An Analysis of Sectarian Conflict in GB and Possible Solution

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The theology of murder

Source of Sectarian Conflict

Ever since the tragic sectarian conflicts in 1988, civil society in GB and even the government in the region have seen an ever-increasing fragmentation. Killing, counter killings and confrontation with the government has resulted into a situation of anarchy, especially in Gilgit town. Government, sensitive individuals and groups have tried in the past to overcome this situation but with limited or no success. One such group with the proposed name "Karakuram Peace Forum" held a well attended conference on May 8, 2005 at Gilgit, the organizing committee headed by Mr. Nazir Sabir (SI), a famed mountaineer from Hunza with a number of credentials achieved by him, had contacted and requested me to accept the position of convener for their forum.

An extract from "HUNZA MATTERS -authored by Prof Kreutzmann:

Sectarian clashes

The undecided status of the constitutional relationship between the Northern Areas and the centre, as well as several interventions during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s regime such as the abolishment of hereditary rule and the banning of the muhharram processions in Gilgit contributed to growing tensions that were finding an outlet and attracting preachers and activists from down-country. The latter incident can be seen as the beginning of what later became known as ‘sectarian clashes’ between Sunni and Twelvershia factions that have continued until today.465 In addition, the opening of the Karakoram Highway “... coincided with the rise of religious militancy in Pakistan. While unlocking Gilgit-Baltistan from its physical isolation and ushering in economic opportunity,

the highway has also increased Gilgit-Baltistan’s vulnerability to new threats, such as the influx of illegal weapons,

drugs, and intolerant attitudes from the south, and it has changed the demographics of Gilgit and other towns.”

What have been locally identified as ‘sectarian clashes’ have become a severe law and order issue in northern Pakistan; in May 1988 more than 500 people were killed when a mob attacked a Shia village at the bottom of the Bagrot Valley, causing the closure of the Karakoram Highway. Since then, on and off, incidents of sectarian clashes have occurred and disturbed public order. Several measures have been taken, but contributed only to a temporary calming-down. Members of the Gilgit-Baltistan civil society perceive these developments as a side-effect of further integration into Pakistan’s mainstream politics where sometimes cause and effect of sectarian clashes cannot be distinguished. The 1990s have been a lost decade for the citizens of northern Pakistan as

structural problems remained at an impasse and certain developments led to positions that became more and more entrenched.

For political activists and community stakeholders, an improved physical infrastructure and subsequently

introduced interlinked development measures were not sufficient compensation for deficiencies in political representation, their missing recognition under international law, and a perceived neglect in participation in national welfare. The decade leading up to the beginning of the 21st century was a period of consolidation and internal problems. Insecurity was increased by uncertainty about the status and by intensified sectarian unrest, which needed only a spark to release tension. In February-March 1990 such an incident occurred. A minibus with Twelvershiite and Ismaili passengers was kidnapped close to Jaglot; all passengers were murdered in front of a Sunni clergyman. When the news spread that nine persons had been killed and that the culprits and suspects

escaped any verdict and punishment, unrest prevailed and led to the temporary arrest of more than 1,500 persons.

Between 1988 and 2005, it was estimated by government authorities that 373 persons were killed in the Northern Areas during sectarian clashes; in the following year 100 more persons lost their lives. On several occasions these clashes were triggered by a textbook dispute about the representation of Shia Islam. Other observers see these encounters as part of a conflict constellation that has been extended from down-country Pakistan and Swat into the Northern Areas.  A particularly bad year was 2012, when on 18 February eighteen Shia pilgrims were killed in Kohistan district on the Karakoram Highway, followed by twenty more who were killed at Chilas. On 16 August twenty-two civilians were killed by a mob targeting Shia Muslims near Babusar Pass, but also causing the deaths of four Sunni Muslims who protested against killing innocent fellow Muslims.471 A side-effect of these events was often the temporary closure of the Karakoram Highway, substantially increased roadside security

and/or the introduction of escorted travelling on the road when buses and individual vehicles were accompanied by gunmen and convoyed through sectors that were marked as dangerous. Sometimes night travel was banned and curfews were introduced. The police authorities tried to maintain peace at a high cost and to enable smooth conveyance through the Indus Valley. In the aftermath such events episodically occurred. Except for 9/11 no other event reduced the number of international visitors as drastically. From one day to the next, tourism collapsed as a source of income and was not compensated for by domestic tourism. Between 2007 and 2014 it was reported that 71 ‘terrorist attacks’ had occurred between Diamir and Gilgit alone; the vast majority were attributed to sectarian clashes, while sixteen were instigated by outside militant groups.472 The highest international media coverage was given on 23 June 2013 when, in the vicinity of the Karakoram Highway, nine mountain climbers and two local companions were murdered in a Nanga Parbat base camp. A splinter group of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan by the name of Junud-e-Hafsa claimed responsibility, thus documenting that terrorist acts in response to international events had reached the Indus Valley.473 The failure of the state authorities to arrest the culprits and their local supporters did not contribute to public trust in the safety of travel on the Karakoram Highway. 

