06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Tension along the Line of Control minimal ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19754]

"Unlike in previous years, tension along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir was minimal. The Home Ministry reported no cases of artillery shelling, mortar, or small arms fire across the LOC or on the Siachen glacier. "

Document(s): Open document

09.01.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Pakistan and India to discuss peace process ("Pakistan, India to discuss peace process, bilateral ties during Mukherjee visit"), Autor: Government of Pakistan [ID 18783]

Document(s): Open document

08.01.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Indian Prime Minister Singh hopes for lasting peace treaty with Pakistan ("Indian PM hopes for lasting treaty with Pakistan"), Autor: AFP [ID 18782]

Document(s): Open document

04.01.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir leaders to visit Pakistan to push peace ("Kashmir leaders to visit Pakistan to push peace"), Autor: Reuters [ID 18780]

Document(s): Open document

12.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Semi-annual risk assessment (June - November 2006) ("FAST Update India/Kashmir: Semi-annual risk assessment Jun - Nov 2006"), Autor: Swiss Peace Foundation [ID 18778]

Document(s): Open document

25.07.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Erstes Treffen zwischen indischen und pakistanischen Landesvertretern in Dhaka seit Bombenanschlägen geplant ("India, Pakistan to hold talks in Dhaka: Indian official"), Autor: AFP [ID 15771]

Document(s): Open document

25.07.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Indian and Pakistani officials to meet in Dhaka in first encounter since Indian government called off peace talks following deadly train blasts in Mumbai ("India, Pakistan to hold talks in Dhaka: Indian official"), Autor: AFP [ID 17324]

Document(s): Open document

25.06.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

India says no to Musharraf's latest proposal to "demilitarise" Kashmir ("India says no to Musharraf's latest proposal to "demilitarise" Kashmir"), Autor: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 15737]

Document(s): Open document

15.06.2006 - Source: International Crisis Group

India, Pakistan and Kashmir: Stabilising a Cold Peace ("India, Pakistan and Kashmir: Stabilising a Cold Peace") [ID 15762]

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Indien und Pakistan halten 2tägige Gespräche über Rückzug der Truppen ("India, Pakistan hold talks on pullout from world's highest battlefield"), Autor: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 15730]

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Annual Report 2006 ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 15839]

"Die Fortsetzung der Friedensgespräche zwischen Indien und Pakistan führte dazu, dass es erstmals nach 58 Jahren wieder eine Buslinie zwischen den beiden Teilen der geteilten Himalaya-Region Kaschmir gab. Im Oktober und November wurden fünf Grenzübergänge entlang der Waffenstillstandslinie geöffnet, um Hilfslieferungen für die vom Erdbeben betroffenen Menschen zu erleichtern. Da aber die zentralen Streitfragen nach wie vor offen waren, besserten sich die Beziehungen zwischen den beiden Ländern nur sehr langsam."

Document(s): Open document

03.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Targeted killings of members of minority groups must stop ("Targeted killings of members of minority groups must stop [ASA 20/013/2006]") [ID 15727]

Document(s): Open document

13.04.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

New ideas surfacing on Kashmir peace (VOA) ("New ideas surfacing on Kashmir peace (VOA)") [#49226],  [ID 15437]

Document(s): Open document

04.04.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) aims at unification of Jammu and Kashmir and rejects division of Kashmir into several regions for self-governance ("APHC rejects division of Kashmir (Frontier Post)") [#48622],  [ID 6107]

Document(s): Open document

01.04.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Hizbul Mujahideen only would consider a truce if India includes Kashmiris in negotiations; Pakistan withdrew support for Hizbul Mujahideen, they said ("Kashmir militant group derides Indo-Pak peace process (Reuters Foundation)") [#48312],  [ID 6108]

Document(s): Open document

22.03.2006 - Source: BBC News

Agreement between top investigative agencies of India and Pakistan to cooperate on human trafficking, illegal immigration and counterfeiting ("Rivals focus on criminal issues") [#47116],  [ID 6109]

Document(s): Open document

10.03.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir: Pakistan's president Musharraf urges Indian government to react to his peace proposal (demilitarization, self-governance and joint management) ("Pakistan: President calls for timely response to his proposals on Kashmir resolution (Government of Pakistan)") [#46463],  [ID 6110]

Document(s): Open document

01.03.2006 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf demands help by George Bush to solve the dispute with India ("Musharraf seeks Bush Kashmir role") [#45213],  [ID 6111]

Document(s): Open document

14.02.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir: Indian army builds new bridge connecting Indian and Pakistani Kashmir after an earlier one was damaged in last year's earthquak ("India connects Kashmiris with new "peace bridge" (Reuters)") [#44159],  [ID 6112]

Document(s): Open document

08.02.2006 - Source: BBC News

Assam: Government considers release of some detained rebels of United Liberation Front of Assam as a "confidence-building measure"; more than 10,000 died in conflict over a separate Assamese homeland ("India 'could free Assam rebels'") [#43725],  [ID 6113]

Document(s): Open document

30.01.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir: Second opening in the Line of Control (LoC), in Chakan Da Bagh, will link two sides of divided province opening on 31 March ("India/Pakistan: Second road link on LoC to open on 31 Mar 2006 (The Times of India)") [#43085],  [ID 6114]

Document(s): Open document

30.01.2006 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: 3 militants and policeman killed in separate clashes; violence in Kashmir dropped since India-Pakistan peace moves began ("'Four dead' in Kashmir violence") [#43138],  [ID 6115]

Document(s): Open document

28.01.2006 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: 7 separatist militants and 2 soldiers killed in gun battle in Indian-administered Poonch district ("'Nine killed' in Kashmir battle") [#42969],  [ID 6116]

