Muhammad Usman
Without a doubt, India accentuated its own absurdities foolishly when it called new map of Pakistan, a political absurdity. One day prior to anniversary of what India did maliciously on 5 Aug 2019, Pakistan unveiled its new map to put the record straight before the world politically. The difference between the two is too obvious to miss out. At first glance, both stand at sharp contrast to each other. Indian aim was to absorb Kashmir into its union in total and callous disregard to international charters, UNSC resolutions and even to its own constitution albeit a façade by itself. Conversely, Pakistan showed amenability to considerations of peace and fair play. It has kept cool head even in face of extreme provocation. By no mean, it signifies a weakness because even on its worst day, Pakistan did not buckle on the cause of Kashmir and would never do. In fact, it is an abiding measure of respect to international norms and rules. Its latest demonstration could be seen in this instance too. In its new map, Pakistan has again identified occupied Kashmir as a disputed territory while implying that final status to be decided in accordance with UN resolutions. Besides this, there are other aspects which distinguishes stand of Pakistan about Kashmir. Notable ones are enumerated below.
India abrogated Article 370 of its constitution illegally without consent of Kashmiri people as constitutionally mandated by itself. Pakistan relied upon standing sanction of people of Kashmir whose practical manifestation, one could find continued relief, satisfaction and gratification felt across both parts of Kashmir on its actions to represent their aspirations for right to self-determination. New map is yet another satisfying approach for them to advance their cause. To the contrary, India had to shut down whole valley to suppress ensuing anger and outrage and blot it out from outside world. Its legal fraud, moral bankruptcy, intransigence and muscular policy has brought India into a cul-da-sac. With full backing of Kashmiri people, options of Pakistan remain wide and open. Following Indian imbecility last year, the world was alarmed. In case of Pakistan, it remained calm. International sympath y is growing noticeably with moral cause of Kashmir. India is being questioned for atrocities being committed, grave human rights violations and continuing virtual lockdown. With scrapping of article 37, India has diluted authority of state of Kashmir. With Pakistani action, hands of government of Azad Kashmir have been strengthened which in fact, is a vanguard of struggle of people of Kashmir for right to self-determination.
Pakistan issued new map, stamped with popular support and approval of its people. The opposition also stood unanimously. In India, except Hindu community, all other communities are wary of Indian moves about Kashmir. With this, they also see their existence in danger. They see tyranny of Hindu majority planting its feet deeper. Within informed circles, opinion was split and is growing sharper with each passing day of Indian bungling. Apart from others, a senior Indian politician, Chidambaram also described move in point a catastrophic step and forewarned serious consequences it could have. Now these have come to head for India. The issuance of new map by Pakistan is not an act of desperation. It is a step forward to realize aspirations of people of Kashmir through political means. It is a rejoinder to India that Pakistan would not let its (India) sinister move to dump cause of the people of Kashmir succeed. It is also a reminder to world that Pakistan takes such dire steps only when international community fails to make India see reason in pursuit of its business interests rather than fulfilling its obligations as enshrined in UN Charter particularly, towards UN resolutions with regard to settlement of Kashmir dispute. By any measure, Pakistan is not groping in hopelessness or despair. It holds hope for people of Kashmir under Indian siege. Indian brutalities spread fear and terror. In the process, it has given huge rise to hatred against India. When people hate then fear banishes and ultimately, so as the tyranny. The days of India in Kashmir have been numbered. It is just a matter of time when it has to quit Kashmir ignominiously.
With move of new map and observance of 5th Aug as a Black Day, Pakistan has given a clear message. Pakistan stands back to back with people of Kashmir in their ordeal as firmly as before 5 Aug 2019. Pakistan is watching situation in the IoK minutely while keeping its guard up and powder dry. Under no event, it would allow India to alter ground realities according to its own specification. Pakistan would not hesitate to act to redress the situation appropriately. Pakistan cannot leave its Kashmiri brethren in agony indefinitely and let their moral struggle to fizzle out at the hands of an all pervasive, indiscriminate and unremitting Indian cruelty. The Kashmiri people are not our brethren only in blood and flesh but also historically, ideologically and culturally. Besides, there is a special burden of a moral cause, not only for us but for whole world. With or without their support, Pakistan has to discharge its moral responsibility. It has already done it in Afghan Jihad befittingly. Before such a situation arises, it is a collectively responsibility of international community and its world institutions to restrain Indian not to play with fire. A conflict between two nuclear armed neighbours could spell catastrophe, not for the region alone but for whole world.
— The writer, a retired Lt Col, is freelance columnist based in Islamabad.
