender ceremony in Tamulpur near Guwahati last week. (PTI via India West, October 24, 2003
*Nepal & Bhutan Nepal and Bhutan reach agreement on refugee issue at 15th Ministerial Joint Committee meetingBoth sides reportedly agreed that the appeals submitted by the people in Category 3 (non-Bhutanese who are claiming to be Bhutanese) would be reviewed by the Joint Verification Team by the end of January 2004. It was also agreed that people falling under category 4 (people who have committed crimes against the people and country of Bhutan) would be allowed to return and be given a chance to prove their innocence in a court of law. Their family members will not be prosecuted on their return to Bhutan. Both sides further agreed that people in category 1 (people who claim they were forcefully evicted from the country), category 2 (people who emigrated on their own free will), and category 4 (who have applied to return to Bhutan), will be repatriated as 'per the harmonized position on these categories.' Those people in Category 2 who do not want to return to Bhutan are to be allowed to apply for Nepali citizenship. Kuensel Online, October 23, 2003. *Pakistan Pak to release 74 Indian fishermen on Monday http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/nov/01pak3.htm Pak promises positive reponse to India's proposals http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/27pak1.htm *Pakistan-India Indian and Pakistani peace activists, on a voyage on The Topaz, a 195- metre-long boat, that started from Singapore to Chennai concluded that a quick solution to the problems between the two countries was next to impossible. The group included the former Indian naval chief Admiral (Retd.) R. Ramadas, Kashmir Times Group Chairman Ved Bhasin, Karachi University professor Jaffar Ahmed, activist and lawyer from Kashmir Muhammad Altaf Khan, and journalist Kathy Aryin Sokol. Expressing his views, Ramdas called for the immediate cease-fire in the Kashmir valley and demanded that India and Pakistan convert the Line of Control (LoC) into the Line of Peace, and then start a dialogue for peace. (Kashmir Global Network kashmir-global-network@yahoogroups.com, October 09, 2003)
Pak, India to increase staff at missionsIndia had proposed to increase the staff strength in view of the growing demand for Indian visas, especially after the resumption of the bus services between the two countries. http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/oct/06pak.htm *Sri Lanka Tamil Tigers end talks boycott Rebels unveil plan in Colombo. http://in.rediff.com/news/2003/nov/01ltte.htm *Sri Lanka and India 'Indo-Lanka economic pact by March 2004' http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/oct/21lanka.htm *USA South Asian lawyers groups form national association in USA
A
dozen South Asian groups comprising representing 5,000 plus attorneys from all
across USA to form the National South Asian Bar Association "to have a
national platform, to build connections, exchange ideas and to help the
community." (India West, October 24, 2003)
ORGANIZATIONS
(Readers are
invited to submit similar information
from other areas of South Asia to help us broaden of our coverage.
Please send the info to pritamr@open.org , a week before the date
of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace Bulletin)
*Pakistan India Peoples' Forum for Peace and
Democracy (PIPFPD-India)
In an October 24 statement released by Tapan Kumar Bose and Ashok Mitra,
PIPFPD-India welcomed the government of India's proposals aimed at normalising
relations between India and Pakistan and in particular the relaxation of the
restrictive visa regime and the restoration of air, road and rail links which
will facilitate people-to-people contacts and ease the hardships suffered by
the peoples of the two countries. They hoped that the government of Pakistan
will respond positively to these proposals and that the two neighbours can
begin the long overdue process of moving towards normalising
relations. But they emphasized that peace and cooperative relations
between the two countries require that both governments sincerely engage to settle
the Kashmir dispute keeping in mind the wishes of the people of Jammu and
Kashmir as reiterated in the several declarations of the Forum since 1994.
A
general meeting of the Lahore chapter of Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for
Peace and Democracy recently elected Liaqat Ali, a lawyer, as chairperson of
the forum. Other elected officers include Rizwana Yasmin as secretary,
Irfan-ur-Rehman as treasurer and lawyers Liaqat Naseer, Ahmad Nawaz Watoo and
Tariq Javaid as executive committee members. Lawyer Malik Saeed Hasan presided
over the meeting as the election commissioner.
