Message Dated 19/05/2006

-----Original Message-----
From: khair Bakhsh [mailto:marrigreat@yahoo.com]
Sent: 17 May 2006 22:40
To: webmaster@balochwarna.org; balochvoice@yahoogroup.com
Cc: usmankhalid@lisauk.com; ahmar_scribe@yahoo.com
Subject: So-called exile GOB in Israel and attacks on the idealogy of Islam

Mr. Dell_Gosh ( so-called Jewish-cum- Baloch )

I am reading your posts for some time about Baloch and Balochistan. Actually you are wanting to destroy our Islamic faith and Ideology as being a Muslim and Baloch. You are nothing more than a puppet and parrot of your own narrow mind thinking and your masters.

How funny is to be to establish an exile GOB in a state like Israel. Israel itself finding its permanent boundaries with their neighbors. A terrorist and rogue state born by America and other allies of the 1st and 2nd world wars to teach a lesson to the Ottoman Empire of Turkey and Muslim world for the showing their feeling for Germans. Finding a safe place ( haven )in Israel is no more a good choice for Balochs. The
state of Israel is on its way to normalize ties with their neighbours and the Muslim world for the safety of its own state. How could it help us to making a shape of exile GOB in Bait-ul- Muqqadas to further enrage the Muslim world and specially Govt: of Pakistan. Pakistan
is also on his way to normalize its relationship with Jewish community and the so-called state of Israel.

Can Israel make a hefty help to the people of Balochistan to launch an another front with the feelings of general public of Muslim world.

We are Muslims and should remain Muslims and also want to remain Muslim in the upcoming years of future. We are first Muslim and then Baloch. If Panjabees are committing some atrocities with us, it does not mean
that we raise weapons and swords against the whole Muslim world. If Palestinians are not helping us then please tell where we the Baloch are helping Palestinian against the occupations by Israel. Where are we Baloch making efforts to help other slave nations in the world?. If we do nothing for anyone then why are we looking towards others?

There is an ongoing dispute between Baloch and Govt. of Pakistan on the issues of royalty, financial assistance, poverty reduction and Gwadur port and proposed mega city. There is no public demand (except some private demands like your) for Independence from the Pakistan. Do not confuse our struggle of rights with your dream of so-called independence.

Sittings in the laps of our real enemy (Israel), you are no more valuable for Balochs and Baloch cause. Why you demanding money for you comfort living in Israel or in any other European country for the raising of your bad voice? You can make more money by strip out
in front of a hardcore giant Jewish and satisfied him or pick up his long black hat and stay at any street corner of Israel and beg money. There is another choice only for you. Why you not pick up a Jharro and start cleaning in a synagogue to show your sincerity towards the Jews and the so-called state of Israel. I am quite sure, you will certainly succeed in these business.

You Mr. Dell_Gosh and your company will see your defeat in near future with the help of Allah. Postings some views on a tiny and unfamous group will never ever help you to succeed and make a difference between
Baloch and Muslims. Yes we have some differences with the Pakistan Government but we will solve them with the passage of time. Why you wasting your time in front of a computer and dreaming of becoming the
President or the Prime Minister of Balochistan. That is funny!!!!!!

May Allah guide you and your company and help you all to bring back your normal thinking.

At the end, listen these pray: (specialy ahmar_scribe)

America Murdabad,
Israel Murdabad,
India Murdabad,
So-called and very very funny Israel based GOB Murdabad
Baloch,Balochistan and Pakistan Zindabad.

No thanks,
Marrigreat

Message Dated 19/05/2006

From: kashmir-global-network@yahoogroups.com [mailto:kashmir-global-network@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rasheed Khan
Sent: 18 May 2006 05:40
To: kashmir-global-network@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [kashnet] Dr Shabir Choudhry to take part in Delhi Conference

You never felt shame when you call patriotic people as agent.
People of Bangla Desh sacrificed 3 million lives and then get freedom from your barbaric and NA-PAK army of Pakistan.

Have you ever checked the record of your brutal army who is always busy in slaughtering own peoples ?

There are many pro-pakistan misleaders visited India and also spoken in Indian favour during their visit in recent years
but when pro-independence leaders visit you called them Indian agent ... at least you should have some logic in your stand.

