TUESDAY FEB 1, 2011 4:30 PM NIAGARA SQUARE BUFFALO NEW YORK USA
A seemingly all-powerful military, police and media apparatus, that has had the support of the U.S. superpower for decades, is crumbling before the even greater strength of a united people who have first conquered fear and may now push the dictator’s regime into the dustbin of history.
This struggle began in Tunisia in December when a young street vendor chose to burn himself rather than face humiliation. It has spread to Algeria, Yemen, Jordon and now to the largest and most central state in the Arab world, Egypt. This country, with its rich ancient history and impoverished population, with more than 80 million people, it is the largest of the North African states, is now finding its way back into the center stage of world events.
Ever since the Camp David agreements, Egypt has been a client state of U.S. imperialism. The U.S. has supplied Egypt with $1-2 billion in military aid over the years since 1979, second only to the aid the U.S. gives to the Israeli settler state. This aid includes the tear gas, rubber-coated bullets and live ammunition supplied the Egyptian riot police.
Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.
In turn, Hosni Mubarak’s Egypt supported the U.S. war against Iraq in 1991; it blocks the entrance to embattled Gaza today. Because Egypt is the lynchpin of U.S. imperialist foreign policy within the Arab countries, the current revolutionary crisis in Egypt raises the possibility, even the likelihood, that Washington will attempt to intervene in Egyptian internal affairs, with a good chance that this will mean military intervention.
Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.
On Jan. 28, President Barack Obama, realizing the Mubarak dictatorship’s days were numbered, made some statements distancing the U.S. from the 30-year-old regime in Egypt. We should remember, however, that in his State of the Union message, President Obama spoke of the U.S.’s alleged role spreading ‘democracy,’ but he pointedly avoided mentioning Egypt.
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As an anti-war and anti-imperialist solidarity group working within the United States, the International Action Center pledges to help build actions in solidarity with the people of Egypt and of all of those countries where people are struggling for democracy and freedom from imperialist domination. Thus the IAC will join the actions of the Egyptian community in the United States protesting the Mubarak regime, and it will build actions to demand that the U.S. desist from intervening in Egyptian affairs and especially that there be no military intervention against the Egyptian people.
Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.
Over the next days there are demonstrations planned in cities around the U.S. to show solidarity with the Egyptian people’s struggle. The IAC calls on its supporters to join these actions.
New date for event: Tuesday, March 22 at 8:00pm - March 23 at 1:00am
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for Flood Victims
After making 39 deliveries to 29 locations, having raised and disbursed relief items over 52 Million PKR (just from streets, only for flood victims. Over 120 Million PKR till date for various initiatives) since 3rd August, 2010,
Click image below to go to PYA website:
Pakistan Youth Alliance now vows to rebuild and renovate schools destroyed by floods. As donations dwindle, we are arranging a fundraiser-charity concert in Islamabad to raise enough funds to renovate 2 schools in Nowshera and Kot Addu respectively.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan shall weave magic by his music and mesmerize Islamabad live.
PYA, in continuation of its widely acknowledged flood relief efforts shall rebuild 2 schools through funds raised by this concert.
Shake your souls and help students who cant go to schools as their schools were destroyed by floods.
Top businessmen, diplomats and politicians will be in attendance.
Pakistan Youth Alliance remains to be the ONLY non-partisan youth organization to be acknowledge at UN Headquarters. New York City for its selfless and continuous work, whenever needed.
Click below for press conference at UN HQ's mentioning PYA:
For complete international, local media coverage, reports and documentaries; see our facebook albums and our youtube channel
"We observe 26th January as Black Day. When India celebrates its democracy, we want to remind the world that India has illegally and brutally occupied Kashmir. This time around we will observe peaceful processions on 26th January with Black Flags. Please get our message to the masses and officials in Pakistan that we need a strong Pakistan that will enable us to achieve freedom."