*Pakistan Peace Coalition, (Karachi)
According to an October 30 statement by Karamat Ali
& B.M. Kutty, the Members of the PPC National Committee, while the
proposals announced by the Government of India for normalizing relations with
Pakistan and Pakistan government's response, are a very welcome development,
they leave much to be desired. “It is high time that the governments of
Pakistan and India put an end to their 56 years-long
propaganda game of one-upmanship against each other, which have cost the two
peoples dearly in
terms of their welfare and progress in all fields,” the statement added.
They urged the governments of Pakistan and India to immediately begin
implementing the steps already announced, without any reservations, and resume
meaningful dialogue with sincerity and a commitment to the people of the two
countries.
*India
Community Center (ICC), 555 Los Coches St, Milpitas, CA, 408.934.1130
ICC
presented October 4, a community event to launch "Promise of India" (www.promiseofindia.org), a movement to
encourage the Indian-American community to dedicate themselves to a democratic,
secular, pluralistic and united India and to preserve the social and political
heritage and traditions of India, particularly those related to communal
harmony.
*A
Road Map for South Asia, Pavan Nair
The continental mass of South Asia would not only
include peninsular India but also Pakistan, all of Kashmir, Nepal, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, Burma and the island countries of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This
is the geographic area where the Indic civilisation flourished and absorbed various
cultures and beliefs. This is an area which retained its core identity, inspite
of an influx of various races over the centuries. This core identity is clearly
visible today in each country, not in the monuments of history or state or
religion, but more in family values and a belief in God. I would like to think
of this as a common spiritual core whether Hindu, Sikh, Islamic, Buddhist or
Christian. It was a single common
movement which resulted in the independence of these countries in which each community
played its part. A movement based on non violence. That politics and religion
got involved was inevitable. That partition happened was also inevitable, given
the circumstances and the personalities. The terrible slaughter which followed
was certainly not inevitable and could have been avoided had Mountbatten heeded
the advice of his staff. That each country evolved its national identity is a
fact. But the common core has been retained. Witness the warmth with which
people meet. Witness the family values whether in Nepal or Sri Lanka. Political
compulsions and religious fundamentalism aside, we have lots in common besides
our geographic proximity. What has stopped the region from developing into a
major player with zero poverty? It is primarily the Indo Pakistan stand off on
Kashmir. It would be stating the obvious to say that the resolution of this
single contentious issue would result in the prosperity of the entire region.
India and Pakistan have to take the lead. This aspect is gaining ground on both
sides but till such time conflict resolution takes place, which may still be a
few decades away, is there a way forward? And what of the ‘core’ issue? Is
there a solution acceptable to the contending parties? This is a difficult
question, yet will be attempted in this article.
Please notice that whenever some progress is being
made on the Indo Pak front, militancy picks up as also terrorist strikes and
bombings. It is a question of survival of the fundamentalist elements. They
would be without a job, if things were to improve. It is now upto the
leadership on both sides to realise that they have been playing into the hands
of terrorist organizations by pointing fingers at each other. Unfortunately,
this trend continues. I for one do believe that the Government of Pakistan has
realised that a terrorist is a terrorist and not a freedom fighter whether in
Kashmir, New Delhi or New York. It may be difficult to come out openly against
jehadi elements, but this is a positive development and the Pakistani government
has taken measures to cut support to groups based in Pakistan. To what extent
this has happened is difficult to say, even for the experts. I say this because
having served in the Indian Army in Kashmir from 94 to 96, I have seen direct
evidence of the involvement of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories in providing
equipment for remote detonation of bombs as also other weaponry. 9/11 and its
aftermath has changed the scenario drastically.
The people in the Valley have genuine grievances
which need to be addressed. That an insurgency has sprung up internally which
has root in these grievances is a fact. That the Indian armed forces have been
fighting this insurgency and will continue to do so indefinitely is a fact.