Document(s): Open document

23.01.2006 - Source: Guardian

Bollywood movies allowed to be screened; abolishment of the ban on Indian films, which existed since 1965, part of the peace process ("Pakistan lifts ban on Indian films") [#42583],  [ID 6117]

Document(s): Open document

10.01.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

No progress in 2-year peace process between India and Pakistan ("Two years on, Indo-Pak peace process runs aground (Reuters)") [#41493],  [ID 6118]

Document(s): Open document

09.11.2005 - Source: BBC News

Delhi: Indian intelligence agencies accused of kidnapping son of Pakistani High Commission staff member ("Pakistan fury at 'embassy kidnap'") [#38865],  [ID 6119]

Document(s): Open document

29.09.2005 - Source: BBC News

Senior Kashmiri militant leader from Pakistan surrendered to Indian army at Bahadur Post in Indian-administered Kashmir ("'Militant' surrenders in Kashmir") [#37115],  [ID 6120]

Document(s): Open document

12.09.2005 - Source: BBC News

Pakistan and India began exchange of about 435 Indian and 152 Pakistani prisoners; despite that fact, another 24 Indian fishermen were detained for illegally entering Pakistani territorial waters ("Rivals in major prisoner exchange") [#36456],  [ID 6121]

Document(s): Open document

08.2005 - Source: Freedom House

Kashmir: Annual survey of political rights and civil liberties 2004 ("Freedom in the World 2005") [#41621],  [ID 6122]

Document(s): Open document

24.06.2005 - Source:

CIA World Factbook 2004:International disputes [ID 6123]

"[...]Disputes - international:
China and India launched a security and foreign policy dialogue in 2005, consolidating discussions related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, Indian claims that China transferred missiles to Pakistan, and other matters; recent talks and confidence-building measures have begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); in 2004, India and Pakistan instituted a cease fire in the Kashmir and in 2005, restored bus service across the highly militarized Line of Control; Pakistan has taken its dispute on the impact and benefits of India's building the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir to the World Bank for arbitration; UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; disputes persist with Pakistan over Indus River water sharing; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, in 2004, India and Pakistan resurveyed a portion of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch; Pakistani maps continue to show Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; discussions with Bangladesh remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, to exchange 162 miniscule enclaves in both countries, to allocate divided villages, and to stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, violence, and transit of terrorists through the porous border; Bangladesh protests India's attempts to fence off high-traffic sections; dispute with Bangladesh over New Moore/South Talpatty/Purbasha Island in the Bay of Bengal deters maritime boundary delimitation; India seeks cooperation from Bhutan and Burma to keep Indian Nagaland and Assam separatists from hiding in remote areas along the borders; Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to demarcate minor disputed boundary sections; India has instituted a stricter border regime to keep out Maoist insurgents and control illegal cross-border activities from Nepal
Refugees and internally displaced persons:
refugees (country of origin): 92,394 (Tibet/China) 60,922 (Sri Lanka)
IDPs: 650,000 (Jammu and Kashmir conflicts; most IDPs are Kashmiri Hindus); 113,000 (resulting from 26 December 2004 tsunami) (2004)
[...]"

Document(s): Open document

20.05.2005 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: At least 4 Indian army personnel killed by suspected separatist militants ("'Four killed in Kashmir ambush'") [#32182],  [ID 6124]

Document(s): Open document

13.05.2005 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: 3 family members killed and 1 injured in parcel bomb explosion in Bijbehara; 2 women killed and more than 40 people injured in blast near school and 2 people killed in another blast in Srinagar ("Parcel bomb hits Kashmir family") [#32192],  [ID 6125]

Document(s): Open document

06.04.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Srinagar: 1 armed fighter killed and at least 7 civilians injured in gun fight between security forces and armed fighters which erupted after armed group set fire to building full of civilians ("Armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir targeting civilians violate humanitarian standards") [#30953],  [ID 6126]

"[...]Amnesty International is concerned about attacks by armed groups in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on civilians wishing to travel across the Line of Control. To use civilian lives in attempts to make political statements violates international standards of humanitarian law which clearly prohibit the targeted killing of civilians.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

04.2005 - Source: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik

Opening of bus line between Indian and Pakistani part of Kashmir as well as visit of President Musharraf to India in April deepen process of rapprochement ("Eine "roadmap" für Kaschmir?") [#31714],  [ID 6127]

Document(s): Open document

22.03.2005 - Source: BBC News

More than 500 Indian detainees, mostly fishermen from the western Indian state of Gujarat, released from Pakistani jails ("Pakistan frees Indian prisoners") [#30489],  [ID 6128]

Document(s): Open document

19.01.2005 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: Indian girl injured when Pakistan fired shells into Poonch district, according to Indian army; Pakistan denied its involvement in the incident ("Pakistan denies ceasefire breach") [#28343],  [ID 6129]

Document(s): Open document

13.01.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Annual report on human rights situation in 2004 ("World report 2005") [#28211],  [ID 6130]

"[...]In Kashmir, military, paramilitary, and police forces continue their practice of torturing detainees and custodial killings. There has also been a nationwide rise in allegations of extrajudicial executions by security forces, who typically justify their actions by claiming to have killed suspects in an exchange of gunfire.

