Well, I highly doubt that you haven't heard some bit of news about Kashmir over the past week. Unfortunately none of it is good news. The past eight days have seen a relentless air bombing campaign laid out by the Indian military who are trying to push back some 600 militant invaders around the region of Drass-Kargil.
As I mentioned in the last update, the Indian military has been trying to flush out supposed Pak supported militants along the line of control. It started with around 100 militants who it seemed were trying to irritate the military by exploding a few ammo dumps around Kargil. The military retaliated by closing the road that connects Leh to Srinagar while they combed the area.
On May 26th, the bombing campaign got underway surprising most everyone, capturing the worlds attention.The military closed down the Srinagar airport and used it as a staging ground for military aircraft. The next day Pakistan reported that they had shot down two Indian jets that had crossed into Pak airspace. This action came just after officials in Pakistan said they would defend themselves if need be.
By the third day, India had deployed more troops to the Kargil region bringing the total to an estimated 30,000+. Reports were coming out that the militants had grown in number to over 600 and had actually taken over a small part of Indian territory. One faction, the Tehrik-al-mujahideen, said they had shot down a third aircraft, this one a helicopter gunship. Other factions joining in have said that they will not be chased back and if need be will stand their ground until death.
The Pakistani government at this point stepped in and offered to send an envoy to New Delhi to try and diffuse the rising tensions. P.M. Atal Bihari Vajpayee flat out refused the offer saying that before any talks take place that Pakistan has to stop backing the militants in the area. The next day, India changed its mind and accepted the offer but no specific date was mentioned.
So here we are, eight days later and there seems to be no end in sight. As many as thirteen children have been reported killed in two separate bombings of nearby schools in Neelum valley n.e. of Muzafarabad. Over 13,000 have been forced to leave their homes. Reports vary on the Indian as well as the Militant casualties but they range from 100 to 250.
One positive to come from all of this happens to be the world media attention that has been thrust upon Kashmir. Today alone I must have seen a dozen news stories on stations that may never have heard of Kashmir before this. On National Public Radio's syndicated show called 'Talk of the nation' they devoted an hour to discussing the issue. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai of the Kashmiri American Council was given a chance to speak for the Kashmiri's. I must also thank my beautiful wife Maya who had her email read on the air where she was the only one to mention the attrocities commited by the Indian army.
For the next few weeks I will probably be using the marquee on my front page for quick updates so check back often.
May peace come soon to this paradise!!