On November 2, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian Prime Minister broadcast to the nation from All India Radio, "We have declared that the fate of Kashmir is ultimately to be decided by the people. That pledge we have given (and the Maharajah has supported it) not only to the people of Kashmir but to the world. We will not and cannot back out of it. We are prepared when peace and law and order have been established to have referendum held under international auspices like the UN. We want it to be a fair and just reference to the people, and we shall accept their verdict. I can imagine no fairer and juster offer".
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Preamble states, "If man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, [that] it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations, [and] Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms."
On January 5, 1949, Document #: S/1196, PARA IS, Resolution adopted at the meeting of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan agreed the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite [people allowed to decide outcome of vote, a decree from the citizens] and that there is no victimization in Kashmir.
Female Indian police in (brown khaki) beating trying to arrest a Kashmiri woman
On September 28th, 2010, [United Nations News Service reported] Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi address the UN General Assembly [main policy making organ of the United Nations] stating, "that the Kashmiri people’s human rights must be respected and their voices heard to create an enabling environment for a peaceful solution of the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute.” Qureshi continued by condemning the brutality and prevailing situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir where more than 100 Kashmiris have been killed by Indian Security forces over two months prior to September 2010. In the same month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon [8th Secretary General of the UN] called for an immediate end to violence in Kashmir after recent deadly clashes.
The last attempt at peaceful declaration with no resolution was made four months ago.
On January 18, 2011, Muhammad Tabish, Correspondent for "Fortress Magazine" [Karachi, Pakistan] conducted a live audio/video interview with Mr. Syed Ali Geelani Sabas, [Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference] where Geelani stated, "Kashmiri nation is suffering from unbelievable atrocities since 63 years. It is time for the world to respond to oppression. We believe Pakistan will not only rely on diplomatic standards, in fact, [they] will strongly support our legitimate struggle."
Kashmir, a northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent is a disputed territory. It is claimed by India and Pakistan, as well as China. Kashmir includes Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan occupies Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. China administers Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract. The Treaty of Amritsar 1846, was in place due to the purchase of Kashmir by Britain from then Sikhs ruler, Ranjit Singh which annexed Kashmir. Gulab Singh became the new rulers, under British Crown until 1947. Jammu and Kashmir signed a treaty with India. India accepted this treaty from Kashmir until a time when the will of the people could be recognized because Kashmir was disputed territory.
By the 19th century, Kashmir had passed from Afghanistan, from Mughals and Afghans to the conquering Sikh armies. The Princely State of Kashmir and Jammu was founded 1820 - 1858 and did not develop full identity. In 1857, after the Indian Rebellion, Kashmir turned to Britain under direct rule and Kashmir came under seize of Britain.
The reigning monarch in 1947 and end of British rule with partition of British India formed the Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. During this split, both countries agreed that the rulers of Kashmir would be given the right to choose between Pakistan or India or to remain independent. Kashmir shared boundaries with India and Pakistan. Pakistan thought India would accede to Pakistan with end of Britain rule. When this did not occur, the United Nations were then a mediator.
Kashmiri funeral prayers of Fayaz Ahmad who died due to injuries
The United Nations approved a demilitarization of the state accepted by India and Pakistan. This cease fire divided Kashmir into two parts. Jawaharlal Nehru, one of India's founding fathers and first prime minister, told the Indian Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1947 that when the people of Kashmir are given the chance to decide their future it shall be done under supervision of the United Nations. On June 26, 1952, Nehru told Indian Parliament that if the Kashmiri people wish to go they can. India had broken promises originally made when first approaching the United Nations by later backing away from promises made in front of international community allowing Kashmir the right to self-determination. This began grave human rights violations towards Kashmir.
Person treated Srinagar's hospital, security forces opened fire on protesters
Since 1991, February 5th as been observed by Pakistanis around the globe as a day to stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir who have been struggling under oppression for six decades. Kashmir Solidarity Dayis a direct result of the partition of the subcontinent while under British rule in 1947. Under this plan, the subcontinent was to be split into two states, India and Pakistan.