Kashmir Conflict
Since November 2003, a cease-fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir has provided tremendous relief to residents on both sides of the de facto border. During the intermittent shelling, however, neither Pakistan nor India took adequate precautions to protect civilians. The violence inside Indian-controlled Kashmir continued.
Bomb and grenade attacks by militants in crowded market places constituted the intentional targeting of civilians. Attacks, apparently by separatist militants, on moderate Kashmiri leaders have hindered the peace process. Indian police and security services often use excessive force, and have been responsible for arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial execution. Since 1989, when the insurgency began, thousands of people have disappeared at the hands of both militant and government forces. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

13.10.2004 - Source: Asian Centre for Human Rights

Andhra Pradesh: The government of Indian State of Andhra Pradesh launches serious attempt to find a negotiated settlement with the People's War Group (PWG) ("ACHR Review: Guns and Talks in India's Wretched of the Earth") [#26392],  [ID 6146]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

10.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

External Security ("Country Report - October 2004") [#28325],  [ID 6131]

"[...]BBC reported on 11 August 2004 that India has expressed concern over infiltration across the LoC (Line of Control), the de facto border. Relations between the nuclear armed neighbours have improved since the peace initiatives between the Pakistani President and the Indian Prime Minister in 2003. A number of confidence building measures have been introduced over the year including a resumption of rail, air and bus links and a strengthening of diplomatic ties.
[32df] For further information please see Section 6B: Human Rights Specific Groups, Kashmir and the Kashmiris.
[...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

The Kashmir Conflict: Historical background ("Country Report - October 2004") [#28325],  [ID 6132]

"[...]6.165 According to Wikipedia.com (accessed 7 September 2004), the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir has been disputed by India and Pakistan since both countries gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. It has been the cause of two of the three wars between India and Pakistan (1947 – 1948, 1965 and 1971). [76b] (p.1-5) According to The Council on Foreign Relations - Terrorism: Q&A, updated in 2004, India controls about two thirds of the disputed territory, which it calls Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan controls about one-third, which it calls Azad (meaning free) Kashmir. China also controls two small sections of northern Kashmir [79] (p.2) called Aksai Chin. [76b]. According to an FCO document dated 26 April 1996, Muslims form about 95% of the population of the Kashmir Valley, while Hindus are in the majority in Jammu region (about 65%). [7c]

6.166 According to a Reuters News Service report dated 7 September 1996, on Partition in 1947, Kashmir with its largely Muslim population was expected to go to Pakistan. The Hindu ruler wanted Kashmir to stay independent but faced a revolt in the west and invasion by Pathan tribesmen from Pakistan. In October 1947 the Maharajah signed an instrument of accession to India in return for military aid and the territory became a battlefront in fighting between India and Pakistan. A cease-fire came into effect in 1949. [8a] According to FCO correspondence dated 1996, a UN Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) has been in place monitoring the cease-fire line (that was agreed between India and Pakistan in July 1949) ever since (redefined as the "Line of Control" after the 1971 war). [7c] As noted in the Reuters news report of 7 September 1996, two further wars in 1965 and 1971 left positions virtually unchanged. [8a]

6.167 As noted in FCO correspondence dated 1996, the status of Kashmir remained highly sensitive for both India and Pakistan; many of the Kashmir Valley's population are not reconciled to being included in India but are divided as to whether they would prefer independence or to join Pakistan. Under the peace agreement signed at Simla in July 1972, both sides agreed "to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations or by other peaceful means mutually agreed on between them", and they committed themselves to a final settlement of the problem. The Indians have since held that, by this agreement, Pakistan is precluded from invoking the United Nations resolutions in an effort to resolve problems with India. Pakistan does not accept this interpretation and regularly calls for a peaceful settlement "on the basis of the UN resolutions and in the spirit of the Simla Agreement". [7c]

6.168 According to the Norwegian Refugee Council in a report dated 9 June 2004, growing dissatisfaction throughout the 1980s reached a level in 1986 when discontent within the state found wider popular support. “In that year the state’s ruling National Conference (NC) party, widely accused of corruption, struck a deal with India’s Congress Party administration that many in Kashmir saw as a betrayal of Kashmir’s autonomy. ..Blatant rigging assured a National Conference victory, which was followed by the arrests of hundreds of Muslim United Front (MUF) leaders and supporters. In the aftermath, young MUF supporters swelled the ranks of a growing number of militant groups who increasingly crossed over to Pakistan for arms and training…In the late 1980s, the groups began assassinating NC leaders and engaging in other acts of violence. Some groups also targeted Hindu families, and a slow exodus of Hindus from the valley began…On 19 January 1990, the [Indian] central government imposed direct rule on the state. From the outset, the Indian government’s campaign against the militants was marked by widespread human rights violations, including the shooting of unarmed demonstrators, civilian massacres, and summary executions of detainees.” [87] (p.15) As cited in a Reuters news service report 1996, this lasted until the 1996 State assembly elections. [8a] According to a UNHCR background paper 1998, “Following select killings of community members and widespread anarchy, almost the entire Hindu community (Pandits) of the Kashmir Valley was reported to have fled during 1989-90”, as the violence increased. [6e](p8) The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in its report ‘Profile of Internal Displacement: India’ dated 9 June 2004, estimates that between 250,000 and 400,000 Pandits, the term ‘Pandit’ is used to identify Hindu Kashmiris, who fled their homes seeking protection in the cities of Jammu and Delhi. [87] (p.14)

6.169 A BBC news report dated 11 August 2003 reported that, “A key militant group in Indianadministered Kashmir, Hizbul Mujahideen, has appealed to Kashmiri Hindus who fled their homes after the start of armed conflict 13 years ago, to return home.” Supreme Commander Syed Salahuddin promised full protection to the Hindus and asked for their support in the freedom struggle. This is the first time a militant group has promised to give returnees protection.[32az] A Dawn news report dated 13 August 2003 stated that at least 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits have left the strife-torn valley since a revolt against New Delhi’s rule erupted in 1989.[41a] [...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

