On 16th of August 2017, US put the sanctions on Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. US already had designated the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen leader, Syed Salahuddin, a “Global terrorist” before, in June 2017.
“Today’s action notifies the US public and the international community that Hizb-ul-Mujahideen is a terrorist organization,” US state of department officially stated to isolate terrorist groups and even said, “assist the law enforcement activities of US agencies and other governments”[1]. US department of state often stated that, “The designations seek to deny Hizb-ul-Mujahideen the resources it needs to carry out terrorist attacks. Among other consequences, all of HM’s property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group”[2]. Washington’s statement is against the UNSC resolution. As UNSC has already revealed Kashmir as a disputed region. And disclosed that Syed Salahuddin is a freedom fighter whose aim is to fight for right of Kashmiris and wanted a disputed territory like many other sovereign states. Washington’s statements shows that US is pleasing India by marking Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) a terrorist group and accusing Pakistan to be a supporter and arms supplier of HM group. However India welcomed US’ sanction.
Before 1987, Jamat-e-Islami, participant Muhammed Yousaf, popularly known as Syed Salahuddin, elected for election. Only four seats were given to Muslim united fronts. After the elections people of Kashmir presumed that they were being exploited and they were being unable to see any peace process to resolve Kashmir issues so they decided to start militant struggle against Indian forces.
Beside all of the historical facts and background Indian Government’s torture, lots of mass rape cases, lack of rules, enforcement of disappearance and extra judicial torture were often coercing freedom fighters to continue or start fighting for freedom. Even college and Universities students showed their enthusiasm and anger over Indian forces by protesting and throwing stones on Indian forces or their establishments whenever Kashmiri faces any repulsive behavior by Indian forces. The stream of anger grew up when Indian forces killed a young, Kashmiri fighter, Burhan Wani. At that time Indian government suppressed the sentiments of local Kashmiris and their protests with full strength. Despite that International community remain silent and let India do what they want with them.
In response to US imposing sanctions on HM, Pakistan criticized and showed disappointment toward Washington’s such illicit behavior regarding Jammu-Kashmir and terming the sanction as “unjustified”. Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesman, Nafees Zakaria said, “We are disappointed”; “The designation of individuals or groups supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists was completely unjustified”[3].
On 17th of August 2017, an enormous rally or protestation was held against United States’ blacklisting decision in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK). The endless bound and enthusiasm of Jammu Kashmir and to beyond Azad Jammu Kashmir region augmented the anti-Indian and pro freedom spirits. However, showing enthusiasm is not enough unless by taking appropriate step toward Jammu Kashmir issue.
India pleased and welcomed US’ provocation and incitement after Pakistan’s official response of Washington’s cataloguing HM as terrorist and imposing sanctions on HM militants. Raveesh Kumar, Indian foreign minister spokesman said, “We welcome the designation of the Hizbul Mujahedeen as a terrorist organization”, “All of us are aware of what kind of terrorist activities they have conducted in the state of Jammu and Kashmir”, he added by saying or labeling to such groups as “end moral, diplomatic and material support”[4].
Trump’s administration is looking like a good fate for India as by putting sanctions on HM militants which is in India’s favor whereas on the other hand the growing ties to enhance peace and stability across India-pacific region by establishing ministerial dialogue. On 15th of August 2017, two days before putting sanctions on HM militants, Trump called to Modi and stated, “The leaders resolved to enhance peace and stability across the Indian-Pacific region by establishing a new two-by-two ministerial dialogue that will elevate their strategic consultation”[5]. The conversation on the same topic is not new but it has been discussed several times even in Barack Obama’s administration. Although they have not mentioned China in all out conversations and dialogue but by discussing on “peace and stability across the India-Pacific region” is directly or correspondently a stab of exposure to China. That shows an anger of Washington against Beijing for not harmonizing North Korea for discontinuing their nuclear warhead programs.
It looks like US is going to hit two marks with one stone, by strengthening and modernizing India’s military so thus to counter China in “Asia Pacific region” and on even by diverting world’s attention toward Kashmir and demonstrating Pakistan as terrorist subsidiary or assisting state. India is playing the same dual game by having advantage of being a close ally of US by having modernized and more equipped nuclear military assistance and by letting prestigiously Pakistan depressed towards the globe. US prevented Dhoka La standoffs to backup Japan, for this US wants India and China to cooperate each other. However China remains silent in such percept.
The way forward toward US objective of blacklisting HM militants, should be for Pakistan to take a solid step by forcing India aggregate and join the table for negotiation among Kashmir issue. What else we could do, except to lead both states to join for negotiation. However Pakistan is still doing some exertions, although its repercussions were indiscernible. Pakistan along with Muslim community should join their hands together toward Kashmir’s right and at least make India agree to let Kashmir a right to self-determination. Pakistan should encourage China to engage in this dispute. As China is directly and indirectly involved or threatened into it by India and US as well. They should thoroughly and prudently make a decision and should make an appropriate strategy, If not to give that territory to Pakistan so at least to free Kashmir from Indian occupation.
US should know that HM is not a terrorist organization rather a group of freedom fighters, who fight to protect their privileges or basic rights and they do not have any global objectives. HM was formed after suffering Indian government’s cruelties toward Kashmiris. India and US should stop such conviction toward Kashmir and stop pretending and showing an image, that Pakistan is the reason of troubled Kashmir. India should stop pointing fingers toward Pakistan instead of seeing their own faults, cruel behavior and exploitation that Kashmiri’s facing.
International community should caste an eye over Kashmir issue instead of being blind by light. And should provide them with fundamental rights and often determine them to provide a sovereign state.
References
[1] “US Blacklists Kashmir’s Hizbul Mujahideen As ‘Terrorist’ Group”. 2017. DAWN.COM. https://www.dawn.com/news/1351930/us-blacklists-kashmirs-hizbul-mujahideen-as-terrorist-group.
[2] web desk, Express. 2017. “US Designates Hizbul Mujahideen As Foreign Terrorist Organisation: Top Developments”. The Indian Express. http://indianexpress.com/article/india/hizbul-mujahideen-syed-salahuddin-united-states-of-america-foreign-terror-organisation-jammu-and-kashmir-4800460/.
[3] “India Welcomes US Blacklisting Of Hizbul Mujahideen”. 2017. Aljazeera.Com. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/india-welcomes-blacklisting-hizbul-mujahideen-170818150424137.html.
[4] Ibid
[5] Talukdar, sreemoy. 2017. “US Dubs Hizbul Mujahideen Terror Outfit: Washington Move Will Help Strengthen India’s Hand Against China”. Firstpost. http://www.firstpost.com/india/hizbul-mujahideen-ban-not-just-terror-us-move-will-help-strengthen-indias-hands-against-china-3941515.html.
