ABDULLAH MUSTAFVI
Verbal claims need to be proved with equally matching actions otherwise they remain worthless. Impact becomes worst when it is a matter of collective nature and actions of a state contradict with constitutional bindings. India is the most relevant example of this phenomenon. We observe too much celebrations and ceremonial activities on account of Indian republic day which is primarily linked to the adoption of constitution for an independent state. Unfortunately, the most acclaimed prominence of Indian constitution, secular values or the equality of all citizens, remains the most neglected segment in all practical manifestations. A society infected with deep rooted class and creed based discriminatory customs have not yet been able to adopt noble human values documented in the constitution. Indian republic’ constitution contains Article 370 which empowers India to control Jammu & Kashmir which in fact is not the part of Indian state’ territory. Controlling or holding kashmir against the wishes of its residents is the biggest contradiction in Indian constitution. Had it been in line with public opinion then why to keep more than 0.7 million troops in Kashmir? Article 370 is the biggest black spot on forehead of Indian republic and decades long inhuman violence is further darkening its shade. Human tragedy in Kashmir is just one most significant contradiction prevailing in hateful Indian society. It is not the end of story here! More abhorrent scenes emerge when it comes to religious discrimination. Who can forget the countless anti muslim riots taking place all across the India since partition. What a republic it is, which enabled an extremist activist like Modi to rise to the top most executive offices of CM and PM. A prejudiced person like MODI, who as CM was prime accused of anti muslim riots, got elected as PM. Rise of BJP under Modi’s leadership is the biggest denial of Indian constitution. India has never been secular in the past and it is more prejudiced today than ever in the past. ‘HINDUTUA’ is the practical manifestation of the word secularism endorsed in Indian constitution. Religious discrimination has never been exclusive for the Muslims only. Sikhs too had their share as the operation ‘Blue Star’ launched at the Golden temple remains the vertex point. Assassination of the PM Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh body guards was the natural reaction of the operation BLUE STAR which further provided the basis of a terrible operation all across the Punjab against Sikhs. Rajiv Gandhi too paid the price for Indian discriminatory and hegemonic stance against Tamils. Violent extremist Hindus have no mercy for low caste tribes though they follow the Hindu religion. Inhuman treatment with Dalits puts a big question on social fiber of Indian society. Celebration of republic day has no meaning, once the Dalits face discrimination, Kashmiris have bayonet at neck, Sikhs protest all over the world for justice and cow is more sacred than human lives!