Kashmir and the Kashmiris: Political developments ("Country Report - October 2004") [#28325],  [ID 6133]

"[...]
6.178 Mr Vajpayee made a surprise speech in April 2003, calling for an end to more than 18 months of simmering tensions with Pakistan, prompted by an attack on the Indian parliament, as reported by BBC on 6 January 2004.[32cj]

6.179 According to a BBC news report dated 10 August 2003, a conference of nearly 100 parliamentarians from India and Pakistan took place in August 2003 in Islamabad amid calls for all avenues for peace between the two adversaries to be explored. It was the largest gathering of elected representatives of India and Pakistan since the two countries came to the brink of all-out war in 2002. It was the first time members of some of the hardline religious groups had agreed to sit across the table and listen to each others point of view.[32bs]

6.180 The BBC reported on 29 August 2003 that India and Pakistan had been enjoying a thaw in relations in 2003 but the atmosphere soured following the bomb attack in Bombay and violence in Kashmir. India leaders accused Pakistan of “indirect responsibility” following the Mumbai car bomb attack on 25 August 2003. Pakistan denies the accusations. [32bt]

6.181 According to a BBC news report dated 21 September 2003, Indian authorities accused Pakistan of stepping up its efforts to push armoured infiltrators into the Indian side of the Line of Control dividing Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries. India had ruled out bilateral talks with Pakistan unless the latter stopped abetting separatist violence in Indian administrated Kashmir. [32bu]
[...]

6.184 According to the USSD 2003,
“Tension along the Line of Control between Pakistan and Indian-held Kashmir was high during the year, and there was shelling in several sectors; however, in November, the country and Pakistan announced a ceasefire. By all accounts, the ceasefire continued at year’s end.”[2c](p2)

6.185 On 5 January 2004, the leaders of Pakistan and India met for the first time in 2 years, promising to restore normal relations, as reported by Guardian Unlimited. [40b] As reported by the Guardian newspaper on 7 January 2004, India and Pakistan announced peace talks over Kashmir, on 6 January 2004. [52]

6.186 According to a BBC news report dated, 2 June 2004, ties between India and Pakistan have thawed after last year’s peace initiatives between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and former Indian Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Since the resumption of dialogue, a number of confidence building measures have been introduced, including a resumption of rail, air and bus links and a strengthening of diplomatic ties. [32o]

6.187 According to a BBC news report dated, 2 June 2004, India’s new Congress led government confirmed that it would continue talks on the issues of Kashmir and nuclear security. Senior diplomats from India and Pakistan confirmed that the two countries would hold talks in Delhi on 27 and 28 June. [32o]

6.188 BBC News reported on 7 June 2004 that the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers will hold talks on the future of Kashmir on the sidelines of the regional summit due to be held in Islamabad on 21 and 22 July. [32y] In a further report by BBC News on 10 June 2004, the Indian Foreign Minister, Natwar Singh, indicated that he would not rule out redrawing borders with Pakistan in the search for peace. Mr Singh told the BBC he was seeking a “new beginning” after decades of hostility between the two countries. [32z]

6.189 BBC News reported on 28 June 2004 that India and Pakistan ended two days of bilateral talks by announcing a series of measures aimed at consolidating the peace process. Both countries agreed to adopt a system of pre-notification of flight testing of missiles. High Commission staff are to be restored to full their complements with Consulates in Karachi and Mumbai re-opening. Both governments also agreed to immediately release fishermen held prisoner and to also take steps to facilitate the early release of civilian prisoners. [32eb]

6.190 According to analysis by a BBC News correspondent, dated 28 June 2004, the Indo- Pakistani peace conference made good progress, living up to reasonable and realistic expectations. Former Pakistani foreign secretary, Tanvir Ahmed Khan told BBC News Online that, “There is a resolve to come to grips with the Kashmir problem, and sustain it in the months ahead…The idea of representation of Kashmiri people in the (peace) process through indirect consultations now and direct consultations in the future augurs well for both countries.” [32ec]

6.191 According to a BBC news report dated, 21 July 2004, the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers met over breakfast before the start of the SAARC regional conference in Islamabad on the 21 July. Officials reported that the 75-minute meeting between the two foreign ministers was “frank and friendly” and that formal talks have been scheduled for September. [32ed]

6.192 According to a BBC news report, dated 7 August 2004, the Indian and Pakistani defence secretaries concluded two days of talks on demilitarising the Line of Control on the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. The meeting was the first time in six years that the two countries’ defence secretaries had sat down to discuss reducing tension on the glacier. However, a BBC correspondent in Delhi commented that the meeting was unlikely to bring about any immediate breakthrough in the situation. [32ef] [...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

Militant violence ("Country Report - October 2004") [#28325],  [ID 6134]