That Pakistan has directly supported this insurgency is a fact. That excesses
do take place in counter insurgency is also a fact. Having said that, the
situation must not be allowed to stagnate as it has for the past fifty six
years, in spite of four wars which have achieved nothing for either side. We
have only succeeded in bleeding ourselves white. Look at the pathetic human
development record of our countries. Look at the rise in fundamentalism on both
sides of the divide. We have brought this on ourselves as also our neighbours
in the entire region. Both leaderships are being haunted by a genie of their
making, now out of control. So where do we go from here? Should we adopt the
Indian approach which is to take other issues in hand first and get a mechanism
in place in due course for considering Kashmir as also not to talk till either
side can get the militants under control? Or should we take the bull by its
horns and accept that the resolution of the core issue would lead to an
automatic resolution of smaller issues. There is merit in the Indian stand
since so much time has elapsed and getting some confidence building measures in
place may lead to a better understanding of the stands of both parties. This
would also give time to rein in jehadi elements by Pakistan, if indeed that is
possible. However, the stated stands of the traditional adversaries on the
‘core’ issue are so far apart that any delay in considering it would only
amount to putting it off and further delay. Should we be playing cricket or
discussing commerce when our soldiers are killing each other on the borders?
Thousands of civilians have become casualties due to indiscriminate shelling
from both sides. These reports are tucked away inside the papers if at all and
nevr make the headlines. I do agree with the stand of General Musharraf that we
need to move forward on the core issue without any further delay.
Let us examine the South Asian perspective. A
regional federation on the lines of the European Union would undoubtedly
benefit the member states. No two views there but the model would require suitable modifications. We already have
some kind of a mechanism in place(SAARC) which is at the mercy of the whims of
the Indian and Pakistani bureaucracies. We would first have to establish trust
between the two major players on one side and the confidence of the smaller
states on the other, that their identities whether economic, political or
religious would be protected. Can this be done before the K question is
settled? This is the essence of my proposal. If we start looking at Kashmir as
a regional problem rather than a national problem, the view may somewhat
change. Everyone in the region has a stake in the issue. Everyone will benefit
from a solution to this issue. Everyone can contribute to the resolution of
this issue.
Let us state a vital fact before proceeding any
further. Neither India nor Pakistan will part with what they are holding. The
obvious conclusion that most analysts come to is to therefore internationalise
the present Line of Control. To my mind, this amounts to another partition. We
have seen the results of partition as indeed the division of countries and
cities in the past. If we look at the region at a macro level as a federation,
then let us similarly look at Kashmir as a federation of two states with independent
governance but similar identity. This is where the regional countries can come
in. Let us consider demilitarising the Line of Control. No Indian and Pakistan
armies manning the borders but say a joint Sri Lankan - Bangladeshi force.
This could be funded by a regional fund for this and
other purposes. The same can be implemented in the Siachen Glacier, where more
than a million dollars a day are being spent in a cruel and absurd war. In
fact, we must start with Siachen which would show the way. There are no
populations involved in Siachen and mutual disengagement would be comparatively
easier. Let us now revert to the core issue and examine the methodology is some
detail.
There would be an open and easy flow of people
between the Indian and Pakistani parts of
Kashmir with visas being issued locally. A mechanism would have to be
put in place for establishing crossing points. We cannot have open borders to
start with, as indeed we cannot at the regional level. Kashmir would be a model
for the implementation of similar policies at the regional level. Similarly,
the movement of goods would be free yet regulated for purposes of security.
Tarrif and custom duties would be common in the entire South Asian region
including Kashmir. What about insurgency and terrorism? What about national
security concerns? What about the will of the people? What about Jammu and
Ladakh? I dont have all the answers but some of these issues will get addressed
once we disengage our armies on the borders and pull them out of Kashmir. A certain force level required to
maintain law and order would be allowed on both sides. Let us give true
autonomy to both parts of Kashmir. The people will sense they are free within
their part as also in the entire region. Fencing is another option to avoid
smuggling as also infiltration of fundamentalist elements from either side.
