What Constitutes Blasphemy?

Re: Sigalph235 #613

Re your comment about, ``The comparison of the atrocities of a professional, well equipped 90 thousand man Occupation army versus a freedom fighter force of largely volunteers is quite amazing.``

While I would usually side with you against Urstruly`s inanities, there are some factual errors here. The Pakistan Army strength in E. Pakistan never exceeded 35,000-40,000 at its peak. If you count the Police and FC contingents sent there as well, then we might be talking about 45,000-50,000 at the very most. The other internees were W. Pakistani civilians and govt officials.

Pakistani Police and FC paramilitary troops in 1971 were very lightly equipped--0.303 bolt action rifles (Lee Enfields copies) and light machine guns at best, maybe some mortars--certainly much worse so than Indian BSF troops for example. Most of the regular PakArmy troops in E. Pakistan were the two infantry divisions (approx. 25,000-30,000 or so men) airlifted there AFTER March 1971 WITHOUT their divisional vehicles, artillery, armour, or heavy mortars.

Things had reached such a state in E. Pakistan that about half the PakArmy artillery there was equipment declared unserviceable by the British at the end of WWII and slated for the scrap heap. It was taken out of the Ordnance depots in E. Pakistan and issued to the artillery regiments flown in.

Thousands of EPR and Bengal regiment mutineers (freedom fighters if you will), men already as well trained as the PakArmy or FC troops, were equipped by the Indians and formed the nucleus of the Mukti Bahini. In the latter stages of the insurgency (freedom struggle if you will), India inducted entire BSF battalions into the `Mukti Bahini` and by November 1971 there were brigade (2,500 men) strength clashes between regular PakArmy and Indian Army troops. I believe the largest such clash involved armour, artillery and air force elements. It is a simple fact that in some instances, the attacking `Mukti Bahini` were better equipped than the defending Pakistani troops.

As an aside, didn`t India keep several thousand troops in Bangladesh until 1975, disguised as the ``Mujib Bahini`` (if I have the name correct) to act as Mujib`s Praetorian Guard and enforcers? Allegedly, these were all `freedom fighters` but as far as I have read, they were Indian troops.

It is erroneous to state as you have done so about the ``well equipped 90 thousand man Occupation army`` since it simply runs counter to the facts. I am not debating about the level of atrocities, although the numbers are greatly disputed by all sides, but simply on empirically verifiable facts. Sissons and Rose, for example, in their book give Indian sources as stating that there were about 300,000 total deaths from all causes. Official Indian, and I believe Bangaldeshi, figure is about 3 million. Certain PakArmy formations (esp. 3 Commando and the FC troops) were certainly guilty of disgusting atrocities and should be punished in some objective reckoning, but then so were some mutineers and Mukti Bahini forces (`Tiger` Siddiqui`s--I believe I have the name correct--public beheading of PakArmy POWs in front of the international news media comes to mind at once). However, I don`t think that this is ever likely to happen on either side.

Regards.

Re: Umairr #618

Re your comment that who would have thought that a military govt would have done all this? May I quote you a fine old Vulcan proverb? ``Only Nixon could have gone to China.`` A civilian govt that tried to do this would have gotten no end of grief from the Army.

Regards.

In response to cheraym (Reply # 614)
Dear Cheraym:

Yes, buffoons come in all colors and creed. The situation is really sad, and there are no easy answers. The rule of law requirement suggests that those who ransack KFC, McDonnald, the Frontier Post Office and Press, a mosque/mandir, etc. must be prosecuted under the law of the country (though we may disagree with the nature of the law and the justness of the judicial system).

Your point concerning the economic and social development is undoubtedly and unambiguously valid. I have not been following the stories of strikes in Bangladesh and in your home state. Hence, I am unable to provide adequate and reasonable answers of your questions.

What kind of revolution are you proposing? Who will engage in it? What results do we expect? At what short and long-term costs?

The problems in our part of the world were not created during our post-colonial life span(s). Whether the problem is post-earthquake looting or of evilness in general, the issues are serious and they require a much more thorough understanding than what I can provide in response to your post. I, however, do share your agony.