"[...]
6.198 According to Keesings News Digest for May 1999, “A serious escalation of the conflict in Kashmir occurred in late May [1999] in response to the largest infiltration of Islamic militants into Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.” India attacked the guerrilla positions with jet fighters and helicopter gunships on May 26. After frequent skirmishes along the Line of Control earlier in the month, a prolonged battle developed after insurgents, under cover of artillery fire from Pakistan, had launched a rocket attack on 9 May 1999 on an Indian ammunition dump near the town of Kargil in northern Kashmir. Pursuing the attackers, Indian troops discovered that at least 600 well-armed militants had occupied bunkers on a ridge overlooking Kargil. It had been reported that the infiltrators' force had been trained in camps in Azad Kashmir by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI). Pakistan denied that it had any control over the militants, and denied Indian allegations that some of Pakistan's own troops were fighting alongside them. [5d] 6.199 According to a Reuter’s news report of 1999, by 11 July 1999 Pakistan had agreed on a plan, under US pressure, for the infiltrators to withdraw from Jammu and Kashmir. [8e]. As noted in a Reuters news report, July 1999, on 17 July 1999 India announced that it believed that most of the infiltrators had withdrawn from the Indian side of the Line of Control. [8f]
[...]
6.205 Keesings News Digest December 2001 reported that “A terrorist attack on the federal Parliament (the bicameral legislature) in New Delhi on 13 December 2001 left 14 people dead.” The attack also precipitated a crisis with Pakistan that threatened to erupt into war, over Kashmir. India held Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-i-Toiba responsible for the attack, saying that both were supplied and trained by Pakistan’s military Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. “Pakistan’s President General Pervez Musharraf immediately condemned the attack but demanded evidence that the two groups – which both disclaimed responsibility – were involved and warned India not to take “precipitous action” against Pakistan.” Both India and Pakistan put their armed forces on a state of heightened military alert and moved troop reinforcements not only up to the Line of Control (LoC) dividing the Indian and Pakistani zones of Kashmir, but also to the international border between Pakistan and the Indian northwestern States of Punjab and Rajasthan. On 21 December 2001 India recalled its High Commissioner to Pakistan, and announced that from 1 January 2002, it would cut the only land transport links between the two countries. In a further escalation of pressure, India on 27 December 2001 announced the halving of the strengths of both countries’ diplomatic missions and a ban on Pakistan Airlines from flying over India, measures which Pakistan reciprocated. [5i] 6.206 As noted in Keesings record of World events May 2002, ““India and Pakistan moved closer to outright war in May [2002] over the deteriorating situation” in Kashmir. Up to a million troops had faced each other across both the Line of Control and the international frontier between the two countries.” Then on 14 May 2002, 34 people were killed in an attack by militants on Kaluchak army base in Kashmir. The dead included 8 women and 11 children from army families. The three militants themselves were shot dead by Indian troops. “A hitherto unknown militant group called Al-Mansooren claimed responsibility for the attack, but Indian officials said that this could be a cover name for either Lashkar-i-Toiba or Jaish-e- Mohammad.” Meanwhile, exchanges of artillery shelling and small arms fire across the Line of Control intensified, causing dozens of deaths, mostly among civilians in border villages. Both the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the U.S. State Department on 31 May 2002 issued unprecedented advice to their respective 20,000 and 60,000 citizens living in India to leave the country. They also advised people to cancel plans to travel to India. [5m] 6.207 As cited in Keesings News Digest June 2002, “Tension on the border between India and Pakistan, especially on the Line of Control was lowered during June [2002], largely as a result of international pressure…” Pakistan’s President General Pervez Musharraf had ordered that all infiltration of separatist militants across the Line of Control should cease. India had opened its airspace to civilian Pakistani aircraft, and announced the appointment of a new High Commissioner to Pakistan. [5n]
[...]
6.210 According to Keesings News Digest April 2003, on 18 April 2003 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee made an offer of dialogue with Pakistan during a visit to Srinagar, the summer capital of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Vajpayee stated that “open dialogue” was the only way to bring peace to Kashmir. [5o] [...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

Country Report - October 2004 ("Country Report - October 2004") [#28325],  [ID 6135]

"[...]5.47 A BBC report of 24 May 2004 noted that the new government is determined to find a peaceful solution to the 14-year insurgency in Kashmir where around 40,000 people have been killed. However, military officials in Indian administered Kashmir have pledged to step up action against militants after recent rebel attacks left a number of soldiers and civilians dead. [...]

6.197 As cited in a BBC news report of 8 September 2003, India accused Pakistan of arming and training the militants, while Pakistan says it provides only diplomatic support. [32bx] [...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.06.2004 - Source: BBC News

India and Pakistan have ended two days of bilateral talks with a pledge to restore embassies to full strength and reopen Bombay and Karachi consulates ("Pakistan, India in embassy pledge") [#23645],  [ID 6147]

Document(s): Open document

08.06.2004 - Source: BBC News

Parliament closed after protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led opposition demanding that the new government sack RJD ministers it deems unfit for office ("Protests close Indian parliament") [#23177],  [ID 6148]

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2004 - Source: BBC News

Supreme Court has delayed elections to the upper house of parliament after hearing a petition filed by a former member ("Delay to Indian upper house poll") [#23157],  [ID 6149]

Document(s): Open document

24.05.2004 - Source: US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Annual report on conditions affecting refugees and asylum seekers in 2003 ("World Refugee Survey 2004") [#22816],  [ID 6136]

"At least 650,000 persons were internally displaced in India. Among the displaced were 250,000-450,000 Kashmiris, an estimated 250,000 members of tribal groups in northeast India, an unknown number of persons, mostly Muslims, in Gujarat State in western India. The government impedes international access to internally displaced persons, and labels them migrants.

About 17,000 Kashmiris from the Indian-controlled area of Kashmir remained in Pakistan. [...]

Displacement in Kashmir region On November 26, Pakistan and India entered into a ceasefire agreement and agreed to talks raising hopes for peace in the Kashmiri region, racked by ethnic, religious and secessionist conflict for decades. Although this reduced violence in the border area when Pakistan and Indian troops stopped shelling each other, violence and fighting continued in India’s northern province of Jammu-Kashmir. Both India and the rebels stated ceasefire between Pakistan and India did not affect their operations inside Jammu-Kashmir. A total of 185 persons died from conflict in Kashmir between the date the ceasefire and the end of the year.