Indeed a part of the line is already fenced.
Having demilitarised the region, the next step could
be a district wise referendum with an option for integration of currently held
territories into either occupying country (I use this term for want of any
other) or a federation of the parts of Kashmir which opt accordingly. A
detailed proposal to this effect has been suggested by Professor Joseph E
Schwartzberg of the University of Minnesota. He has also suggested an exchange
of territory as well as populations to rationalize the present line. Any
concerned individual must study this proposal seriously. The mechanism and
modalities of this process could be worked out by a regional council consisting
of the representatives of the various districts on both sides of the line. This
council should be put in place as soon as the proposal is accepted by all
contending parties and should represent the various ethnic groups of the entire
erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
To summarise, stop the shooting war first, follow
this by a pullout from Siachen; demilitarise the Line of Control and get a
regional force as well as a regional council in place. Let the people decide
between integration and federation. Total independence, I am afraid, is not an
acceptable or even a viable option for the ruling elites on both sides. In this
model, it is quite possible that the Jammu region as well as Ladakh could
integrate with India. It is possible that Azad Kashmir may integrate with
Pakistan. If that is what the people want, then so be it. Gilgit and Baltistan
may go either way. The Valley will most likely go in for a federation either on
its own or with any other district like Kargil or Doda or Azad Kashmir.
The state of J & K was not a natural entity to
begin with and was a creation of the British. We need to understand that there
is a movement for freedom on both sides of the line, unless ‘azadi’ means
anything else. Quite simply, no one likes to be under the Boot. Also the
Pakistani, and I mean the ordinary man on the street is genuinely concerned
about the Kashmiri in the Valley just as we Indians would be concerned if Azad
Kashmir were a hindu majority area. I state this because many intelligent
Indians ask this question. That the rulers in Pakistan have chosen to
proactively help the movement militarily is another issue. As Christopher
Thomas has stated in his book ‘Faultline Kashmir’, the issue is not about the
people of Kashmir or even the territory.
It is purely an Indo Pakistani issue which is perpetuated by politicians on
both sides for their ends. We need to change that mindset.
We need to fight fundamentalism in the entire
region, whether Islamic,Hindu,Maoist, Tamil or Naxalite. None of the member
states of the region are free from it. This is where a joint mechanism can be set up to tackle the issue at a regional
level. The entire process of getting into the regional mode will vitiate the
atmosphere between the countries and will be like getting into a win win
situation for all members. The very first thing to do is to implement a
ceasefire on the Line of Control where civilian casualties are a daily
occurrence. I am surprised that an open offer for a ceasefire by the President
of Pakistan made to an official delegation recently was summarily rejected by a
joint secretary of the Government of India. The offer was repeated from the
podium of the General Assembly along with an admission that the jehadi elements
could be controlled. Is this not what India is demanding? Why should both
parties not implement a ceasefire if they are serious about improving
relations? Are cricketing ties more important than lives of soldiers and
civilians being lost everyday? A ceasefire should be followed by a Siachen
withdrawal where the combined toll in terms of killed and wounded will soon
have crossed the five figure mark. Leave aside the ten billion odd dollars
which the war has cost. A SAARC summit is coming up. Let Sri Lanka, Nepal and
Bangladesh and even Maldives take the initiative, if our leaderships are
hesitant to do so. Let the proposal come up for consideration and
implementation in a specified time frame of say, three to five years. Let us
maintain peace and sanctity on our borders till we have a regional mechanism in
place. Let people to people, city to city, NGO to NGO contact continue. Let us
dare to dream of a peaceful and stable South Asia. For this, each of us will
need to look inwards and root out the fundamentalism within. Even nationalism carried
too far, amounts to fundamentalism. Let us revive our core spiritual and human
values.