Sincerely, Bilal Ahmad

In response to Godot (Reply # 601)
Dear Godot:

I think, I fall in both the categories of “Pakistan’s True Friends”and “Pakistan’s Worst Enemies” (as identified by you). Why? Because I “want to see Pakistan become a part of the civilized world and a country that is at peace within and without” and I “believe that, given Pakistan`s current situation, Pakistan has a future and a hope for tomorrow.” Any comment?

Sincerely, Bilal Ahmad

Urstruly #598 ``All the said acts, in no way validate, whatever happened during army action. A crime against humanity is still a crime.``

You got this right. I know that horrible crimes were committed against Pakistanis too: a dear family friend, who was in East Pakistan not to fight but to teach as the principal of a cadet college - a good man and the father of three young children - was murdered by the mukti bahini for the crime of being a West Pakistani; on the other hand, an equally dear Bangladeshi friend of mine lost his father at the hands of the Pakistani military without proper trial and based on suspicions only.

There is a moral here: There is no substitute for the peaceful settlement of disputes, even if full justice is not done. Far greater injustices occur in case of war of any kind. We should only fight when we are physically threatened, and then we should fight with full courage and determination. At all other times, we must try to promote peace and understanding even if we are accused of being soft-hearted liberals.

sattar2 #564 You say that ``I posted explanation of Ahmadi-Muslim interpretation of this verse in the Reply section of one of the articles. The link to the article is:

www.chowk.com/bin/showa.cgi?omirza_sep1200``

I looked and saw a number of posts from you, but could not find your comments on the verse in question. Would you be so kind as to let me know the post number on that thread so I may better understand your point of view?

There are some interesting developments going on in Pakistan:

``Debt committee supports capping of defence budget

Opposes expensive borrowing from IMF, World Bank, ADB; $21bn needed in four years for debt servicing; rules out default option; cabinet approves strategy

By Nadeem Malik

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has agreed in principle to keep constant non-development current expenditures, including the defence budget, at the current level to come out of the debt trap, said Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz. He was briefing newsmen on the debt committee recommendations on Wednesday.

The minister said the cabinet has approved all the recommendations regarding debt. An official debt policy will be announced by March 15, 2001, he added. Dr Pervez Hasan, former chief economist of the World Bank and architect of the debt management report, said the country is supposed to pay $21 billion to foreign creditors during next four years. He said it is a very serious and complex issue, warranting some special efforts to avoid any pitfalls. (http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/index.html)

Pakistan`s defence budget has actually been declining for a while, even though many people are unaware of it:

``the annual fund allocation for Pakistan’ defence budget is already on the decline. In 1990-91 the defence budget claimed 24.8 per cent of the total annual expenditure. By the year 1999-2000 the defence expenditure dropped to 20.4 per cent of the total expenditure....

In 1999-2000 Pakistan had allocated 143.4 billion for the defence spending which was equal to 1998-99. As percentage of the GDP, the defence budget declined by 4.9 per cent in 1998-99 to 4.5 per cent in 1999-2000.

In the current year Pakistan has further slashed its defence expenditure to 133 billion rupees.

During the last six years Pakistan’s defence, development and civil administrative expenditure has declined 17.2 per cent to 14.5 per cent.`` (Nation, Pakistan)

However, this is the first time, I am aware of, that the govt. has, as a matter of policy, frozen the defence budget for four years. It seems like the Pakistan govt. has finally decided it will now completely rely on a nuclear deterent to protect Pakistan against an Indian attack. This makes sense.

On the other hand, India has jacked up its defence budget to unprecendented heights. I cannot ever remember Indian moving up its defence budget so quickly. It increased it by around $3 billion dollars last year. It has signed some extremely expensive contracts this year:

``India to buy Russian aircraft carrier, jets

MOSCOW (AFP) - India is set to buy the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov and a set of jet fighters in a two billion-dollar deal, defence expert Vladimir Urban of the Russian military news agency AVN said Wednesday.

Long-running negotiations are set to reach a successful conclusion in Bombay during a visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov, Urban said.

The price includes the vessel built in 1987, the cost of a modernisation programme currently under way in the northern port of Severodvinsk, the training of Indian crew members, the construction of a port in India capable of receiving the Admiral Gorshkov, and the supply of the MiG-29K jets, AVN said.

