This comment appeared in the 'letters' section of 'International Herald Tribune'(IHT). Should such baseless 'Pro-Jihad' statements be published by the media without verification (even in letters section)? By allowing such a 'Rubbish' are they not differentiating between 'WTC Jihad' and 'J&K Jihad'?. Would they publish if someone sends them a letter saying "American Jets and Army killed 3000+ people in WTC" or "19 Freedom fighters laid down their lives at WTC for the Holy war"? When is the western media going to learn the basics of Terrorism? - There are no two brands of "Terrorists". (Complete text of this letter by Nadeem Sheikh is after the sample letter below)

'International Herald Tribune' deserves education for this mischief/mistake. Those wanting to write, may use the following sample letter. We don't think they have an answer to even a single question raised here.
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Contact Ids:
letters@iht.com, iht@iht.com

Dear Editors at
International Herald Tribune

Please refer to the letter by Nadeem Sheikh, at : http://iht.com/articles/87187.html  

This was published as a response to article "Yes, a Security Council seat for India" by Richard Wilcox - http://www.iht.com/ihtsearch.php?id=86149&owner=(IHT)&date=20030211122939  (Thanks for this column)

I am absolutely shocked at the discretion used by your editors in allowing such a letter to be published in first place. I am aware about the 'freedom of speech' but would like to remind you that 'Freedom comes with responsibility'. By publishing such letters, are your editors not indirectly supporting 'Pakistan sponsored terrorism in South Asia and Jammu and Kashmir' on behalf of your agency?

In the letter Nadeem claims "Since 1989, following the revolt by the Kashmiri people against Indian repression, the Indian Army has killed an estimated 75,000 Kashmiris....India refuses to hold the plebiscite, knowing that Kashmir, with a Muslim majority, would choose to join Pakistan."

Are your editors aware of the implications of such a 'Pro-Jihad' statement? Did Nadeem Sheikh provide you any evidence while claiming "the Indian Army has killed an estimated 75,000 Kashmiris". Have your editors verified this claim or just published it because someone sent it? Would you print if someone sends you a letter claiming "American Jets and Army killed 3000+ people in WTC" or "19 Freedom fighters laid their lives at WTC for the Holy war"? I am sure you will not.

You are allowing such baseless accusations about the Army that "was applauded by United Nations for their efforts in international peacekeeping". Your own article says "It (India) has a sizable and competent military and a rapidly emerging technological capacity, and it has been willing to share the burden of peacekeeping in some of the world's most dangerous places"

Are your editors aware that all the world leaders including President Bush have recognized threat of Pakistan sponsored cross border terrorism in Kashmir? Are you aware Pakistan's president has given promise to end the cross border terrorism permanently (which they have already broken as per Pakistan standards)? Are you aware USA recently warned Pakistan over the terrorist links (reported by Time)?

Please note, the terrorism menace in South Asia is noting different than WTC terrorism you witnessed on 9/11. The only difference is - WTC terrorism killed 3000+ innocent victims in few hours while Kashmir terrorism has killed 60,000+ innocent victims over 14 years. The thread of 'JIHAD' is the same.

Are your editors aware about the precondition in "Security Council resolutions in 1948 and 1949 that called for a plebiscite"? For your editor's information: the precondition was that Pakistan will withdraw their army from the occupied areas before any plebiscite can be conducted (which never happened)

I strongly protest the publication of the letter without verifying any facts. I request you to immediately withdraw this letter which is nothing but supporting 'Jihad' in Kashmir.

If you wish to know how exactly this terrorist network works against Indian Army, please read the following link - http://www.indian-express.com/ie20020331/top1.html 

I hope to receive a reply to this letter.

Thanks

------------------ End of letter ----------------

The complete text of this letter by Nadeem Sheikh, Kuwait:
The very last letter on this link http://iht.com/articles/87187.html

India and the Security Council..

Regarding "Yes, a Security Council seat for India" (Views, Feb. 10) by Richard Wilcox: .

Richard Wilcox advocates a permanent seat for India at the United Nations Security Council but forgets to mention the most serious impediment: India's consistent failure to address the Kashmir issue. .Since 1989, following the revolt by the Kashmiri people against Indian repression, the Indian Army has killed an estimated 75,000 Kashmiris. .Security Council resolutions in 1948 and 1949 called for a plebiscite in which the Kashmiris would have the right to choose between India and Pakistan. India refuses to hold the plebiscite, knowing that Kashmir, with a Muslim majority, would choose to join Pakistan. .Without an amicable resolution of the Kashmir problem, India's admission to the Security Council would send a very bad signal to the rest of the world. Nadeem Sheikh, Kuwait

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