*Through January 4, 2004, Los Angeles,
CA: THE CIRCLE OF BLISS: BUDDHIST MEDITATIONAL ART," featuring about
160 Indian, Tibetan, Nepalese, Mongolian, and Chinese paintings, manuscripts,
sculptures, textiles, and ritual implements, which illustrate the ideals and
teachings of the Chakrasamvara Tantra and other Himalayan Buddhist tantras,
from about 40 international museums and private collections from Nepal, North
America, Europe, and Great Britain, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
5904 Wilshire Bvd, 323.857.6000, www.lacma.org
*Through
February 15, 2004: REVERIE AND REALITY: Nineteenth Century Photographs
of India from the Ehrenfeld Collection, an exhibition of 115 vintage
photographs by some of the earliest and most significant practitioners of the
medium (such as Lala deen ayal, Linnaues Tripe, Samuel Bourne, John Murray) at
the Legion of Honor Art Museum. The photographs range from scenes of daily life
in villages to sumptuous and formal visits of foreign royalty. Admission is $8
($6 seniors and $5 youth). More info from 415.863.3330 www.thinker.org
Pervez Hoodbhoy has been awarded UNESCO's Kalinga
prize for 2003 for popularizing science in Pakistan. He will receive the
award at the annual Word Science Day celebration in Budapest, Hungary, on
10 November 2003. As a part of the award, he will also receive a visiting
professorship to travel in India on a lecture tour for two to four weeks. The
UNESCO award has been endowed by the Kalinga Foundation Trust of India.
A faculty member at the
Department of Physics, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad since 1973, he
received the Abdus Salam Prize for mathematics, in 1984. He is chairman of
Mashal, a non-profit organization, which publishes books in Urdu on women's
rights, education, environmental issues, philosophy, and modern thought. He has
written and spoken extensively on topics ranging from Science in Islam to
education issues in Pakistan and nuclear disarmament. He produced a 13-part
documentary series in Urdu for Pakistan Television on critical issues in
education, and another series aimed at popularizing science. He is author of
"Islam and Science: Religious Orthodoxy and the Battle for
Rationality", now in 5 languages. His writings have appeared in The News,
Dawn, and Chowk Magazine. He has been an engaged speaker at a dozen US campuses
including MIT, Univ. of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University. He has appeared
on several US TV and Radio networks (PBS, NPR, Fox) to analyze the implications
of a nuclear South Asia and present his case against nuclearization.
CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIA
(Readers are
invited to submit similar information from other areas of South Asia to help us
broaden of our coverage. Please send the info to pritamr@open.org
, a week before the date of publication of the next issue of ACHA Peace
Bulletin)
*November
5-7, 2003, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA: THE NEW PATHS TO PEACE CONFERENCE is
designed to create a real dialogue among experienced practitioners on cutting
edge issue of how to build just and sustainable peace and development. The
conference features "Learning Lab" discussions led by leading
practitioners. These sessions are designed to facilitate learning across
participants and provide networking opportunities. More info from peacestudies@uwm.edu
*November 9-12, 2003, Whidbey Island, Washington, USA: THE PRACTICE OF PEACE is the theme of this conference. It will address the theme of chaos, confusion, and conflict in organizations, communities, and the world, and will explore what has been learned about working in situations of tension and conflict. Creative ways of conducting peacemaking and mediation will also be discussed. Cost is US $750 (with organizational support), US $450 (non-profits), US $350 (students). More info from Open Space Institute, 15347 SE 49th Place, Bellevue, WA 98006, USA. T: 1-360-293 2853, F: 1-360-588 8809 Email: sacred@anacortes.net, Website: www.openspaceworld.org/peace (Via www.coexistence.net)
*December 2-5, 2003, Amritsar, Punjab, India:
GURU GRANTH AND THE INTERFAITH UNDERSTANDING TO WORLD PEACE is the theme of the
Third International Conference On Sri Guru Granth Sahib bein sponsored by the
Guru Nanak Dev University, to commemorate the completion and the first
installation of the Granth by Guru Arjan in 1604, and its canonization and
installation as the Eternal Guru of the Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh in 1708.
