Coming out strongly against ‘divisive politics’ on the Amarnath issue, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh called on political parties not to use religion to divide people but come together in finding a permanent solution to problems plaguing the Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the nation on the 62nd Independence Day on August 15, Dr. Singh noted the sacred shrine of Amarnath was a ‘shining example’ of secular traditions and cautioned that ‘dividing people in the name of religion’ could complicate issues further and pose a threat to the country’s unity and integrity1.

Meanwhile, India on August 12 asked Pakistan to stop meddling in its internal affairs, cautioning such actions did not contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive for the peace process to move forward. The External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna noted that remarks attributed to the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Sadiq on August 11 constituted clear interference in India’s internal affairs. Sadiq on August 11 had expressed concern at the violence in J&K, and stated that the incidents had “serious humanitarian implications2.”

Fifteen protestors were killed in firing on the protest rallies and clashes between protestors and security forces all over the Kashmir valley on August 12. This was the worst incidence of violence since the state government’s decision to grant land-use rights sparked massive protests last month3.

Earlier on August 11, seven persons, including senior Hurriyat Conference leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz, were killed when the security forces opened fire at several places in the Kashmir Valley to stop people from marching towards Muzaffarabad - the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The protesters took to the streets to break the ‘economic blockade’ of the Valley imposed by Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti. Sheikh Aziz was leading the march, when the security forces tried to stop the marchers at Chehlan near Baramulla, and opened fire4.

Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on August 16 urged Kashmir’s pro-India politicians to immediately resign or else face social boycott. Geelani also warned Jammu and Kashmir Police to immediately stop “shameful atrocities on the (Kashmiri) nation or face the social boycott5.”

• 1. “PM warns against ‘divisive politics’ on Amarnath issue,” Daily Excelsior, August 16, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08aug16/news.htm#11
• 2. “Don't meddle in J&K: India to Pak,” Daily Excelsior, August 13, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08aug13/news.htm#5
• 3. “Fifteen shot dead in Jammu & Kashmir,” The Hindu, August 13, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081360960100.htm
• 4. “Muzaffarabad marchers fired upon, 5 killed,” The Hindu, August 12, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/12/stories/2008081256610100.htm
• 5. “Geelani asks pro-India leaders to resign or face ‘social boycott’,” Daily Excelsior, August 17, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08aug17/news.htm