Message Dated 17/05/2006

From: sindhiana@yahoogroups.com [mailto:sindhiana@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of DILEEP BHAWNANI
Sent: 16 May 2006 13:05
To: sindhiana@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: (sindhiana) Digest Number 1049

Reference to Usman Khalid letter

I personally request Mr Usman Khalid to come to India and live here for sometime as he will feel the taste of democracy, which is not available in Pakistan.

as for as people of sindh /Pakistan are concerned they are same as Indians but our rulers [military/landlords] made them against India as Mr Usman khalid is. Every country has his ambitions as India have but this does not means that one should kill an other. live and let live should be the policy of men and country there r also other countries like UAE who is doing all well but not like our countries to fight each other and lose our energy in fighting kindly think positively for India

Message Dated 16/05/2006

From: Jalal Sherkoh [mailto:Sherkoh@kurdland.com]
Sent: 15 May 2006 06:03
To: misdaq@zaidiandco.co.uk
Cc: usmankhalid@lisauk.comSubject: Summing up

How to sum up the facts ?

This is one line of thought :---

Pakistan was created because the Hindustani Muslims could not compete with the Hindus.Thus they initiated Muslim separatism as Francis Robinsons work " Separatism among Indian Muslims" proves.
1. The Punjabi Muslims and Pashtun Muslims(less those from tribal areas) collaborated with the British from 1849 till 1947 , and became strong in North West India by shamelessly marching to Delhi under Nicholson in 1857 and one Punjabi Muslim regiment even fired at the Khana i Kaba.
2. The Muslim landlords from Sindh Punjab and NWFP heavily under debt of Hindu money lenders joined Muslim League in order to get clean free of the debt and to occupy free of cost Hindu and Sikh properties.In Sindh this was 90 % not valid but in Punjab this was 99 % the case.
3. Pakistan survived because of US aid and not because of its ideology.
4. If son of a Risaldar Major or son of a clerk (Musharraf) promoted to officer rank , or Zia son of a petty Jullundhuri Tailor can become Pakistan's presidents by force of guns , how dare they criticise the Baloch Sardar ?
5. If Pakistan survives by begging from Bush and by shamelessly collaborating with USA why should not Balochistan do it and be an independent state ?
6. Pakistan is a Punjabi Muslim state with Pashtuns and Hindustani Muslims as minor partners.
7. We have ex officers from Pakistan Army who genuinely feel that Pakistan is a Punjabi state and are our military advisors.
8. The summing up is that we are not interested in the Pakistani politics and we want a separate state.
Sherkoh

Message Dated 16/05/2006

From: Dell_Gosh Baloch [mailto:dell_gosh_baloch@yahoo.com]
Sent: 13 May 2006 22:24
To: Misdaq Zaidi;
Subject: Re: [balochunity] RE: [Bhittai] Baluch Jewish Unity

Mr. Misdaq Zaidi,

I know truth hits right in the brain and thats what you are feeling now. I know you all punjabis are ignorant, thinking all alike and try to hide you ugly committed crimes against Baloch people under the cover of Napaki nationalism and Islam, and then blame our respected Baloch leaders for the backwardness of our people, While you all loot and rob our Natural resources to develop Punjab and islambabad. Don't you all feel shame ?? by lying and hiding the truth?? Is this is a respectable manner to steel someone esle's resources and put it in your pocket and grow your stomach bigger and fatter? Is this is rescpecatable manner and Islamic to kill and torture our non-comabatant ordinary innocent Baloch people? There are more than 6000 innocent Baloch lingering in Pakistani Jails without trial in torture camps, WHY? Is this islamic to keep politcial prisner in jail and torture them without any trial? Even Israel let the Palestinian Terrorist have a fair trial and USA even gave your Terrorist musawi a fair trial, but you call yourself Muslims and where is your Islamic Justice?? You all refuse to honor human rights. Is this is respectable to rape Dr. Shazia Khalid by your military men and then dump her into a pshychiatric hospital in Karachi to hide your crime? and your president makes the verdict without trail that the rapist is innocent and not guilty? Is this is a respectable behavior to Rape thousand Muslim Bangalis sisters and kile millions in the name of Islam who fought for the creation of this Pokistan? WHAT IS THE RESPECTABLE BEHAVIOR SIR? why don't you speak out about these crimes committed by your terrorist military? Why every ordinary citizen in Pokistan feel hostage and unsafe in their own country by your these military thugs? why don't you speak about these misbehaviors? Are you blind? You don't see the crimes being committed against the innocent Baloch people? Why they are being bombed?? for what??? just because they say whatever comes out of Balochistan should be spent in Balochistan for Baloch people, but you said no, we want to steal your resources and spend the proceeds in Punjab and if you say anything against this, this is a "irrespectable behavior". What si the respectable behavior sir?? Don't you feel shame Mr. Zaidi #$$@&*@%????


Misdaq Zaidi wrote:

Dear Usman sahib

I am very disturbed with the language used by Dell Gosh Baloch - i was given the impression that this is going to be an intellectual debate - i am disappointed -

it is however, not debatable, that the province of Balochistan is associated with and a part of the nation of Pakistan - provincialism is a menace and a curse and is destroying the fabric of our nation - it is attacking the sanctity of Pakistan - it is also clear that the people of Balochistan should no longer be ruled by the Sardars - that they are a curse as far as the people of Balochistan are concerned - the sooner they go the faster the prosperity will appear as a blessing to the long suffering people of Balochistan and the Frontier Province - it is also vital that the people of these provinces alongwith Sindh and interior Panjab must be attracted to the benefits of education on a universal basis - i wish our thinkers and those who are in power consider this aspect and introduce education in all parts of pakistan on a much larger scale as this will change the face of pakistan - people shall start respecting each other - they will resolve their differences by way of debate and dialogue in a respectable manner and not by calling names to each other - i am ashamed of those who behave in this manner- i have great faith and take great pride in my nation

Misdaq

Message Dated 16/05/2006

From: Dell_Gosh Baloch [mailto:dell_gosh_baloch@yahoo.com]
Sent: 13 May 2006 06:30
To: usmankhalid@lisauk.com
Subject: Fwd: An Expose’: The Durand Line Agreement is Illegal

An Expose’: The Durand Line Agreement is Illegal
The argument between Afghanistan and Pakistan centers on the issue of Durand Line Agreement and its validity. But, the Government of Balochistan (GOB) in Exile challenges the “legality” of the Durand Line Agreement between Afghanistan and British India in 1893, not its “validity”. We believe that the Durand Line Agreement is an illegal agreement, and therefore, it is null and void.

DURAND LINE AGREEMENT
In 1839, the Afghan and British governments agreed to demark a 2,450-kilometer (1,519 miles) long border dividing British India and Afghanistan. The signatory of the document, known as The Durand Line Agreement, were His Highness, Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, ruler of Afghanistan, and Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, the foreign secretary of the British Indian government.
Since British India ceased to exist in 1947 with the independence of India, Pakistan, and princely States, it was assumed that the Durand Line Agreement will be automatically upheld by the International Court of Justice as a binding agreement under uti possidetis juris, i.e, binding bilateral agreements with or between colonial powers are "passed down" to successor independent states.

AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN CONFLICT
The Durand Line has been a source of contention between Afghanistan and Pakistan. On September 30, 1947, at the UN General Assembly meeting, Afghanistan even caste a vote against the admission of Pakistan to the United Nations.

International Law states that boundary changes must be made among all concerned parties; and a unilateral declaration by one party has no effect. So, when in 1949, Afghanistan’s “Loya Jirga” (Grand Council) declared the Durand Line Agreement invalid, it was considered a unilateral declaration, and therefore, could not be enforced. Furthermore, Durand Line, like virtually any international boundaries, has no expiration date, nor is there any mention of such in the Durand Line Agreement, which is contrary to the popular beliefs of certain Afghan scholars that the Agreement lapsed in 1993 which is after a hundred years of its signing.

To this date, the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are characterized by rivalry, suspicion and resentment. The primary cause of this hostility rests in the debate about the validity of the Durand Line Agreement. But, so far, it appears that Pakistan’s position in this debate is legally correct, and the Government in Afghanistan has never challenged Pakistan in the International Court of Justice.
BALOCH-BRITISH RELATIONS
In 1839, when the British army advanced through Balochistan towards Afghanistan, they battled with the Baloch for the first time. During this conflict, 400 Baloch were killed along with Mehrab Khan (ruler of Balochistan), and the British took 2,000 Baloch prisoners of war. After recognizing Mehrab Khan’s young son, Nasir Khan II, as his successor, the Baloch and British signed their first treaty in 1841 that dealt with “Military Offensive and Defensive” matters. The British vacated Balochistan after the treaty was signed, and until 1854, there were no major diplomatic interactions between the Baloch and the British.

On May 14th, 1854, a new Treaty was signed which annulled the 1841 Treaty. The new Treaty focused on “Alliance, Defensive and Offensive” matters. It also demanded the Baloch rulers to oppose all enemies of the British government; required British consent prior to any Baloch ruler could negotiate with any other state; and it permitted the British to station troops within selected parts of Balochistan.

When the Baloch ruler broke certain provisions of the 1854 Treaty, diplomatic relations between Balochistan and British were discontinued in 1874. But, after two years, in 1876 the Treaty of 1854 was rectified with minor modifications allowing the British government to mediate any Baloch tribal disputes, and lease Quetta valley to establish a military cantonment. Although the Baloch ruler’s writ still ran over Balochistan, but now it was under the watchful eye of a British Indian government.

From 1890 to 1891, to contain the Pashtun tribes of the Suleman Mountains from conducting border raids, the British carried out a series of military expeditions that resulted in the occupation of Zhob valley. Soon afterwards, they constructed a cantonment at Fort Sandeman along with extensions of a line of outposts.

In 1893, serious differences arose between the ruler of Balochistan, Mir Khodadad Khan and the British. Soon after, on instigation of the British, Mir Mahmud Khan deposed his father and became the new ruler of Balochistan in November 1893. By July 1899, the Baloch administration had negotiated perpetual lease and transfer of management to British agency of the Nushki district and Niabat with all rights, jurisdiction and administrative power, in lieu of perpetual rent. This secured direct British control of the great highway connecting Quetta to Taftan. This arrangement prevailed till August 1947 when British India was dissolved.

SOVEREIGNTY OF BALOCHISTAN
On August 11, 1947, the British acceded control of Balochistan to the ruler of Balochistan, His Highness Mir Ahmad Yar Khan - the Khan of Kalat. The Khan immediately declared the independence of Balochistan, and Mohammad Ali Jinnah signed the proclamation of Balochistan’s sovereignty under the Khan.

The New York Times reported on August 12, 1947: “Under the agreement, Pakistan recognizes Kalat as an independent sovereign state with a status different from that of the Indian States. An announcement from New Delhi said that Kalat, Moslem State in Baluchistan, has reached an agreement with Pakistan for free flow of communications and commerce, and would negotiate for decisions on defense, external affairs and communications.” The next day, the NY Times even printed a map of the world showing Balochistan as a fully independent country.

According to the Indian Independence Act 1947, all treaties and agreements between the British Government and the rulers of States were terminated as of August 15, 1947. On that day, the Khan addressed a large gathering in Kalat and formally declared the full independence of Balochistan, and proclaimed the 15th day of August a day of celebration. The Khan formed the lower and upper house of Kalat Assembly, and during the first meeting of the Lower House in early September 1947, the Assembly confirmed the independence of Balochistan.

Jinnah tried to persuade the Khan to join Pakistan, but the Khan and both Houses of the Kalat Assembly refused. The Pakistani government took an aggressive stance against Balochistan, and in March 1948, the Pakistani armed forces started their operation against the Balochistan government. They invaded Balochistan on April 15th, 1948, and imprisoned all members of the Kalat Assembly.

LEGALITY OF THE DURAND LINE AGREEMENT
Throughout the period of British rule of India, the British never occupied Balochistan. There were treaties and lease agreements between the two sovereign states, but neither state invaded the other. Although the treaties signed between British India and Balochistan provided many concessions to the British, but none of the treaties permitted the British to demark the boundaries of Balochistan without the consent of the Baloch rulers.

The Durand Line Agreement of 1893 divides boundaries between three sovereign countries, namely Afghanistan, Balochistan and British India. According to International Law, all affected parties are required to agree to any changes in demarking their common borders. In reality, the Durand Line Agreement was a trilateral agreement and it legally required the participation and signatures of all three countries. But, the Agreement was drawn as a bilateral agreement between Afghanistan and British India only, and it intentionally excluded Balochistan. Hence, under the rules of demarking boundaries of the International Law, the Agreement was in error, and thus, it was null and void as soon as it was signed.

The British, under false pretenses, assured the Afghan rulers that Balochistan was part of British India, and therefore, they were not required to have the consent of anyone from Balochistan to agree on demarking borders. Meanwhile, the British kept the Baloch rulers in the dark about the Durand Line Agreement to avoid any complications. This policy helped the British to concentrate on fortifying their military positions in the region without causing any tensions between Afghanistan and Balochistan about demarking their boundary lines, otherwise this could have resulted in a war between Afghanistan and Balochistan.