Before the ceasefire, Indian security forces killed hundreds in targeted and indiscriminate violence, and continued to detain individuals without trial or charge. Kashmiri militants extorted money from the civilian population in the region. Rebels killed, tortured, and raped hundreds more during the year. In Nadimarg village in March, suspected Islamic militants wearing Indian army uniforms dragged 24 Hindu civilians (known as Pandits), including two children, from their homes and shot them to death in front of a temple. Frightened survivors tried to flee to safety but police and civilian officials prevented them from leaving the area they said."

Document(s): Open document

22.05.2004 - Source: BBC News

Manmohan Singh, a Sikh, has been sworn in as prime minister to lead the Congress Party's coalition government ("India swears in its first Sikh PM") [#22594],  [ID 6150]

Document(s): Open document

27.04.2004 - Source: BBC News

BJP has rejected exit polls which suggest strong gains for the opposition after the latest round of voting ("India's BJP plays down exit polls") [#21745],  [ID 6151]

Document(s): Open document

04.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

Political System ("Country Report - April 2004") [#22427],  [ID 6152]

"5.7 [...] Europa World Year book 1998 notes that, India is a federal republic, with legislative power vested in Parliament, which consists of the President and two Houses. The upper house, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) has 245 members, most of whom are indirectly elected by the State Assemblies for 6 years (one third retiring every 2 years), the remainder being nominated by the President for 6 years. The Lower House, the Lok Sabha (House of the People) has 543 elected members, serving for 5 years. Two members of the Lok Sabha may be nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community, while the 543 members are directly elected by universal adult suffrage in single member constituencies.” [1a]

5.8 Europa World Year book 1998 notes that the President is a constitutional Head of State, elected for 5 years by an electoral college comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the State legislatures. The President exercises executive power on the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is responsible to Parliament. The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's recommendation, other Ministers. [1a]

5.9 As stated in a CNN news article dated 7 November 2000, India has 28 States (29 if the capital region of Delhi is included).[33g] with constitutionally defined powers of Government. The States vary greatly in size, population and development. Each State has a Governor appointed by the President for 5 years, a legislature elected for 5 years, and a Council of Ministers headed by a chief minister. Each State has its own legislative, executive and judicial machinery, corresponding to that of the Indian Union, as reported in Europa World Year book. [1a] As stated in the US Department of State report 2003 (published 2004), State Governments are elected at regular intervals except in States under President's Rule. On the advice of the Prime Minister, the President may proclaim a State of Emergency in any part of the national territory in the event of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. Similarly, President's Rule may be declared in the event of a collapse of a State's constitutional machinery. [2c](p23) According to Europa World Year Book, there are also 6 Union Territories and the National Capital Territory of Delhi, administered by Lieutenant Governors or Administrators, all of whom are appointed by the President. The Territories of Delhi and Pondicherry also have elected chief ministers and State assemblies. [1a]

5.10 As stated in the Europa World Year book 1998, the 28 States are: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, [1a] Chhattisgarh, [33g] Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, [1a] Jharkhand, [33g] Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, [1a] Uttaranchal, [33g] and West Bengal. [1a] 5.11 The Territories are: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Pondicherry. [1a]"

Document(s): Open document

25.02.2004 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: moderate Kashmiri separatists have threatened to pull out of peace talks with the Indian government over alleged human rights violations commited by Indian soldiers ("Kashmir moderates in talks threat") [#19661],  [ID 6137]

Document(s): Open document

25.02.2004 - Source: US Department of State

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2003 ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2003") [#19765],  [ID 6153]

"India is a longstanding parliamentary democracy with a bicameral parliament. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leads a multi party coalition, heads the Government. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was elected in 2002 by an electoral college consisting of Members of Parliament and members of state assemblies, is Head of State and also has special emergency powers. State Assembly elections held in December in Mizoram, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh were considered to be generally free and fair; however, there were reports of some violence. The judiciary is independent; however, the judiciary was underfunded, overburdened, and NGOs alleged that corruption influenced court decisions.

Although the 28 state governments have primary responsibility for maintaining law and order, the central Government provides guidance and support through the use of paramilitary forces throughout the country. The Union Ministry for Home Affairs controls most of the paramilitary forces, the internal intelligence bureaus, and the nationwide police service; it provides training for senior police officers of the state-organized police forces. The armed forces are under civilian control."

Document(s): Open document

24.02.2004 - Source: BBC News

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended DP Yadav, a member with alleged criminal links ("BJP drops MP over criminal links") [#19664],  [ID 6154]

Document(s): Open document

18.02.2004 - Source: BBC News

India and Pakistan have agreed to a "roadmap" for peace that will begin with talks in May or June ("Peace 'roadmap' for S Asia rivals") [#19376],  [ID 6138]

Document(s): Open document

16.02.2004 - Source: BBC News

Senior Indian officials have begun the first formal talks with Pakistan ("India-Pakistan talks under way") [#19579],  [ID 6139]

Document(s): Open document

06.02.2004 - Source: BBC News

Indian President Abdul Kalam has dissolved the lower house of parliament ahead of general elections expected in April ("Indian parliament dissolved") [#19228],  [ID 6155]

Document(s): Open document

18.12.2003 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: Pakistan is ready to put aside its demand for a referendum in the disputed territory of Kashmir ("Pakistan makes Kashmir concession") [#18367],  [ID 6140]

Document(s): Open document

27.11.2003 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: at least 7 people killed in two separate incidents despite a ceasefire between Indian and Pakistan ("Violence breaks out despite truce") [#17873],  [ID 6141]

Document(s): Open document

25.11.2003 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: India announced that it will sign up to a Kashmir ceasefire ("Kashmir ceasefire - will it last?") [#17855],  [ID 6142]