I had shared my analysis of the situation and views and how deeply felt wounds can be healed and requested the committee to share their analysis before I can decide to participate in this effort. This analysis is reproduced towards diagnosis of the issue.

My analysis of the situation and proposal for bringing about a balance in the society has been as under:

Perspective: The revolution in Iran by Imam Khumeini advocated the concept of "Walayat-e-Faqih" (SHEIKH , NASRULLAH) and issued the religious edict for a world wide armed struggle for establishment of the same. Shia Isna-ashris in Pakistan also heeded to this call and started arming themselves. The world powers, specially USA in view of its global policy such as anti soviet stance in Afghanistan and its dislike for Irani revolution, responded by prompting (Mrs Clinton Statement) CLINTON VIDEO Sunni Muslim states such as (CLICK) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (REASON, THREAT, RAFIDA ) to encourage formation of Jehadi groups (at present stage TALIBAN) with full participation of Pakistan. In Gilgit the blood bath of 1988 occurred for which Shia's consider the government of the time to be a responsible party in furthering American stand.

Impact of Recent Global Economical Scenario: Chinese emergence towards economical giant status, has alarmed Europe, USA, India, Russia and the middle East. The KKH and Gawadar port development (LINK) will prove a sizable conduit of trade for CIS and China. This factor has also prompted powers outside Pakistan including Iran and Gulf countries to destabilize this possible trade route for their own economical interests. “The BRI is an important factor behind the central government's urge to bring the restive region of Xinjiang once and for all under its control,” Adversaries have long adopted terrorism based on extreme ideologies - SALAFI MOVEMENT - as a STRATEGIC WEAPON - a potent option in Pakistan as well towards opposition of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Over the years, two of the intellectual movements (SALAFI - sponsored by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Wilayat al-Faqih - sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Iran) have evolved into increasingly violent confrontation - almost as a war between two movements – very much ENGINEERED by the world powers within their scheme of running the globe (Watch this VIDEO). 

Solution: Now it is imperative for every citizen in the GB to keep National and regional interests to be supreme to group /sectarian feelings. This would be possible only if we manage to heal the past wounds and recreate a pluralistic society in the region. For this to happen we need to work on the model of "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" concept adopted by South Africa to balance its fragmented society. This concept of course should be acceptable to Sunnis and Shias alike as the Quranic teaching extols the virtue of forgiveness over revenge (Sura 42 Ayah 40).
ANALYSIS and SOLUTION - GHAMEDI

Copy of my communication to US administration: 

Dear Sir,

These comments are with reference to resolve in defusing ISIS:

West has done a thorough research and engineered the SALAFI movement towards the strategic goals, it is we Muslims who get carried away through ignorance about this manipulation.Better option to defuse ISIS: USA must apologize to the world and admit that it was a mistake to Engineer the movement of SALAFA as well as WALAYAT-UL-FAQIH as a strategy towards fueling sunni-shia war.

My Feelings:
Approaches and views shared with me by a number of Sunni and Shias of the region in the recent few months shows a desire on their part to trust intervention of individuals of proven integrity and honesty of purpose to bring about a rapprochement in the society. I have, however not been able to gauge the policy of the government to favour or disapprove such a course. However, I can only hope that government will also be willing to support such an idea. 


Ayah 40

Yusuf Ali The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation His reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong. 

Pickthall The guerdon of an ill deed is an ill the like thereof. But whosoever pardoneth and amendeth, his wage is the affair of Allah. Lo! He loveth not wrong doers. 

Transliteration Wa jaza_u say yi atin say yi atum mitsluha_ faman afa_ wa aslaha fa ajruhu_ alal la_h in nahu_ la_ yuhib buz za_limin 

 Related Posts: GREAT GAME, CONFLICT DYNAMICS IZHAR,  International Designs, SECTARION VIOLANCE IN PAKISTAN ,THREAT , POSTURE GLOBAL POLICY , AFGHANISTAN also PANACEA, BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE