Brave Woman defies Indian Army

On February 23, 1991, Indian Army committed mass rapes of many women in the village of Kunan Poshpora in Indian occupied Kashmir. See Wikipedia:Kunan Poshpora incident or Google Search:Kunan Poshpora rape to research the incident in more detail.
Tabish Naseer gives an account of a 50 year old mother Bhakti who stood up against the heinous perpetrators of the atrocities. See @ Courage has a face in Kunan-Poshpora

Bhakti says, “The officer had said to her that they had made an appeal which was granted and they were ready to pay compensation, provided villagers say that army has not done anything here.”

“Even if you give me money equaling the length and breadth of this house even then I won’t change my word. Till the judgment day the blood will ooze from our wounds,” was Bhakti’s reply.

How long will the world powers that speak of democracy, freedom and human rights remain silent on these and many worse atrocities being committed in Kashmir by India? How long will they stand silent on the subjugation and occupation of a people whose only demand is that they be given the right to determine their own future? A fair UN vote/plebiscite/ballot. The world powers/politicians/diplomats only pay lip service when they speak of freedom of oppressed people around the globe, but the Kashmiris are paying with their blood for their cherished dream of FREEDOM.

Things taken for granted …

Food. Honey. Go to the supermarket and pick up a bottle. We take things for granted, but people like Tete remind us to value the gifts we enjoy. A touching 4 minute clip from BBC’s Human Planet about Tete who climbs 40 metres (thats about 131 feet) above ground, leaves the security of any vine/harness, is stung repeatedly by a swarm bees and through his bravery is able to collect honey for his wife, his children, his family. All that for bringing honey to his family. Tete of the BaAka people of Africa’s Congo basin. We who have abundance of sugar, honey, foods of all varieties at the convenience of a shelf. So many wonderful lessons in this tale. So much gratitude we owe to GOD for our privileged lives. A reminder also of the sacrifices our parents make to provide us with food and other necessities and luxuries at the expense of great pain and toil.

Source: BBC Human Planet @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00dlvl4

Pakistani Wicketkeeper’s Journey to International Debut

A moving journey of suffering and determination of young Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider who recently got the honour of representing his country in the highest format of international cricket. From personal tragedy involving his parents and family members to being part of the Under-19 squad that went on to become world champions to international debut. Read more @ Zulqarnain’s long road to recognition

Pakistani Hero

Nowadays, all one hears in news bulletins is how a bomber in Pakistan claims __ number of lives. Here is another Pakistani. He is from Swat as well, the region racked by violence. He has 14 lives to his name. Only, he didn’t hurt anyone, he saved them. Working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the recent floods, he saved 14 strangers and died trying to save the 15th. His name is Farman Ali Khan.

Bilal Omer: An officer and a gentleman

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=212086

“…He could have run away during the attack on the Parade Lane mosque but he grappled with a terrorist, managing to overpower him and get him down, when the man took out his pistol and shot him then blew himself up. It was this blast, which took this gallant soldiers life but saved that of many. He lived up to the words he repeated often. “We must not be cowed by these terrorists. We must fight.”

The gate of his house wherever he lived was never locked. “Why don’t you lock your gate,” his neighbours and other visitors asked him. “Terrorists will be able to enter easily.”

“Then we will fight them,” he always replied and also exhorted his family to be prepared to do the same…”