Document(s): Open document

23.11.2003 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: Pakistan's prime minister has announced a ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) ("Pakistan calls Kashmir ceasefire") [#17843],  [ID 6143]

Document(s): Open document

08.2002 - Source: European Reintegration Networking

Background information on India (including procedures for entrance, supply and care, health, education, work opportunies,...) ("Background information on India (including procedures for entrance, supply and care, health, education, work opportunies,...)") [#28646],  [ID 6144]

"[...]Der Kaschmir-Konflikt

Im Jahr 2002 standen Indien und Pakistan wieder am Rande eines Krieges. Der Konflikt zwischen den beiden Ländern dreht sich um die Frage nach der Zugehörigkeit der Region Kaschmir und dauert seit der Entstehung der beiden Länder an. Beide Länder beanspruchen die Provinz für sich und haben ihretwegen bereits drei Mal Krieg gegeneinander Krieg geführt (1948, 1965, 1971). Der erste Krieg endete mit einem Waffenstillstand, ausgehandelt durch die UNO, der die Region in einem von Indien und einem von Pakistan besetzten Teil spaltete. Die Teilung verläuft an der so genannten Line of Control (LoC). Der von Indien besetzte Teil umfasst den Osten und Süden der Provinz, dort leben ca. 9 Mio. Menschen. Der von Pakistan besetzte Teil erstreckt sich über Westen und Norden von Kaschmir mit ca. 3 Mio. Menschen. Der von Indien besetzte Teil wurde als Unionsstaat (Jammu & Kashmir) mit größerer Eigenständigkeit als die anderen Einzelstaaten durch die Gewährung eines Autonomiestatus in die Indische Union eingegliedert.

Seit Ende der 80er Jahre kämpfen bewaffnete Gruppen gegen die Zugehörigkeit Kaschmirs zu Indien. Während einige Gruppen die Unabhängigkeit verlangen, wollen andere den Anschluss an Pakistan. Indien wirft Pakistan vor, diese Gruppen finanziell und personell zu unterstützen. Nach Angaben der indischen Regierung sind seit 1990 27.000 Menschen, davon 10.000 Zivilisten, im Kaschmir ums Leben gekommen.

Die Krise im Jahr 2002 begann nach einem Angriff auf das indische Parlament im Dezember 2001, für den Indien von Pakistan unterstützte militante Gruppen verantwortlich macht. Pakistan leugnet, den Angriff organisiert zu haben. Die Spannungen erhöhten sich erneut im Mai 2002, als bewaffnete Männer ein Armee-Camp angriffen und 30 Menschen töteten. An der LoC, an der im Mai sich 1 Million Soldaten gegenüberstanden, kam es immer wieder zu einzelnen Gefechten, bei denen auch Zivilisten umkamen. Angesichts der Tatsache, dass beide Länder im Besitz von Atomwaffen sind, erhielt der Konflikt weltweit Aufmerksamkeit.

Der internationale Druck von den USA, der Europäischen Union und anderen, die Krise in den Griff zu bekommen, scheint vorerst Früchte getragen zu haben. Als Zeichen der Entspannung gilt, dass beide Länder im Oktober 2002 begannen, ihre Truppen zurückzuziehen. Indien ist jedoch erst zu Gesprächen über Kaschmir bereit, wenn die Infiltration von Terroristen vollständig gestoppt ist. Somit scheint endgültige Lösung des Konflikts noch nicht in Sicht.

Quellen:
BBC World: http://www.bbcworld.com,
Indien Newsletter: http://www.indien-newsletter.de,
Press Information Bureau India: http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2002/rapr2002/29042002/r2904200210.html
[...]"

Document(s): Open document

08.2002 - Source: European Reintegration Networking

Background information on India (including procedures for entrance, supply and care, health, education, work opportunies,...) ("Background information on India (including procedures for entrance, supply and care, health, education, work opportunies,...)") [#28646],  [ID 6156]

"[...]Der Kaschmir-Konflikt

Im Jahr 2002 standen Indien und Pakistan wieder am Rande eines Krieges. Der Konflikt zwischen den beiden Ländern dreht sich um die Frage nach der Zugehörigkeit der Region Kaschmir und dauert seit der Entstehung der beiden Länder an. Beide Länder beanspruchen die Provinz für sich und haben ihretwegen bereits drei Mal Krieg gegeneinander Krieg geführt (1948, 1965, 1971). Der erste Krieg endete mit einem Waffenstillstand, ausgehandelt durch die UNO, der die Region in einem von Indien und einem von Pakistan besetzten Teil spaltete. Die Teilung verläuft an der so genannten Line of Control (LoC). Der von Indien besetzte Teil umfasst den Osten und Süden der Provinz, dort leben ca. 9 Mio. Menschen. Der von Pakistan besetzte Teil erstreckt sich über Westen und Norden von Kaschmir mit ca. 3 Mio. Menschen. Der von Indien besetzte Teil wurde als Unionsstaat (Jammu & Kashmir) mit größerer Eigenständigkeit als die anderen Einzelstaaten durch die Gewährung eines Autonomiestatus in die Indische Union eingegliedert.

Seit Ende der 80er Jahre kämpfen bewaffnete Gruppen gegen die Zugehörigkeit Kaschmirs zu Indien. Während einige Gruppen die Unabhängigkeit verlangen, wollen andere den Anschluss an Pakistan. Indien wirft Pakistan vor, diese Gruppen finanziell und personell zu unterstützen. Nach Angaben der indischen Regierung sind seit 1990 27.000 Menschen, davon 10.000 Zivilisten, im Kaschmir ums Leben gekommen.