Last week India paid 120 million dollars for five KA-31 helicopters for use aboard the Admiral Gorshkov.

Russia government sources earlier announced an 800 million dollar arms deal with India for the sale of 124 T-90 tanks and the production under licence of 186 other tanks, due to be signed by Klebanov during his visit to New Delhi beginning Wednesday.

India, along with China, is one of Russia’s leading clients for defence hardware.

The sale followed the announcement last December that Moscow and New Delhi had signed a three billion dollar contract for the production under licence by India of 140 Sukhoi SU-30MKI fighters over a 17-year period, representing one of Moscow’s biggest arms deals since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Separately, the KBM weapons constructor said it had signed a contract for several hundred mobile anti-aircraft missiles to be delivered to India in the first half of this year. The value of the deal was not specified.`` (Nation, Pakistan)

India also signed a $1 billion deal for aircraft with Britain, a few months ago. These aircraft deals, by themselves, are perhaps larger than all the combined military aircraft deals Pakistan has ever signed. I do not remember Pakistan signing any major aircraft deal for the past four or five years (apart from some rebuilt Mirages, and joint production of the K-8 trainer).

Interesting stuff for people interested in the defense scenario of South Asia. Pakistan is cutting down (in inflationary terms) its defence budget in an unprecedented manner, while India is doing exactly the opposite. I think Pakistan realized that it had lost its traditional ability to defend itself against India in a conventional battle, after India`s recent increase in defence budget (an increase equivalent to the total defence budget of Pakistan). It is impossible to fight a long term defensive conventional battle with 1:5 odds.

Traditionally, Pakistan had been able to keep around a 1:3 ratio with India militarily, due to Pakistan`s much higher economic growth rate, allainces with the US, and much better selection of equipment. However, none of these factors are now applicable. India`s economic growth rate has crossed Pakistan (although Pakistan should catch up again if Shaukut Aziz and his team are allowed to continue), the US is equally militarily allied with India and Pakistan now, and India`s choice of equipment is getting better (though still below Pakistan`s). India, of course, is six times the size of Pakistan, so there shouldn`t really have been a contest in the first place. Not too many countries, the size of Pakistan, have been able to take on adversaries so much larger than themselves. A feather in Paksitan`s cap.

So something is definitely going on. Pakistan is now officially 100% relying on its nuclear deterent to counter an Indian invasion. India is piling up weapons to threaten Pakistan, as if there were no tomorrow. Hold on to your seats, and thank Abdul-Qadeer (not the cricketer, but the scientist), even if you don`t like him.

This, in my opinion, is exactly the right move, at the right time for Pakistan (assuming Pakistan has the finances to maintain a credible nuclear stock pile). I had suggested it a while back. There is no point in chasing India`s armament build-up once it already has a 5:1 lead. There isn`t too much difference between 5:1 and 5:1.25 ratios. India`s aim is to get Pakistan into an arms race, and keep it there, until Pakistan`s economy crumbles; much like what the USA did with the USSR. India has no other use for the billions of dollars of offensive weaponry it has purchased. It is definitely not going to attack China with it, and it already has more than enough to attack Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, combined.

By stepping out of the arms race, Pakistan has basically laid to waste the billions India just spent, and is continuing to spend. This, of course, is under the assumption that India isn`t actually going to use those weapons to attack Pakistan. However, very poor countries like India, don`t spend billions to buy offensive military aircraft so much in excess of their own defense needs, just to display them or to spray crops with. What to do if India actually uses these weapons? Nukes seems to be the answer.

Enough of a conventional deterent to fight a short defensive war. During the meanwhile threatening to use Nuclear weapons if the aggressor does not stop the aggression, seems to be the policy Pakistan has adapted. A correct policy, in my opinion.

So for the first time, in my lifetime, Pakistan has subtly yet officially declared that it will not (cannot) maintain a credible conventional deterent against India. This is a watershed point in Pakistan`s history, even though many Pakistanis probably do not realize it. If the nuclear deterent is somehow destroyed/made ineffective, India will have successfully hegonomized the region.

