Altaf Qadri on the Deadly Standoff in Kashmir

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This photographic essay on the bloody conflict in Kashmir is from European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) photographer Altaf Qadri: For decades, neither Pakistan nor India wanted a solution to the Kashmir standoff because the existence of an external enemy enabled both sides, when it suited them, to divert attention from domestic problems. How could you demand food, work, security or freedoms when the nation is under threat? That argument wins every time. While politicians were winning, Kashmiris were paying a terrible price in pain and are torn apart, physically, emotionally, legally and financially. A fertile valley which once was called "Paradise on Earth" becomes a dangerous place to live, its harvest merely razor wire and mines. Indian authorities argue that abuses by their forces are rare and those responsible are punished. But in fact official investigations are infrequent, punishments, if any, are light, and the practices continue. While some abuses, particularly indiscriminate shootings of civilians and reprisal killings, were worse in the early years of the insurgency, summary executions of persons taken into custody have never abated and have even increased during periodic counterinsurgency operations. The Kashmir conflict has claimed more than 60,000 lives, according to Indian officials. Separatists and Pakistan put the death toll at between 80,000 and 100,000.

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Technorati Tags: abuse, altaf qadri, daily life, death, girl, guard, gun, india, kashmir, massacre, pakistan, war, woman

beautifully horrific

On November 9th, 2006 Soni (not verified) says:

These photographs are just absolutely beautifully horrific. They definately show the unfortunate reality of the once paradise of Kashmir.

best photographer in kashmir

On September 10th, 2006 none (not verified) says:

hello sir
hw r u
i always see ur photographs and they r amazing
and truley u like a war shooter
keep it up

with bestwishes
from -----------------

Hi Altaf, Would like to have

On December 11th, 2006 Anonymous (not verified) says:

Hi Altaf, Would like to have your permission for posting some of these photographs on my blog. Please feel free to get in touch with me on caashur at gmail dot com (writing it in this form to avoid getting spammed). Keep up the good work you are doing. Caashurr

Thanks to all

On January 11th, 2007 altafqadri says:

Thanx to all of you who took time to go thru my pix n appreciate them. I dont know whether to feel happy or sad.

exactly a war shooter

On February 10th, 2007 QADRI FAHEEM (not verified) says:

exactly a war shooter

Altaf' you’re a producer

On February 13th, 2007 Akhtar Soomro (not verified) says:

Altaf' you’re a producer of strong silent messages.... wish u every good thing... always

Dear Kashur,Plz send me the

On January 11th, 2007 altafqadri says:

Dear Kashur,

Plz send me the url of ur blog.. so that I can see what type of stuff is in there.. after that i will tell if u can use the pix or not. I hope u understand. I dont want people to interpret my pictures wrongly.

thanx

altaf

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