To understand this partition of sovereign states, one must look at the geographical importance of Kashmir. Kashmir has tendency to accede to Pakistan. However, the then Hindu ruler, Jawaharlal Nehru along with the Indian National Congress, deployed its armies there on October 27, 1947 against the original partition plan and Kashmiri wishes. This began an armed struggle supported by a public uprising. Kashmir did not accept the illegal Indian occupation, struggling with their liberation to present day.
Freedom of thought and expression do not exist in Kashmir. Under the Armed Forces (Special Powers Act of 1958,Public Safety Act of 1978 and the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act of 1992), Indian troops have been given a free hand to kill, detain and torture any person irrespective of their age and gender. Nearly one hundred thousand Kashmiris (including youth) have suffered, suspect to be freedom fighters. Enforced disappearances are common in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan has always been an advocate towards India regarding a peace dialogue yet this has yet to occur. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani have stated that Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris and that is their fate. The issue of Kashmir has led Pakistan through three wars, devoting budget to defense. Kashmir is the nuclear flash point of Asia, surrounded by three nuclear powers. Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan. Both South Asian sides are armed with nuclear weapons. A war on Kashmir has potential to be a nuclear disaster not only for South Asia but the world.
In 1948, ceasefire was agreed under United Nations. The United Nations never truly interceded resulting in relations between India and Pakistan to deteriorate leading to two more wars over Kashmir in 1965 and 1999. India has control of half the area of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan controls a third, Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir. In 1951, elections held in Indian Jammu and Kashmir brought the leader Sheik Abdullah, the National Conference, supporting India. The President of India ordered the Constitution Order under Article 370. In 1957, elections to the State Legislative Assembly were held for the first time. This ratified the State’s accession to Union of India. The two countries fought several declared wars over Kashmir: The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 and and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The last resulted in a United Nations ceasefire.
As of 1971, Resolution 307, United Nations Security Council discussed that the grave situation in Kashmir is a threat to international peace and security deciding on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and Foreign Minister of India that: 1. Unilateral ceasefire and cessation of all hostility will be observed until all withdrawal takes place. 2. That all states refrain form aggravating this ceasefire due to harming international peace, to preserve human life under the Geneva Conventions of 1949. 3. To protect the sick and wounded, prisoners of war and civilians. 4. That international assistance be given to relieve the suffering and to rehabilitate refugees. 5. To authorize the Secretary-General of the U.N. for humanitarian issues nor to delay in informing the council on present solutions, and to remain seized of the matter and to keep it under consideration. All votes were in favor of this resolution of 1971.
September 11, 2001 changed the course of history. When the United States formed alliance to combat terrorism, India turned its back once again attempting to blame Pakistan for aiding militants through cross-border terrorism. The observance of the Kashmir Solidarity Day is Pakistan’s commitment. February 5th is a day to recognize Kashmiris’ struggle for justice, peace, truth, and basic human rights.
Indian Occupied Kashmir
*A 2005 study conducted by Medecins Sans Frontieres [Doctors Without Borders] found that Kashmiri women are among the worst sufferers of sexual violence in the world, with 11.6% of respondents reporting that they had been victims of sexual abuse.
*Amnesty International called on India to "condemn enforced disappearances" and ensure that impartial investigation is conducted on mass graves in its Kashmir region. [The Indian state police confirms as many as 331 deaths while in custody and 111 enforced disappearances since 1989.]
*1996: Human Rights Watch and Time Magazine: "In retaliation for the killing of one soldier, paramilitary forces rampaged through Sopore's market, setting buildings ablaze and shooting bystanders." [The Indian government pronounced the event 'unfortunate' and claimed that an ammunition dump had been hit by gunfire, setting off fires that killed most of the victims.]
*OHCHR spokesmen stated "The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights" is concerned about the recent violent protests in Indian-administered Kashmir that have reportedly led to civilian casualties as well as restrictions to the right to freedom of assembly and expression.