Something is going on. Action against extremist religious parties (something that hasn`t happened for twenty years), multi-year freeze on defence budget (something that has never happened in Pakistan, as far as I know) even though India is going bonkers buying weaponry. What will be next?

Here are my predictions: If the Mullahs are effectively controlled and their bluff is called within Pakistan, the govt. will sign the CTBT. The army will voluntarily leave with the three years time (something unprecedented internationally, what to talk of Pakistan). A Turkish type of system will be set up, under which the army will have a constitutionally defined role in politics (the fans of Turkey and Ataturk should like this). All good decisions in my opinion.

Who would have thought that of all the govts., a military govt. would publish the HamoodUR Commision report, and would freeze the defence budget, as a matter of policy. I will say again, Musharraf is a sincere honest guy, with a pretty good head on his shoulders (for a general). The best choice amongst all the electable dictators currently available to Pakistan; the other options being Nawaz and Co., Benazir and Co. and Altaf and Co.

I ask all Indians on this site... and this is a very honest question ... How many people in India ascribe to these fantastic beliefs...

http://www.hinduunity.org/

Re Adnan (#571):

You stated that I am “avoiding the issues”. I have refrained from getting into the issue mentioned, but for a good reason. It would be fine by me if you inquire from me in a “normal, polite” manner, but there is no reason to be uncivilized, or to make accusations, as you did in your post. So be mindful that courtesy is a trait that is noble, and indeed worth having. Let’s try to keep this discussion within the bounds of civility.

I have refrianed from discussing the issue of Mirza Sahib’s comments regarding non-Ahmadi Muslims for the following reasons:

1. The issue that I am discussing is that of continuation of prophethood. It does not involve Mirza Shaib. This matter has its own merit, and is based upon logical arguments in the light of Quran, hadith etc. It can be discussed just fine without any references to Mirza Sahib.

2. Mirza Sahib wrote over 80 books in his life time and I do not have ready access to these books. If in a discussion excerpts from the writings of Mirza Sahib are quoted, I would not be able to check the context of the quotes and their implied meaning in a timely manner; and hence my reluctance in getting into this debate.

I am not a scholar by any means. My small collection of books consists of a few copies of Quran and some writings from various Ahmadi-Muslim scholars etc. It is easy for you or anyone else to make accusations aginst Ahmadi-Muslims. A lot of anti-Admadiyya literature is available on various websites, and can be posted by “copy-and-paste” method with a few clicks. Defending such accusations is a significant task, and I do not have the resources to make this committment.

Moving on to other issues. After reading your post regarding interpretation of verse 33:40 (Quran), following are some of my thouhgts:

In the preceding verses (33:37-38) the issue of Zaid’s (Prophet’s adopted son) divorce with Zainab, and Zainab’s subsequent marriage with Prophet (pbuh) is discussed. It is mentioned that this marriage was indicated to the Prophet (pbuh) by Allah Almighty. It seems fair to assume that by this marriage, the Prophet once and for all struck down the pagan Arab custom (i.e. considering it sacrilegious to marry one’s adopted son’s daughter).

You go on to make a “connection” between this marriage of Prophet (pbuh) and the Prophet being the “last” prophet. You state that the compulsion on the prophet existed since he was the ``last`` prophet, and therefore this had to be done by him.

My understanding is that the compulsion on Prophet existed simply because the Prophet’s marriage to Zainab was hinted at by Allah Almighty, just like numerous other commandments and injunctions contained in Quran. This marriage is in no way linked to the Prophet (pbuh) being the “last” prophet. The wisdom and necessity of this marriage stood on their own, whether or not the Prophet (pbuh) was the “last” prophet, just like numerous other commandments and injunctions contained in the Quran. In his lifetime the Prophet accomplished far greater goals: he conveyed the Quran in its entirety, freed slaves, fought battles, struck alliances between tribes and nations, taught “namaaz” (Muslim prayer), abolished “riba”, gambling, and drinking, established remarkable standards of justice and equality, established equal rights for women, laid foundations of one of the most brilliant empires known to the mankind, brought nations under the fold of Islam, and more. Many of these accomplishments are mentioned in the Quran, but no mention of “last” of the Prophets is made, except in the case of this marriage! Why so much importance is being given to this particular marriage in the context of the Prophet being the “last” prophet? The Prophet accomplished much loftier goals, didn’t he? Were those goals not as important (or more important!) as this marriage?