To ascertain that Balochistan and Afghanistan were not discussing the legality of the Durand Line Agreement among themselves, the British continued to reaffirm the Durand Line Agreement by each of the successive Afghan rulers who followed His Highness, Amir Abdur Rahman Khan. King Habibullah (1901-19), King Amanullah (1919-29), King Nadir Shah (1929-1933), and King Zahir Shah (1933-1973) reaffirmed the Agreement during their reign.

A FACADE
The British ruled parts of Afghanistan without any legal authority, but through treacherous use of a piece of paper, the Durand Line Agreement, which did not have any legal standing in any court of law. As long as the British kept Afghanistan and Balochistan in the dark and apart from each other to discuss the Agreement, the British could continue to rule Afghan territory.

But, in 1947, the British Indian government was dissolved, and hence, there was no reason for the British to continue this façade. But, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his legal team immediately found out after Pakistan’s independence that the Durand Line Agreement was not a legally admissible/binding document. To continue the illegal occupation of territories belonging to Afghanistan, it was important for Pakistan to keep the flaw in the Agreement a secret. But, the dilemma was that Balochistan was an independent country, and one day the truth might be reveled to Afghanistan about the Agreement. This truth could result in Pakistan losing its Pashtun dominated areas to Afghanistan.

It was very important for Pakistan to either annex or invade Balochistan to continue with their illegal occupation of Afghan territories. When Jinnah failed to convince the Baloch government to annex with Pakistan on basis of the two sovereign states being predominantly Muslim countries, he ordered his armed forces to invade Balochistan and, under duress, forced the His Highness, the Khan of Kalat to sign legal documents to merge Balochistan with Pakistan. This simple act of aggression against a sovereign nation assured Pakistan that their secret about the Durand Line Agreement would remain intact.
Once Balochistan was secured, the Pakistanis deceptively used the law of uti possidetis juris to their advantage and continued occupation of territories belonging to Afghanistan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
Pakistan is in illegal occupation of territories belonging to Afghanistan under false pretenses. To maintain its current territorial integrity, it is in Pakistan’s interest to have a weak and destabilized government in Afghanistan so there is no one to challenge the authenticity of the Durand Line Agreement. Therefore, Pakistani intelligence agencies have provided shelter for members of Al-Qaeda and Taleban who are committing acts of terrorism within Afghanistan to destabilize the democratically elected government of President Hamid Karzai.
US armed forces in Afghanistan are eradicating remnants of terrorists from Taleban era. The Americans are also helping to rebuild Afghanistan and strengthen the democratic process of government to get a strong foothold in the country. But, Pakistan has waged a proxy war against the United States, and continues to terrorize the Afghan nation in hopes to frustrate the US to leave Afghanistan and weaken the Afghan government.

Meanwhile, the Baloch have launched their “War of Independence” in Iran and Pakistan. Three tribal Sardars (chieftains) have united their forces and are engaged in a guerilla war against the well-equipped Pakistani armed forces. The Baloch freedom movement is gaining momentum, and people from all walks of like are joining in droves.

SOLUTION
Afghanistan and Balochistan should form a legal team to challenge the illegal occupation of Afghan territories and Balochistan by Pakistan in the International Court of Justice. Once the Durand Line Agreement is declared illegal, it will result in the return of Pakistan-occupied territories back to Afghanistan. Also, Balochistan will be declared a country that was forcibly invaded through use of force by the Pakistanis; and with international assistance, Balochistan can regain its independence. It is the right time to act now because the US and Allied forces in Afghanistan are positioned to facilitate the enforcement of the Court’s judgment.

After Pakistan vacates territories belonging to Afghanistan and Balochistan, a new boarder should be demarked amicably to determine Baloch dominated areas to become the new Balochistan, and Pashtun dominated areas to be merged into Afghanistan. And, with the help of the US and Allied forces, the Afghans and the Baloch forces can flush out members of Al-Qaeda and Talebans from their respective countries.

A wise observer once said, “Pakistan is a completely superfluous and artificially created spot on the world map that has become a breeding ground for extremism, and trouble that would be best done away with.”


Mir Azaad Khan Baloch
General Secretary
Desk of The Government of Balochistan in Exile
The World Baloch Jewish Alliance Building
PO Box 5631
Jerusalem, 91000
ISRAEL

Message Dated 16/05/2006

From: sindhiana@yahoogroups.com [mailto:sindhiana@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Aziz Narejo
Sent: 14 May 2006 08:42
To: sanamedia@yahoo.com
Subject: (sindhiana) ARD, Others Should Take a Cue From Nepalese Struggle for Democracy

ARD, Others Should Take a Cue From Nepalese Struggle for Democracy

Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) is a major political group seeking an end to military rule in Pakistan. Its leaders have been issuing statements now and then to that effect and have frequently expressed their ‘wish’ to return the country to a democratic rule.