*Amnesty International criticized Indian Military regarding an incident on April 22, 1996, when several armed forces personnel forcibly entered the house of a 32-year-old woman in the village of Wawoosa in the Rangreth district of Jammu and Kashmir. They reportedly molested her 12-year-old daughter and raped her other three daughters, aged 14, 16, and 18. When another woman attempted to prevent the soldiers from attacking her two daughters, she was beaten. Soldiers reportedly told her 17-year-old daughter to remove her clothes so that they could check whether she was hiding a gun. They molested her before leaving the house.
*Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned human rights abuses in Kashmir by Indians such as "extra-judicial executions", "disappearances", and torture.
*The Armed Forces Special Powers Act grants the military wide powers of arrest, the right to shoot to kill, and to occupy or destroy property in counterinsurgency operations. Indian officials claim that troops need such powers because the army is only deployed when national security is at serious risk from armed combatants. Such circumstances, they say, call for extraordinary measures. Human rights organizations have also asked Indian government to repeal the Public Safety Act, since "a detainee may be held in administrative detention for a maximum of two years without a court order." A 2008 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees determined that Indian Administered Kashmir was only 'partly free'.
Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
*A two-day conference on Gilgit Baltistan was held on April 8–9, 2008 at the European Parliament in Brussels with the International Kashmir Alliance. The European Parliament expressed concern over the human rights violation in Gilgit Baltistan, and urged Pakistan to establish democratic institutions and rule of law in the area.
*International Crisis Group stated "Almost six decades after Pakistan's independence, the constitutional status of the Federally Administered Northern Areas (Gilgit and Baltistan), remains undetermined, with political autonomy a distant dream.
*According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence operates in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and is involved in extensive surveillance, arbitrary arrests, torture, and murder. Generally this is done with impunity and perpetrators go unpunished.
*Act of 1970 Constitution of AJK [Azad, Jammu and Kashmir] states election rules have been so formulated as to permit authorities to reject nomination papers of any politician believed to be insufficiently committed to the idea of accession to Pakistan. This was constituted by the people of Kashmir. Kashmir has been acknowledged as a disputed territory by Pakistan.
*No Kashmiri can be appointed on the official posts of "Inspector General of Police [PaK], Accountant General [PaK], and Chief Secretary of [PaK]. One from other provinces of Pakistan will be appointed on all posts, regardless how deserving and capable a Kashmiri officer is.
* * *
The Line of Control [LOC]matches the front line at the end of the first war between India and Pakistan, over the control of Kashmir in 1947. The LOC runs over 700km of forest, hills and inhospitable terrain. It splits villages in half and bisects mountains. Thousands of Kashmiri families have been separated from each other and aspire to meet yet due to ever-tensed circumstances between Pakistan and India, families are unable to reunite from years and decades. Kashmiri people demand softening of borders and LOC so separated families can meet and see their loved ones.
Another reason for dispute over Kashmir is water. Kashmir is the origin for rivers and tributaries of the Indus River basin with tributaries that flow into Pakistan. The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 resolved most of these disputes but the treaty faced issues raised by Pakistan over the construction of dams on the Indian side which limit water flow to the Pakistani side.
In 2008/09, Amnesty Internationaland BBC News reported that hundreds of unidentified graves [believed to contain victims of unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other abuses] have been found in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Data is based upon "Facts under Ground" a report issued by the Srinagar-based Association of the Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP). The graves are in areas not accessible without permission from security forces due to their proximity to Pakistan controlled areas. Since 2006, the graves of at least 940 people are reported to have been discovered. Amnesty International has urged the Indian government to launch urgent investigations into the graves, thought to contain the remains of victims of human rights abuses in the context of the armed conflict that has raged in the region since 1989.