It is therefore my opinion that linking this marriage with the Prophet (pbuh) being the “last” prophet is a stretch of imagination!

Now we turn to what I think is the message being conveyed in verse 33:40 of Quran. My understanding is that in this verse Quran hints at another topic, which is somewhat different, and yet related to the issue of the Prophet (pbuh) not having any male children. Following is my explanation:

In Surah-e-Kausar the Prophet (pbuh) is given the glad tidings of “Abundance” – abundance in every sense of the word (108:1-3). Believers are commanded to offer prayer and sacrifice to win the pleasure of the Lord, and that surely it is the enemy who will remain issueless, i.e. the enemy will be cut off (Arabic word “abtar” is used here for the enemy).

[It is worthy, although not necessary, to note that historical accounts of Prophet’s life support the context of these verses. These verses were revealed during the time when the Prophet (pbuh) was a poor man and his claim to prophethood was looked down upon. When the Prophet’s two infant sons from Hazrat Khadijah passed away, the enemy used to taunt the Prophet and call him “abtar” (one who is issueless). The enemies used to taunt that after Mohammad (pbuh) has passed away, there will be no one left to carry his name or his mission.]

Verses from Surah-e-Kausar may lead one to wonder that if the Prophet’s enemies remained “issueless”, was the Prophet (pbuh) ever blessed with any surviving male children?

[This is also supported by historical accounts. Evidence suggests that after the revelation of Surah-e-Kausar, the idea found favor with the believers that the Prophet will be blessed with sons who would live to an adult age.]

This topic is addressed in 33:40 in the “Khattam-un-Nabiyeen” verse. It clears any doubts and states that the Prophet does not have any surviving male children. The verse then calls the Prophet “Rasool Allah”, thus affirming the Prophet’s status among the whole “ummah” (followers). The verse further affirms status of the Prophet by calling him Khattam-un-Nabiyeen, that is, the “Chief of all Prophets” (here I have replaced “Seal” with “Chief” to illustrate the point)

“Seal of Prophets” implies that the Prophet (pbuh) has the highest status among all prophets. It also implies that the following prophets will have to have the “seal (i.e. an “official stamp of approval/authenticity”) of prophethood” i.e. they will have to be followers of the message brought by the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

The Quran 33:40 verse addresses the “issueless” topic hinted at in Surah-e-Kausar. It also provides the beloved Prophet (pbuh) with consolation. It consoles the Prophet that despite what the enemy says, the status of the Prophet (pbuh) is that of “Prophet of Allah” and “Chief” of all Prophets. On a secondary level, reference in this verse to the Prophet not having any surviving male children may be taken in the context of the Prophet’s marriage to Zainab. But connecting “Khattam-un-Nabiyeen” as ``last`` Prophet, with this marriage is beyond logic and reason.

I have in front of me a copy of Quran from a great Muslim scholar (non-Ahmadi Muslim), Mr. Abdullah Yusuf Ali (1872-1953). He was not a typical “maulvi”, but rather a very accomplished scholar and a highly educated man. In his “translation” Yusuf Ali Sahib has translated “Khattam-un-Nabiyeen” as “Seal of the Prophets”. Then in the footnote he describes “Seal” meaning “Last”. That is his interpretation, and I respect it.

In the light of the above discussion, I insist that there is ample evidence that word “Khattam” be validly translated as “Seal”. As far as the interpretation of the word “Seal” is concerned, to each its own. You seem to be adamant that others have to subscribe to your “interpretation” of the Quran as well, and not only the translation. People like you act like the “chowkidars” of the Quran. Only Allah can play this part. So let Allah do His job, and leave Ahmadi-Muslims in peace. Live and let live, man.

Best regaards,

Asad Sattar

re My own post #594

I take that back. There is no way I can afford to distribute suits of any kind! It is either sweets or nothing.

