SherEPunjab
Diamond Member
The so-called 'indigenous freedom struggle' (in the context of Kashmir) theory advocated by hardline Muslim groups (and nations such as Pakistan), is such a load of b.s.
The following is but one link, that provides information to the contrary. More than 60% of the groups fighting in Kashmir are not ethnic Kashmiris at all, most are Pakistani (out of which a majority are most likely Punjabi i.e. non-Kashmiri), and the remaining are a mix of Afghans, chechens, chinese, and Arabs (as well as disillusioned/brainwashed 'others,' including but not limited to John Walker Lindh - who did fight in Kashmir). There are relatively small amounts of ethnic, indigenous Kashmiris who are militants, but, unfortunately they have been the victims of either brainwashing, and/or suffered in some way from the Indian armed forces (who imho do try their best to differentiate between terrorists and innocents, but have unfairly killed/and or imprisoned the wrong people before. Many of the Indian army people are Muslims, and most of the victims of terrorists in Kashmir are Muslim as well.. so those that bring the religious card into this make a weak argument).
I know this topic may not be as 'hot' as what is happening to Israel, but to those that are educated on the subject, they do know that the violence that occurs there is almost on par, if not equal to, what is happening in Israel. I think that ATOT members should know about this subject as well, as it is very relevant to what is currently going on in the worlds fight against terrorism. I also wanted to get some feedback from ATOT members to see what their perceptions are on this conflict, whether they know enough about it or not, and what has been told to them anecdotally and what is backed by facts and statistics.
It seems that many people on here seem to think that all these "freedom struggles/jihad" are solely a result of friction between religions. Well its safe to say that is not an accurate statement. In the case of Kashmir, at least, there are HUGE political motivations for these terrorists/mercenaries. Again, most of the victims there are Muslims, and most of the perpetrators of violence are NON-NATIVE Muslims. They are bent on dividing the people based on religion over there (India is a secular nation), and to some extent, they have suceeded. an example of this, is the 'forced' practice of Muslim women wearing veils, and groups of Kashmiris are now protesting against Indian rule there. India even gave the people of Kashmir a fair vote (and invited 3rd party, neutral Western media and analysts to observe who ALL came to the conclusion that the votes were fair) to see who the Kashmiris wish to govern them.
I have been surprised by what some of my middle eastern/arab friends think about the Kashmir issue. Apparently, many Pakistanis have been telling them that this is a freedom struggle. They have told them this is Jihad,and gone even as far as comparing it with what has happened in Israel (this can in no way be compared to Israel, where land was literally taken from the then current inhabitants. Kashmir has always been a part of India, first Hindu area, later dominated by a blend of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists). Today it is mostly Muslim, but the main reason for that is the other minorities had been driven out/murdered.
link 2 article
The following is but one link, that provides information to the contrary. More than 60% of the groups fighting in Kashmir are not ethnic Kashmiris at all, most are Pakistani (out of which a majority are most likely Punjabi i.e. non-Kashmiri), and the remaining are a mix of Afghans, chechens, chinese, and Arabs (as well as disillusioned/brainwashed 'others,' including but not limited to John Walker Lindh - who did fight in Kashmir). There are relatively small amounts of ethnic, indigenous Kashmiris who are militants, but, unfortunately they have been the victims of either brainwashing, and/or suffered in some way from the Indian armed forces (who imho do try their best to differentiate between terrorists and innocents, but have unfairly killed/and or imprisoned the wrong people before. Many of the Indian army people are Muslims, and most of the victims of terrorists in Kashmir are Muslim as well.. so those that bring the religious card into this make a weak argument).
I know this topic may not be as 'hot' as what is happening to Israel, but to those that are educated on the subject, they do know that the violence that occurs there is almost on par, if not equal to, what is happening in Israel. I think that ATOT members should know about this subject as well, as it is very relevant to what is currently going on in the worlds fight against terrorism. I also wanted to get some feedback from ATOT members to see what their perceptions are on this conflict, whether they know enough about it or not, and what has been told to them anecdotally and what is backed by facts and statistics.
It seems that many people on here seem to think that all these "freedom struggles/jihad" are solely a result of friction between religions. Well its safe to say that is not an accurate statement. In the case of Kashmir, at least, there are HUGE political motivations for these terrorists/mercenaries. Again, most of the victims there are Muslims, and most of the perpetrators of violence are NON-NATIVE Muslims. They are bent on dividing the people based on religion over there (India is a secular nation), and to some extent, they have suceeded. an example of this, is the 'forced' practice of Muslim women wearing veils, and groups of Kashmiris are now protesting against Indian rule there. India even gave the people of Kashmir a fair vote (and invited 3rd party, neutral Western media and analysts to observe who ALL came to the conclusion that the votes were fair) to see who the Kashmiris wish to govern them.
I have been surprised by what some of my middle eastern/arab friends think about the Kashmir issue. Apparently, many Pakistanis have been telling them that this is a freedom struggle. They have told them this is Jihad,and gone even as far as comparing it with what has happened in Israel (this can in no way be compared to Israel, where land was literally taken from the then current inhabitants. Kashmir has always been a part of India, first Hindu area, later dominated by a blend of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists). Today it is mostly Muslim, but the main reason for that is the other minorities had been driven out/murdered.
link 2 article
