In the context of AJK, where the previous 72 years of governance quite clearly indicate the lack of tradition existing here towards research based on social science, one can provide the metaphor of the sick person (or sick state even) whose diagnosis, if carried out by an experienced and qualified doctor will improve the chances of creating a remedy. Indeed, the remedy in the context of AJK’s plight is diagnosed as:
What has this 14-year old un-interrupted journey of fact-finding ground research taught Tanveer Ahmed?
Realising or utilising self-determination cannot be a target (as traditionally observed here) but should be seen as a process, whereby each country or region in the world creates its own process, according to its specific conditions, culture and history.
Who has the right or responsibility to create this process in AJK?
Each and every citizen who qualifies under the State Subject Rule of 1927 (SSR 1927 for short) and is affiliated with AJK by descent. They are indeed the inheritors of this territory and ironically are the very people who are deprived of their collective ownership and thus, haven’t been able to take the initiative to determine their future. They were subjects under the Dogra Raaj until 1947 and are yet to attain their rights as citizens in 2019.
What is this process?
Research – Treasury – Identity and Status
Each and every citizen of AJK should be considered and accepted as an asset of the territory. His or her time, intellect, energy and resources should be utilised according to their capacity (which they voluntarily determine) in this peaceful process. The world gives respect and attention to those who create solutions to their own problems. Whilst collecting many thousands of viewpoints/narratives during the past 14 years, it became obvious that a database of knowledge on public affairs/interest/policy does not exist, particularly; on public opinion, economy, human rights and history. Yet, the citizens of this territory have a burning ambition to enjoy good governance and the erosion of ambiguity over their constitutional status.
However, if we continue to expect the rest of the world to take responsibility for what is essentially our collective duty, we will continue adopting ad-hoc measures periodically to remind the world that we exist. Meanwhile, obtaining recognition of our status may remain elusive.
Assist us in the creation of this internal political process here in AJK. If we succeed, we will be providing a ready-made model for Gilgit Baltistan, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to adopt.
Public funding:
We are keen to accept financial contributions from our co-citizens subject to the following 2 rules to protect public interest in AJK:
1) Contributions can only be received from citizens of AJK, whether they live at home or elsewhere in the world. This includes those described as refugees who have migrated into AJK from any other part of the erstwhile princely State of J & K.
2) The maximum contribution per year can be no more than the equivalent of 20,000 PK rupees. This is about £110 at current exchange rates. So, if there were to be a monthly direct debit, it could be anything from the minimum allowed and about £9.
For local AJK citizens the range is anything from 10 (PK) rupees to a maximum of 10,000.
Pleases find bank details as below:
Mrs A Rafique
Account Number: 33455564
Sort Code: 20-53-31
BARCLAYS
This account has been in use since I purposefully started public funding in 2014. Hitherto, since my arrival here in 2005 I relied on my own resources and family support before occasionally receiving input from the public since 2010.
Further details can be read in public document 2019 at the following links:
English:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ku1qv7hPyq87P7NB462sDTaHYFa19iFJ/view?usp=sharing
Urdu:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ycLFBuyqva-zjHPJOX-8PaC1IpMdFZy3/view?usp=sharing
A more detailed introduction to this internal political process can be read here:
https://www.portmir.org.uk/azad-jammu-kashmir/democracy-for-ajk/reclaiming-azad-jammu-kashmir-people/
Thank you for taking the time to read this and giving consideration to a public cause at the foothills of the Western Himalayas.