EK

P.S. - although if I am proved right, which is what I suspect will happen, I can safely promise to hand out anything :)

Dear Bahmad:

See buffoons come in all colour and creed. http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/feb/14valen.htm

They can go to any extent for any small thing such as Valentine`s day celebration. These people have ransacked KFC, MCDonnalds in India before. However, much of these has to deal with the economic and social development in our countries. People with decent job, education will not do such things. Unless, we are free of these bondages, no freedom of expression will be sufficient. It is our misfortune that in last 53 years, in both countries, we have yet to see a group of people in decision making of close to 1.4 billion people in the subcontinent, who have only people`s interest in heart. Bangladesh is going through 3 days of general strike, what a foolish thing to do. In my home state, the state government itself calls for strike. What are these people? Can you tell me?

Another menance is growing fundamentalists in all religions who are just exploiting people like corrupt politicians. So what are we discussing here? Unless, a total revolution occurs in our countries, do not see any hope. May be bit pessimist, but can you really see hope? See there are people who can loot people even in the midst of earthquake. Do you not think at that time how come in God`s world so many evil people exist?



Regards

re urstruly

``The point is that the horrendous crimes were committed on both sides.``

I agree with that part of your post. The rest of it sounds, smells, and stinks like the defense put up by Marshall Goering and General Jodl at Nurnberg or by the Serbian regime at the Hague. There is no comparison. I can match and more than that each post you post; that hardly serves any purpose here since I have already mentioned some. What you do forget, conveniently, is that almost all your press clippings are from before Dec 1971 when the real picture of the carnage finally emerged. The comparison of the atrocities of a professional, well equipped 90 thousand man Occupation army versus a freedom fighter force of largely volunteers is quite amazing. I`ll suggest readers take a quick look at the site gendercide.org/case_bangladesh or read the 1981 30th anniversary report of the UN Commission on Human Rights which called the Pakistani-Razakar genocide the `worst in history` in terms of percentage of population and amount of time involved. The point insofar as this board is concerned is the fact that all this was done in the name of Islam!

As for the `Urdu` being accepted by all the parties, pal take a deep breath. In 1948 Pakistan had ONLY one party, the Muslim League. And even then as early as February 1948, the Quaid-e-Azam`s unilateral declaration of the issue was vociferously opposed by those who came to hear him at the University of Dhaka, most of them the very students who were at the vanguard of the Pakistan movement. None other than the mover of the Pakistan Resolution, the Lion of Bengal Moulvi Fazlul Haque had openly opposed that declaration. Perhaps it is this mindset of thinking that the Punjabi feudal class plus the UP bureaucracy constitute `all` in Pakistan that cost you guys half the country. Shape up my friends or the rest may be gone too.

An appeal:

Can someone please track how Pakistani miltary`s action against terrorist groups is progressing?

For those who do not accept my underlying premise, please follow how the Government of Pakistan is going about controlling the display of arms, collection of funds, and storage and movement of arms within Pakistan by Jihadi groups.

I ask because I may be coming online only irregularly over the next few weeks. It will be wonderful if I was happily surprised. Afterall, we are all in this boat together.

Thank you.

Sadna #597

Thank you for that link. Brian has a long and distinguished record of `opposing` India, but he is an honest and honorable `opponent.` He is the kind of kind of person I believe everyone should pay some attention to. The trouble arises when one is confronted with dishonest people who talk through both sides of their mouths in order advance their hidden agenda.

Coming to your point about moderates losing political space to religious extremists, I share your concern that we must NEVER let that happen in India. We must be on guard, realizing that we are not some special, god`s chosen people. An average Pakistani and an average Indian is cut from the same identical cloth. We are just luckier that our founders chose a radically different vision of nationhood and a different cultural structure for striving towards those national ideals. True democracy is an goal difficult to go after and frustratingly impossible to achieve. Yet we must persist.

However, I fear what is going on in Pakistan is far deeper than what you suggest. It is not that moderate groups are `losing` ground to `extremist` groups. Rather, there has been a withering away of the boundaries between moderates and extremists in Pakistan. This erosion of boundaries has resulted from the devil`s compact some influential moderates in Pakistani establishment made and are determined to maintain in order to realize their megalamanical goals. Many other non-establishment moderates are being sucked half willing -- who doesn`t like the excitement of being a leader of the Unmah and defender brothers in distress? --, and half unwilling --even Unmah lovers like to live decent lives. The rest of the moderates have no say in how Pakistan is run.

