By Afshain Afzal

Much ahead of commencement of referendum campaigns for the independence of Scotland, US President Barack Hussain Obama along with group of European Union leaders made it very clear that they wanted the United Kingdom (UK) to stay together. Aftermath referendum, in a statement issued at Brussels, the European Commission said the Scottish vote was good for a “united, open and stronger Europe.” The outgoing NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen also welcomed the news that the Yes Vote” on independence of Scotland has been defeated and UK would stay together. The pro-independence leaders of Scotland have rejected the fraud results of referendum due to interference from outside and violation of rules for referendum guidelines. The UK government confirmed, the alleged purposely leaked information that the Royal Bank of Scotland has planned to relocate its registered head office from Edinburgh to London if the referendum ends in a “Yes Vote” for independence of Scotland. In a statement prior to referendum, the UK’s Finance Ministry confirmed to media that Royal Bank of Scotland had contingency plans to move its registered office out of Scotland. Leaking the information by the Treasury at a juncture when referendum campaign was full campaign, amounts to braking of ministerial rules, financial market rules and per-referendum guidelines, which needs a transparent and unbiased investigation by the third party.

There were numerous complaints of rigging, received by Election officials with regard to Referendum in Scotland. Majority of complainants claimed that when the voters visited their respective polling stations, they found their names already crossed off in the ballot sheets. One of the complainant claimed, on the condition of anonymity, who is behind the rigging is quite evident from the statements by US President and European Union leaders, who had made clear they wanted the UK to stay together at all costs”. Police is investigating such complaints in all important cities including Glasgow. The Scotland’s police while confirming receipt complaints ranging from anti-democracy and dictatorial measures disclosed that supporters of independence for Scotland have alleged that the UK government leaked market-sensitive information to defeat ‘Yes Vote”. In the same regard, written complaints have also been received by Police of Scotland, the City of London Police, the Financial Conduct Authority, Scotland’s senior prosecutor and the Lord Advocate.

If we peep into the history, in 1603, the King of Scotland, James VI, also become King of England and started ruling both the Kingdoms. In 1707 Scottish parliament was abolished and United Kingdom was created after the union of two kingdoms. In 1998, the Scotland Act was in cooperated and Scotland Parliament was created. Although, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own legislatures, however, even in this modern age, Westminster only devolved limited right to their Parliaments in mere domestic policy framework in areas such as education and health. In elections held in 2011, Scottish National Party (SNP), which was formed in 1934, won landslide victory in Scotland’s election. This was followed by joint declaration of 29 European pro-independence movements, calling for right of self-determination. Accordingly, on 18 September 2014, a referendum on the question of independence of Scotland was held, but defeated. Despite the fact that an attempt of independence has been defeated, UK is much perturbed about the popularity of independence movements, which may one day trigger disintegration of UK. The Westminster is today compelled to grant greater autonomy to Ireland, Wales and Scotland, starting with right to make policies on issues like tax, welfare and sending.

The year 1707, which coincide with death of Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, changed the world canvas, at least for the religious movements. If we recall, the constitutional decision regarding Presbyterian Church under the 1921 Church of Scotland Act further sidelined orthodox Christians. No doubt, the Roman Catholic as well as secular forces lost the referendum driven battle, at least for the time being but it is not over. The securities which guaranteed Presbyterian Church Government to the Scottish people since the year 1707 continue to be an integral part of the Union to this day, which require a patience consideration. Had there been an independent Scotland, Roman Catholic Church would have far greater political influence in Scotland and elsewhere than it presently under the Union. In addition to the facts, one needs not to forget that the proportion of orthodox Christians is much higher in Scotland than in Britain as a whole.

The pitches of US and the European Union were quite audible for No Vote against the Independence of Scotland”. They made it clear that they wanted the UK to stay together. The fact cannot be denied that the Protestants and the Free World” joined hand to defeat the Yes Vote”, forgetting that a true Christian cannot be a follower of evils of Free World”, as they have nothing in common. Although secular were on the side of orthodox Christians but the sponsored propaganda campaigns against Independent Scotland, proved successful. One wonders where the champions of democracy and principle of Western Values are. Where are the independent media and political and human rights organizations? Whatever will be the outcome of the investigations of rigging and government irregularities, there is a need to make the process transparent and accountable so that the right of self determination of people of Scotland is not violated. More jobs and reforms may shut the mouth of many but this is high time that the alleged allegations should be probed to the entire satisfaction of complainants.  afshain@hotmail.com