More info from Prof. Balwant Singh Dhillon, Conference Director, Guru Nanak Dev
University, Amritsar - 143 005 (Punjab), Office Phone:
011-91-181-225-8803-09 extension 3245, Home Phone: 011-91-181-225-7624, Fax:
011-91-183-2258820, Email: balwntdhillon@yahoo.com,
Or Emeritus Professor Harbans Lal, 6415 Amicable Drive, Arlington, Texas 76016,
USA, Tel. 817-446-8757, Fax 707-922-7724, Email: japji@comcast.net
*December 7-10, 2003, New Delhi, India: INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT OF RELIGIONS AND WORKING FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE will discuss the question of how to build a culture of harmony and peace. The program will include a speech by the President of India; intrafaith and interfaith discussions; a valedictory address by H.H. the Dalai Lama; visits to religious sites; and a meeting with community leaders. Cost is US $350, US $475 (late). More info from Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, PO Box 1630, Chicago, IL 60690-1630, USA. T: 1-312-629 2990, F: 1-312-629 2991 Website: www.cpwr.org/what/programs/IndiaRegistration.pdf (Via www.coexistence.net )
*December 7-10, New Delhi, India: CONFERENCE
OF RELIGIOUS SOLIDARITY IN THE MIDST OF COMMUNAL VIOLENCE. Participants from
throughout India will exchange ideas and resources to create inter-religious
dialogue and engagement within India. The events will be held in Vigyan Bhawan,
Chinmaya Mission and India International Centre. Motre info form Dr. Hema
Pokharna ahinsa@hydeparkaccess.com
*December 8 – 10, Ankara, Turkey: FACES OF
WAR/PHASES OF RECONCILIATION: HISTORIES, DISCOURSES, POLITICS conference will
examine historical and contemporary experiences and theories on war and
reconciliation. Open to all methodologies and multidisciplinary perspectives
with special emphasis on “studies in culture and power.” Possible topics
include: history as trauma and reconciliation, collective memory of war and the
issue of acute forgetfulness; the phenomenon of (state-) terrorism; actual wars
“as seen on TV”; the American war machine; war and gender: is war a masculine
affair?; politics of war and peace: anti-war, anti-military, and peace
movements; changing face of war: war as an issue of globalization; hi-tech wars
as opposed to wars in trenches; the concept of “internal war”: ethnic
conflicts, civil wars, wars that divide nations; symbolic wars and virtual
peace: war and reconciliation as matters of (media) consumption; peaceful
technologies of war and violence: computer games based on war and strategy; the
Internet as the locus of free speech and “free bomb-making recipes,” “flight
simulators” as terrorist training gadgets; and war and cinema. More info from
Halil Nalcaoglu, Ankara University, Faculty of Communication, Rektörlüðü, Dögol
Caddesi, 06100 Tandoðan, Ankara, Turkey. T: 90-312-212 6040, F: 90-312-212 6049
Email: halil@media.ankara.edu.tr
Website: www.ankara.edu.tr (Via www.coexistence.net )
*December 10 - 13, New Delhi, India: WOMEN
AND MIGRATION IN ASIA conference being organized by University of New Delhi
Developing Countries Research Centre (DCRC), seeks to explore the gender
implications of migration processes both within different Asian societies as
well as across the Asian region and globally. There will be papers on the
following issues: women workers and migration; conflict, war and violence;
marriage and migration; transnational migration and the politics of identity;
and poverty, gender and migration. More info from Deepak Nayyar,
Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Oliver Tambo Bhavan BK-6A, Maurice Nagar,
University of New Delhi, Delhi-110007, India. T: 91-11-2766 6281/7725 ext.