That is why setling or not settling of Kashmir issue has nothing to do with the troubles between India and Pakistan. Any Indian effort towards peace is bound to be viewed by extremist groups and moderates who have made the devils compact in Pakistan as hounds view blood, whetting their appetite further. Remember, there is no end to the amount of glory one can seek, especially with 140 million potential members of a `free` Unmah in India. What these latter want or do not want is inconsequential.

When I can take out a couple of hours, I will dilate on on the aims and strategies of this Unmah jihad. But, as I said before once, these things are so simple any child can see them in all their clarity--except for some good people who, unfortunately, don`t matter.

Umairr,

If free elections were held today, the results - in my view - will be held as follows:

In Jammu, overwhelming support for India in Jammu region.

In the Valley region, overwhelming support against India.

In Ladakh region, overwhelming support for India.

So??!!

I will take you at your word that you are concerned with only human rights. Now, let me see how far you are willing to go to promote the good of human rights over all other goods. It will be a tragedy if it turned out that you are, in the final analysis, really not interested in human rights. Please dont disappoint me.

You have my answer to your question. Now, I ask you, so what?

Day 0:A letter on the 29th of January appeared in the

Frontier Post it was an e mail addressed to the editor under the caption “Why Muslims hate Jews” by a BenDZac .This letter subsequently triggered an uproar which brought down the Frontiers only major Independent daily .

What was

so ‘blasphemous’ about this letter? ,Well this this letter did not disappoint unfortunately .

References were repeatedly made in the letter against the Holy Prophet (Sm.) in which

It declared him the first ‘nazi’ with nastier comments about ‘the taking of wives’ and moves to expel the Jews from Arabia ‘ for their wealth , land , and women ‘.

The provincial administration reacted fairly quickly , with the district magistrate Muhammad Javed accompanied by a contingent of police raiding offices of daily The Frontier Post sealed its offices and printing press and it’s sister publication the Urdu Daily Maidan .The district magistrate stated in a press note given to reporters ‘The highly objectionable and derogatory material published by the newspaper has grossly hurt the feelings of the Muslim Community and have caused immense resentment amongst them .Since the irresponsible conduct of the newspaper attracts the provisions of section 295/ a , b ,c of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) a case has been registered against the management and the responsible functionaries have been arrested ‘.Those provisions in the PPC of section 295 attract the death penalty if any of the arrested are convicted.

Those ‘ functionaries’ arrested/taken into safe custody were the paper`s news editor Aftab Ahmad,

chief reporter Imtiaz Hussain, a sub-editor Munnawar Mohsin, feature

writer Qazi Ghulam Sarwar and in charge of computer section Wajihul Hassan.Besides them the managing editor Mahmood Afridi and Joint Editor Syed Javed

Nazir were also supposed to be arrested but they were not in the city at the time,formal registration of the FIRS was done the next day (Tuesday ).

However just prior to these arrests the Frontier Post issued a statement:’While we offer an unqualified apology over the occurrence , gross beyond measure and precedent , we assert we are the aggrieved and wronged party …the matter is the outcome of a conspiracy against the Frontier Post ..to close it down rendering employees jobless ..We have also lodged a complaint with the police , nominating the persons we suspect ‘

It was too little to late as activists of the student wing of the

Jam’aat-e-Islami were already holding a demonstration against the letter on Jumrud Road and had already been in contact with other religious organizations , as well as issuing a warning to the administration that if no action was taken they would take the Law into their own hands .Besides them Sikander Sherpao ( Aftab Sherpaos son ) and Ajmal Khattak also issued statements expressing their personal concern over the contents of the said letter .

Day 1: The next morning at a madrassa near namak mandi members of the Jamiat-Ulema- Islam , Jam’aat Islami , Tanzeem Islami , Sipahi Sahaba , Khatmi Nabowat ,Jamaat Ahli Hadis-O-Sunnah held their meeting to organize rallies that day .The first of which were mostly student activists from Peshawar university who noisily demonstrated all the way from Campus , surviving tear gas and lathi charges on their way ,

to Peshawar Press Club where they were addressed by the Deputy Commisioner Peshawar Badshah Gul Wazir who managed to peacefully disperse them, however it has eben resported by some that some damage was done to the press Club , another demonstration held was held at NamakMandi , the district magistrate Muhammad Javed successfully defused the situation and a relatively peaceful demonstration was held.

