SIKANDAR NOORANI
SAARC video conference initiated by PM Modi over Corona outbreak eventually further exposed inhuman side of RSS ideologues once Pakistan’s representative very rightly raised the issue of brutal Kashmir’ lockdown. Arrogant and non-flexible response from New Delhi once again proved that Kashmiri masses value nothing more than a disposable commodity for India. India’s Rejection of recently made mediation offers, from top international figures like Erdogan, Trump and UN Secretary General, was blended with venomous arrogance and cruelty. .Reiteration of Turkish support for oppressed Kashmiris was timely, well worded and free of any hesitation. Oppressed Kashmiris, facing inhuman lockdown, have felt the magical healing touch of Turkish President’s valuable words. Erdogan’s words successfully cleared quite a good share of old debt of meaningful silence of the Muslim rulers over Kashmir issue. There was a clear message for the Kashmiris that Turkish nation cares for them. Inhuman state sponsored Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir cannot be kept shrouded any more. Pak diplomatic stance on Kashmir issue gained significant strength when Turkish president uttered this historical sentence “Kashmir issue is as close to Turkey as it is to Pakistan”. While acknowledging the seriousness of Kashmir issue and supporting Pak stance, Turkish President suggested a solution through purposeful dialogue. Complication attached to this valid suggestion is non-flexible mindset of New Dehli which lacks ability to accord any priority to peace over violence. Indian state sponsored atrocities and infinite aggression is continuously breeding retaliatory violence in occupied Kashmir. Masses on either sides of LoC are reaping the deadly crop of violence sown in the soil of Kashmir by the Indian state. Unfortunately, power hungry players controlling the wheel in New Dehli are not in a mood to learn any positive lessons from the past follies. Modi led BJP regime is an undeniable proof that extremist mindset is entirely anti to statesmanship. Though past rulers of India, including the Congress, never seriously thought to grant fundamental rights to Kashmir but Modi regime has dangerously intensified the process of disaster. Revocation of Article-370 and conversion of Kashmir in three union territories is a true indicator of uncontrollable pursuance by BJP of its extremist wish list. Traditional trick of distraction was applied by India, to shroud the disaster in Kashmir, through cleverly orchestrated blame game against Pakistan. This trick provided a sizeable amount of temporary relief to New Dehli but dangerous pursuance of violent objectives has eventually brought the whole India to a boil. While having no valid justification about Kashmir misadventure, Modi regime seems unable to deal with the Shaheen Bagh phenomenon which is undeniably an outcome of its self – generated hateful follies. Extremist cults like RSS traditionally lack in their DNA the ability to reconcile! A reversal of aggression in Kashmir and a second thought on controversial legislation on citizenship issue will surely irk the extremist supporters of BJP. Second term victory in national elections was earned by BJP through crafty manipulation of extremist rhetoric. Miserable inability to sweep the Dehli elections against an efficient Kajriwal has exposed the multiple governance failures of BJP which can no more be made good by perpetuating populist hateful extremist rhetoric. It is a dilemma for BJP and any future course, adopted without reconciliation, will surely create a devastating impact on regional peace. President Trump visited New Dehli with an understandable objective to strengthen the existing Indo-US strategic ties. Modi regime had finalized deal for the purchase of integrated Air Defense system from America. This deal is a major indicator of future Indian course! Extension of ex-Army Chief General Bapin Rawat’s service for subsequent placement as first CDS (Chief of Defense Staff) to head the newly established DMA (Department of Military Affairs) reflects the seriousness of New Dehli about extending the reach of its military arm in the region. Newly appointed CDS has been assigned a laborious task of undertaking the biggest military reforms of Indian history, in next three years, which will culminate at creation of Theatre Commands through merger of existing command structures of Tri services. These developments confirm New Delhi’s growing urge to militarily dominate the region which logically place China and Pakistan in opponent camp. Recently appointed CDS, being Army Chief in the past, had been calling shots to fight a two front war with China and Pakistan, simultaneously. With recent developments, one feels compelled to think that why poverty ridden India is so desperate to fight a two front war with nuclear capable neighbors? Why holding the Kashmir at gun point is so important for New Dehli? Apparently, US feels comfortable to foster strategic alliance with a hostile extremist cult like BJP in control of affairs in New Dehli to keep a tighter check on the region . Obviously, China, along with struggling ally Pakistan, will constantly have to be in crosshairs. Occupied Kashmir will have to go through tougher testing times until New Dehli finds a genuine statesman substituting the extremist Modi. Inhuman lockdown of Kashmir amid deadly pandemic clearly proves that a peaceful non-violent solution of this issue is not possible without objective and well- intended international support.