It is however very disappointing that while the people continue to suffer under the dictatorial regime, the said alliance or any other pro-democracy forces have not been able to mobilize the people and launch a forceful movement to achieve the objective. There is an immense discontent in the country. The people want the change. They want to break the vicious cycle of their miseries. But they don’t see any credible political force that could lead them out of the mess. There is no doubt that the political parties have failed the people.

Who wouldn’t know that the military establishment has become a commercial concern with wide ranging vested interests? The military is no more a fighting force. It has turned into a Mafia that is interested in grabbing land, jobs, trade and business opportunities, lucrative contracts and every thing else that has any potential to make some money. It appropriates major portion of the country’s budget and has no check on its expenditure. Mere statements from our politicians won’t be enough for our ‘valiant’ soldiers to roll back.

Political parties will have to go to the people and do some hard work. They also need to give up trying to reach compromises or any deals. The political parties came to power through compromises and deals in 1990s and saw the results. They should also stop looking towards the lone super power to lend them a horse to ride to the throne. Why don’t they realize that they have to really believe in the power of the people? They have to come through the the 'people's power' and not through any back door. Or they would be shown the door any time as they have experienced in the past.

They also talk of a ‘charter of democracy’. One can only comment on it when it is made public. In the meantime one hopes that they would take into consideration the aspirations of the people, analyze correctly the situation on the ground and develop a mechanism that prohibits any military role in the civilian affairs. The ‘swivel door’ era must end. Or it would end the dreams of all.

Regards,
Aziz Narejo

Message Dated 29/01/2006

From: Bhittai@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Bhittai@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of The Bihari
Sent: 16 January 2006 15:23
To: sindhorg@yahoogroups.com; bhittai@yahoogroups.com; balochunity@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Bhittai] Re: [sindhorg] Protests against Balochistan operation

The Army has never targeted any innocent citizens. It only went after the criminals , who had any links with the subversives elements.
Munaeem
----- Original Message -----
From: Lal Gehi
To: sindhorg@yahoogroups.com ; bhittai@yahoogroups.com ; balochunity@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 8:12 PM
Subject: Re: [sindhorg] Protests against Balochistan operation

Saaeen,

I fully agree with you that the brutal military regime of Pakistan has no regards for human sufferings and sentiments.

The only effective way, I think will draw attention is to inform the international community and Pakistan's friends abroad, about their dirty deeds of killing innocent citizens of Sindh Balochistan.

I agree that mere slogans will not put a dent in Pakistan's policies of hurting innocent citizens, some more effective action is required by the people, and leaders of Sindh Balochistan, on international level and at home.
God Bless Sindh Balochistan

Message Dated 29/01/2006

From: voiceofsindh@yahoogroups.com [mailto:voiceofsindh@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Gul Agha
Sent: 18 January 2006 14:12
To: sanalist@yahoogroups.com; worldsindhinet @ yahoogroups. com; wsc-network @ yahoogroups. com; paknatureconservancy@yahoogroups.com; Sindhiat; Voice of Sindh E Group; List sindhmedia; Sindh sukar; Sindhyana E Group
Subject: [Voice of Sindh] The new dam disasters.

The General is trying to pull one (make that two) over... Why are Akhori Dam and Munda Dam any more acceptable? We have to work to restore the ecological balance for the good of the people, the wildlife and the environment. The Sindhi people are not just opposed to KBD, they are opposed to any more dams on the Indus River and its tributaries. Read their lips: No more water and silt theft!

Let us talk about how we are going to restore the delta with 35 MAF downstream from Kotri by aggressive water conservation measures. This means introducing drip agriculture, eliminating water hungry cash crops and replacing them with food crops with more efficient use, lining canals to eliminate seepage (reducing salination and water logging), opening up some of the 27 barrages, stopping construction of Thal canal, plugging water pipe leaks, eliminating subsidy for urban water supply, banning lawns, etc., allowing flood plains of the Indus in Sindh to have water in high season to regenerate forests.

The time for dams is long gone:

As the New York Times observed: "... much of the developed world has given up on the widespread building of dams out of concern that they ruin the life of rivers, silt up and cause much water to evaporate in irrigation channels. Instead, modern methods call for less costly irrigation systems and for recycling water and reducing demand."

Peace,
Gul Agha