"With all deference to this Parliament, I would like to say that the ultimate decision will be made in the minds and hearts of the men of Kashmir and not in this Parliament or at the UN . . . however, 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 to us. We want no forced marriages, no forced unions. I want to stress that it is only the people of Kashmir who can decide the future of Kashmir. It is not that we have merely said that to the United Nations and to people of Kashmir; it is our conviction and one that is borne out by the policy that we have pursued, not only in Kashmir but everywhere. Though these five years have meant a lot of trouble and expense, and in spite of all we have done we would willingly leave Kashmir if it was made clear to us that the people of Kashmir wanted us to go. However sad we may feel about leaving, we are not going to stay against the wishes of the people. We are not going to impose ourselves on them at the point of the bayonet. "I started with the presumption that it is for the people of Kashmir to decide their own future. We will not compel them. In that sense, the people of Kashmir are sovereign."
- Nehru, Indian Prime Minister’s statement in Indian Parliament, August 7, 1952.
In July 2009, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert O. Blake, Jr, stated that the United States had no plans of appointing any special envoy to settle the dispute, calling it an issue which needs to be sorted out bilaterally by India and Pakistan. According to Dawn this will be interpreted in Pakistan as an endorsement of India's position on Kashmir that no outside power has any role in this dispute.
India continues to assert their sovereignty or rights over the entire region of Kashmir, while Pakistan maintains that it is a disputed territory.
"Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein."
- Article 30: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations, 1948.
Tamasha seeks youth participants from all parts of the country to provide an opportunity to inter-mingle with each other and share thoughts through the medium of art. Tamasha consists of 20+ competitions to let youth express their soul through all possible mediums.
Tamasha is a dream that became a thought, a thought that became an idea, and an idea that has now become reality. It is an attempt to vitalize the lives of those who are the nation’s ultimate carriers and those who will make EVERYTHING possible one day.
Tamasha is an awakening.
A learning atmosphere is provided by workshops and seminars. While spice of fun is added through social events.
Tamasha 2011 is an event being held January 28th -31st, 2011, FAST University in Islamabad Pakistan. It is to provide all youth with a platform where they can express their thoughts through various mediums. The three-day event channels the enormous energy present in those who participate. One has to have a vision so internally stimulating that it can take shape to a life of its own and be be set free to the external world.
SUBMIT your written ideas on 'How to re-brand Pakistan practically"
It's time to open the doors, remove the barriers, break down the walls and lend an ear. It's time to COMMUNICATE with a family member, a friend, a coworker or simply a stranger on the street.
May is Mental Health Month and we need your support in spreading the news. The Counseling Center of WNY's goal is to promote health and wellness in homes, communities, schools, and business.
Every day, people are affected by the vast challenges, stresses and demands on their lives but they may not know where to turn to seek help in responding to them. The good news is there are tested and effective tools that are readily available and free that anyone can use to help them cope better and improve their well-being.
This Mental Health Month, The Counseling Center of WNY is encouraging people to use these tools which can be found in the 'Links' section of their website. http://www.TheCounselingCenterofWNY.com/.
The Counseling Center of WNY is dedicated to helping people better cope with stress and enhancing their well-being. Stress can take a huge toll on a person's health, mood, productivity and relationships, but specific, evidence-based tools can help counterbalance these effects.
Together we can increase the number of people who take action to protect their mental health, both in the face of ongoing stress and in times of great personal challenge.
The Counseling Center of WNY website provides you with straightforward tools and ways to apply them in everyday life. From relaxation techniques to journaling exercises to simple ways to get better sleep and improve eating habits, the materials offer a wide range of resources to build resiliency and well-being.
"Peace on Earth, that implies no violence, no starving children, no violent minds, no violent households, no violence, no frustration, no fear."
- John Lennon when asked in an interview if he had one wish for Christmas time what would that be?
Rare interviews with Lennon, a genius, please listen and be grateful for what is around you and put by you, because others may be less fortunate and be happy.
John speaks the truth:(click below)
As Lennon said: The thing we have in common is love and love equals peace. My Dad was a WWII Marine and everyone I know is involved in the madness of war in some fashion. This was my visit to Arlington. At the end of this, I tried, you know, as Lennon had, and maybe woke at least one mind. (click below)
Happy Christmas, (and to ALL celebrations at this time) love one another, be nice, don't judge and most important, be good to your own self. Peace, Sue
