Kashmir: Happy Valley, Valley of Death

This is a factual account of the author's journey into Kashmir to find the truth behind the Kashmiri people in their struggle for independence from India. At the risk of losing his life and confinement, the author reports the brutalities of the Indian occupation forces on the Kashmiri nation. Particular noteworthy are: the disappearance of the entire male youth between the ages of 16 through 35 that have been picked up by the Indian army and "disappeared", the removal of body parts from the live prisoners for sale, the use of torture techiques unheard of in history, the rape and murder of thousands of Kashmiri women at the hands of Indian troops. There are 700,000 Indian troops trying to control a mere 2 million population who for 55 years have tried to hold a United Nations resolution to hold a plebiscite to decide their own future.All this makes you wonder what the Kashmiri people are undergoing while the Human Rights sits quietly on the side and accumulating statistics on the Indian brutalities.The author has done great service to the Kashmiris to let their painful voice be heard to the world. This is the best book for someone who needs to understand the Kashmiri history and the present situation.

I'm not Indian, Pakistani, or Kashmiri. But I have a lot of friends from all three areas (if you consider Kashmir an independent country which most Kashmiris wish it to be.)This book helped me understand the plight Kashmiris are going through. It wasn't written perfectly, but I liked the style because it was easy to follow and it was as if someone was talking to you, not lecturing you, about the situation in Kashmir.If you want to understand whats going on in Kashmir, nowadays, buy this book.

William Baker's examination of a human tragedy with geopolitical implications should be a must read book for both policy strategists and peace activists. He is one of the few Westerners who has had the courage and determination to expose the plight of the Kashmiri people, a noble people who have been used as a political soccer ball by two NUCLEAR POWERS, INDIA AND PAKISTAN, to serve the interests of opportunistic and communalistic politicians. The Kashmiris have been denied their right to self-determination, much like the Palestinians, Kurds, Native Americans, and other proud and ancient peoples. (p)I had the honor of organizing a speaking engagement at Utah State University(Logan, UT) over a decade ago where Mr. Baker's historic and timely endeavor on behalf of the Kashmiris was launched. I also have had the honor of recommending this important book to my brethren from South Asia, where a fifth of humanity resides and could sadly be involved in a nuclear holocaust if the problem of Kashmir is not peacefully resolved.

This is a fantastic book which deals with reality of the oppression of Indian army in Kashmir. I am American and have visited Kashmir couple of times. I interacted with ordinary local people. 99.9% of the people in Kashmir want India to leave them alone and pack their bags. They want freedom from Indian occupation. People who have commented and defended Indian actions here are purely misinformed with the ground realities.

A author should realise this fact that whatever he or she has opinion should be the last thing in his/her book, specially a book like this. But in this case author seems to be already prepare his mind to write -ve thing. I read this book completly and carefully. I am not a Indian nor Pakistani, but being a generalist, I have been to Kashmir many times and seen the incidents where terrorist put the acids on the teenager face. What author expect to do indian government; to watch this happening. They are not left with any option but to keep their army there.You can not give an excuse to terrorism. No matter in what form it is. Killing innocent people is terrorism. This is what happening on the name of jihad there.This book is not worth to read.

This book is full of lies ..... No logical person can make any sence out of this book. The media in india is free ..... negative incidences do happen & its correctly reflected in the india media & also in the international media, then how do you except that such an fact (infact a MYTH) about such a big land (kashmir) can be hidden from the world for such a long time.Also, looks like all the important personallities in the world have nothing to do except speaking to Mr. Baker as he mentions in his book !!! Do you think we are fools mr. baker !!I dont think anybody in the world (even pakistanis) will belive what ur talking(lying) about.Looks like the author just wrote this book to gain some publicity from the hatered of few pakistanis against india.

This books was the worst book I've purchased. I'm currently using it to balance a crooked coffee table in my living room.The book is filled with opinions, lack of support for his arguments, and anecdotal evidence. It is neither scientific nor is it factual. I was hoping to find a good read on Kashmir that was accurate in it's description of the situation. All major reports so far seem to indicate his information is incorrect. The author's writing ability is seriously lacking.I suggest Mr. Baker refrains from writing books on topics that he seems to think he knows so much about from vacationing.2 thumbs down. Don't waste your money.

This book offers the reader a first-hand glimpse into the genocide, torment and terror the Kashmiri people endure.It reveals the disturbing practice of ethnic cleansing of innocents: men, women and children - based solely on than their creed.It provides the reader a stark awareness that the Holocaust is raging on for the Kashmiri Muslims, a kind and friendly people, who seek desperately to have their story told and desire only to live their lives in peace.