The most violent demonstration however started from Cantt.Bazaar to the printing press building holding up placards saying ‘The Frontier Post agent of Jews ‘ , ‘Those who commited sacrelige againt the Holy Prophet must be hanged ‘ and then upon reaching the rally set fire to the printing press , as well as much of the Newsprint , some

tore down the the Frontier Post sign while others blocked the fire ambulance people from putting out the fire , all of this occurred

Inspite of the large police presence.An FIR was lodged though with West Cantt. Police against those who attacked the building under the Maintence of Public Oder (MPO) but whether any action will be taken remains to be seen .Around the same time the Khyber Union of Journlists also condemned the said letter and demanded action after ascertaining of responsibility , while also appealing for the release of the journalists .

Day 2 : A large rally was held after a meeting a Tehmas Khan Stadium at the historical Qissa Khwani Bazaar on their way they were forcing shop shutters down some members of the rally also started looting and attacking cars , meanwhile breaking of from the rally Activists of Islami Jamiat Talaba set ablaze ‘Shama Cinema ‘ .”Shama Cinema ‘ and damaged Shabistan as well as Naz cinema .The activists were armed sticks , steel rods and containers holding oil canisters .The owner of Shama Cinema is former minister and Awami National Party stalwart Bashir Ahmad Bilour .Shama cinema had been closed several times in the past for allegedly showing ‘pornographic movies’ and had been the object of much of the student groups ire for ‘corrupting the morals of the young ‘ .Later that day a angry Bashir Bilour registered a FIR against Hakeem Abdul wahid , Provinical Amir of Jam’aat-I-Islami and Haji Dost Muhammad as well as Abdul Wasi ( distict and student wing amirs respectively ). , he also addressed a press conference declaring what happened as ‘naked terrorism by the Jam’aat-I-Islami ‘ and ominously said ‘ We can retaliate in a befitting manner but we don not want to take the law into our own hands .We want peace in the area ‘, he also stated that the damage caused amounted to some 3million Rupees(oddly enough the meeting at Tehmas Khan Stadium was also addressed by Haji Adeel , a former deputy speaker of the Provincial Assembly and ANP member )

Day 3:A meeting was held at Mohabat Khan Mosque where it was finally agreed to call of the strike for a period of one month to allow the governement to prove ‘it’s sincerity ‘ otherwise after a month further action would be taken .In the meantime the APNS ( All Pakistan Newspaper Society appealed to the Ulema to accept the frontier Posts apology and call of their agitation ) .The Governor announced the establishment of an enquiry tribunal to be headed by Justice Mohammad Qadsim Khan to probe the incident and give a report within a week .

What will happen next is uncertain , an unfortunate situation nearly blew totally out of control .The extent of which was noticeable by the police holding back several times on cracking down for fear of an undue escalation .However allowing mobs to attack buildings when there is recourse to the Law is something which is becoming depressingly familiar in Pakistan . The saddest

being that a newspaper which has had people like Aziz Siddiqui , Farhatullah Baber and others gracing it’s pages

at it’s zenieth

had to be closed down for the first time in it’s publishing history .Which is not to say the paper

has not had it’s unfortunate share of controversies in the past , what with it’s chief editor in jail on narcotics charges for the last 2 years the loss of many of it’s best writers and competition eating into it’s circulation , it still managed to have a fair number of scoops recently ..breaking the news first on the whereabouts of Aftab Sherpao and on corruption in the SSRC , in fact on that same letters page where the ‘blasphemous letter ‘ was published there were three other letters two of which were ironically very supportive of the government and the last written by a Shahid Mahmud ( also by e mail ) was

even more ironically very critical of the Jama’at-I-Islami !

In fact for the last several years it has been going in loss , the fate of the 350 employees of the Newspaper also hangs in the balance .The question now remains

whether the paper can survive this episode and restart ..although I am left to wonder what the man who sent that e mail must be thinking ?