1823, F: 91-11-2766 7049 Email: dcrcworkshop@hotmail.com
, Website: http://dcrcdu.org (Via www.coexistence.net )
*December 26-27, San Diego, CA, USA:
GLOBALIZATION, ETHNICITY, AND VIOLENCE is the theme of the Fourth Annual
Meeting of the South Asian Literary Association (SALA). More info from Nandita Ghosh, Co-Chair, Program
Committee, SALA, Farleigh Dickinson University, Dept. of English,
Communication, Philosophy, 285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940, Fax:
973-443-8713
COURSES & TRAINING PROGRAMS
*November 28-30, and February 16-20, 2004, New York, NY 10023, USA: DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS FOR GLOBAL CHANGE AT THE UN FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE. This course offered by the Institute for Global Leadership is for people who are searching for a new way to address global challenges that emphasize respect for human rights, peaceful settlement of disputes, ethics, values, and systems that will secure greater ecological integrity, economic and social well being. Register online by September 30 and December 20. Cost: November - $395 ($195 due by September 30); February - $700 ($190 due by December 20). More info from Virginia Swain, Director, Institute for Global Leadership, 121 West 72nd Street, Suite 8C, New York, NY 10023, USA. T: 1-508-753 4172, T: 1-508-753 1004 Email: vswain@global-leader.org , Website: www.global-leader.org (via www.coexistence.net )
*December 4, 2003, Boston, Massachusetts, USA: ELICITING NEW STORIES ABOUT CONFLICT, as workshop to present ways to elicit enriched stories that help people move beyond their old, polarizing conversations to develop new perspectives and relationships. Participants will explore frameworks and experiential exercises to learn how to listen for what is not said—the absent but implicit—so they can assist parties in thinking about their conflicts in new and constructive ways. Cost is US $160. More info from Manda Bohannon, Public Conversations Project, 46 Kondazian Street, Watertown, MA 02472, USA. T: 1-888-727 8326, F: 1-617-923 2757 Email: mbohannon@publicconversations.org, Website: www.publicconversations.org/pcp/index.asp?catid=51 )Via www.coexistence.net ) *Januray 2004, Hyderabad, AP, India: PEACEBUILDING SKILLS WORKSHOP. About 40 people from different parts of the world are expected to participate in this 2-week event. More info from ramesh prakashvelu ramesh.velu@lycos.com coordinator-conflict resolution programme, or hmiis@hd1.vsnl.net.in
*January 3 - 10, 2004, Bangor, PA, USA:
NATIONAL BASIC TRAINING course, offered by Peacemaker Training Institute,
Fellowship of Reconciliation, will train young adults (15-25 years old) in the
philosophy and strategy of nonviolent social change. Participants will live as
a community for 7-10 days; ground themselves in the history of social change,
theory, practice, and religious roots of nonviolence; learn about the
connections between racism, militarism, and poverty, among other issues; build
cross movement relationships with both young and experienced activists; and
develop anti-racist organizing skills within a personalized campaign for social
change. Basic trainings are held on campuses and in communities around the country
and attract participants from many states and occasionally various nations.
Cost is US $375-525 (sliding scale). Apply by December 1, 2003. More info from
Maryrose Dolezal, National Coordinator, Peacemaker Training Institute, 1050
Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104, USA. T: 1-651-647 4465, F: 1-651-647 4465
Email: pti@forusa.org , Website: www.forusa.org (Via www.coexistence.net )
*January 11-18, 2004, Andalo, Italy: NON-STATE VIOLENCE: VIOLENCE BY ARMED NON-STATE GROUPS AND INTERNATIONAL, a course offered by International School on Disarmament and Research on Conflicts, intended for people with a professional interest in the problems of international conflicts and those who would like to play a more active and technically competent role in this field. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and the subject matter extends from the technical and scientific to the sociological and political. More info from Carlo Schaerf, Department of Physics, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, I-00133 Rome, Italy. T: 39-67-259 4560, F: 39-62-040 309 Email: isodarco@roma2.infn.it, Website: www.isodarco.it (Via www.coexistence.net )