Die Krise im Jahr 2002 begann nach einem Angriff auf das indische Parlament im Dezember 2001, für den Indien von Pakistan unterstützte militante Gruppen verantwortlich macht. Pakistan leugnet, den Angriff organisiert zu haben. Die Spannungen erhöhten sich erneut im Mai 2002, als bewaffnete Männer ein Armee-Camp angriffen und 30 Menschen töteten. An der LoC, an der im Mai sich 1 Million Soldaten gegenüberstanden, kam es immer wieder zu einzelnen Gefechten, bei denen auch Zivilisten umkamen. Angesichts der Tatsache, dass beide Länder im Besitz von Atomwaffen sind, erhielt der Konflikt weltweit Aufmerksamkeit.

Der internationale Druck von den USA, der Europäischen Union und anderen, die Krise in den Griff zu bekommen, scheint vorerst Früchte getragen zu haben. Als Zeichen der Entspannung gilt, dass beide Länder im Oktober 2002 begannen, ihre Truppen zurückzuziehen. Indien ist jedoch erst zu Gesprächen über Kaschmir bereit, wenn die Infiltration von Terroristen vollständig gestoppt ist. Somit scheint endgültige Lösung des Konflikts noch nicht in Sicht.

Quellen:
BBC World: http://www.bbcworld.com,
Indien Newsletter: http://www.indien-newsletter.de,
Press Information Bureau India: http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2002/rapr2002/29042002/r2904200210.html
[...]"

Document(s): Open document

08.2002 - Source: European Reintegration Networking

Background information on India (including procedures for entrance, supply and care, health, education, work opportunies,...) ("Background information on India (including procedures for entrance, supply and care, health, education, work opportunies,...)") [#28646],  [ID 6157]

"[...]Konflikte im Nordosten Indiens
In den sieben Staaten des Nordostens kommt es immer wieder zu Unruhen aufgrund von separatistischen Bewegungen. Die Staaten Assam, Nagaland und Manipur sowie bestimmte Distrikte von Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya und Tripura sind unter dem Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act zu so genannten "disturbed areas" erklärt worden. Durch diese Gesetze werden einige Grundrechte außer Kraft gesetzt. Armee und Spezialeinheiten sind dort regelmäßig im Einsatz.

Der Konflikt in Assam beispielsweise dauert seit mehr als 20 Jahren bis in die heutigen Zeit an. Die vorherrschende separatistische Gruppe dort ist die 1979 gegründete United Liberation Front of Asom (Vereinigte Befreiungsfront von Assam, ULFA). Diese wehrte sich vehement gegen die Präsenz von Bengalis aus dem Nachbarstaat Westbengalen und gegen die zahlreichen illegalen Einwanderer aus Bangladesch. Ein weiterer Grund ist die Vernachlässigung durch die Zentralregierung, insbesondere bei der Entwicklung der Infrastruktur bei gleichzeitige extensiven Nutzung der natürlichen Ressourcen von Assam, das Erdöl.

Im November 1990 wurde die ULFA verboten und der Staat Assam unter Presidents Rule gesetzt. Die Armee startete eine Großoffensive gegen die Separatisten, die für zahlreiche Morde und Entführungen verantwortlich waren. Die Mitglieder der ULFA zogen sich ins benachbarte Bhutan zurück, wo sie aber auf Druck der Regierung in New Delhi, ab dem Jahr 2000 ebenfalls verfolgt wurden. Noch im Jahr 2001 kamen bei Anschlägen in Assam allein 400 Menschen ums Leben.

Die anderen militanten Gruppen in der Region, darunter der National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN I-M),die National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), die National Liberation Front of Tripura, oder die People's Liberation Army (PLA), fordern zum Teil eine komplette Loslösung von der Indischen Union, oder aber einen eigenen Staat innerhalb dieser.

Die Gründe für solche Forderungen und Gewaltanwendung sind ähnlich wie in Assam: Die Militanten beschuldigen die Zentralregierung, die Region zu vernachlässigen, sehen keine wirtschaftliche Entwicklung und fühlen sich von Einwanderern aus Bangladesch oder Hindi-sprechenden Gruppen aus anderen indischen Staaten zurückgedrängt.

Die diversen zentralen Regierungen verfolgen eine ähnliche Politik gegenüber den separatistischen Bewegungen. Auf der einen Seite verfolgen sie mit aller Härte separatistische Militante und verbieten zahlreiche Organisationen, auf der anderen Seite verhandeln sie mit moderaten Gruppierungen. Zum Beispiel gibt es einen Waffenstillstand mit dem NSCN I-M, der seit 1997 mehrere Male verlängert worden ist. Weiterhin soll den militanten Gruppen der Nährborden entzogen werden, indem die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der Region gefördert wird. Unter anderem wurde dazu das North-Eastern Council gegründet (NEC), das von der Zentralregierung finanzierte und koordinierte Entwicklungsprojekte vor allem im Bereich der Infrastruktur durchführt.

Quellen:
Insurgency in North-East: http://members.tripod.com/israindia/isr/week1/neindia.PDF,
Indien Newsletter: http://www.indien-newsletter.de,
Ministry of Home Affairs: http://mha.nic.in/neview.htm
[...]"

Document(s): Open document

11.07.2001 - Source: Amnesty International

Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Over 100 people in arbitrary detention in the area under provisional Pakistani control/ hundreds of cases of torture, deaths in custody, extrajudicial executions and "disappearances" reported every year in Jammu and Kashmir ("Indo-Pakistan Summit: Plea to put human rights in Jammu and Kashmir firmly on the agenda") [#2537],  [ID 6145]

Document(s): 00246ind.htm
Open document