Lt Col Sikandar Noorani (R)
ON this coming 5th August, first year of unlawful annexation of the loK will leave an unforgettable mark in the history of freedom movement. Contrary to shrewd political slogan of ‘Shinning India’, Modi-led Hindustan emerged on global billboards as an extremist fascist state. New Delhi feels no shame on its rapid rise in list of states involved in massive human rights violations.
What transpired in IOJ&K last 5th August in the form of revocation of Article 370 was the tip of a huge iceberg of brutal extremism and expansionist ideology. Kashmiris, on either side of LoC, have unanimously rejected the unwise unilateral act annexation and division of their motherland. Word Kashmir is echoing in international media and human rights institutions. Two sessions of UNSC on Kashmir issue clearly prove that international community is privy to rapidly worsening situation.
Inhuman lockdown and brutal-atrocities of Indian security forces have failed in breaking the will of Kashmiris’ masses. State sponsored violence is further strengthening Kashmiris’ determination and spirit to fight out the usurpers. Unfortunately, deep inaction of UNO on this sensitive issue has played a major role in spoiling the situation. Despite two extraordinary sessions of UNSC, New Delhi’s addiction to violence and coercive means is growing with each passing day. Instead of mending its ways, India is dangerously furthering the extremist agenda to finish the identity and sovereignty of Kashmir. Implementation of the highly objectionable set of domicile laws and land reforms have proved all concerns of Kashmiris true. Modi-led BJP regime is attempting to change the actual demography of Jammu & Kashmir by forcefully settling the non-resident Hindus in disputed territory.
Neither international laws nor UN resolutions permit this illegal non-Kashmiris’ settlement in Jammu & Kashmir. Reportedly, notorious gangsters and extremist ideologues are being brought to Jammu to maintain a strong foothold on ground through violence. Besides this, New Delhi is pursuing a deadly policy of igniting tension with Pakistan on military and diplomatic fronts. Frequent ceasefire violations on LoC and fabricated allegations of cross border terrorism on Pakistan are part of Indian pre-emptive coercive strategy to divert the attention from internal failures in IOJ&K. Status-quo on LoC with continued atrocities in IOJ&K, would no more be a suitable option for longer times. Pakistan cannot remain silent or isolated from recent volatile developments in IOJ&K.
Hindutva brigade of BJP is not ready to set calm with even status quo. Blood thirsty extremist cadre of BJP is eying upon GB and AJK. Every next day, some top Indian official extends a threat to capture Northern Areas and AJK through military attack. These meaningful threats are closely linked with some very volatile developments on regional chessboard. Unarmed brawl between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley seems turning into a much wider military conflict. In the first place, India provoked two major regional nuclear powers, China and Pakistan, through unwise annexation act of 5th August. Let’s recall Beijing’s immediate rejections of annexations with special concerns over Ladakh region’s conversion in union territory. Thereafter, New Delhi provoked Beijing by extending military arm in forbidden border areas of China and Nepal. Jaw breaking response in unarmed brawl has probably further ignited Indian ambitions to dominate the region through military muscles.
This strategy is likely to upset the fragile peace matrix of the region. BJP govt is pursuing a cunning media strategy to shroud its shameless failure in the hands of Chinese troops in Galwan Valley. While speaking disengagement of troops at border from China, Modi’s chest thumping is portraying a victory to internal audience. The story doesn’t end here with shrouding the defeat as New Delhi is seen anxious to expedite a greater military build up in Ladakh against China. After shifting additional troops of three divisions and tanks now India is increasing air defence resources in hit zone.
Induction of Naval MiG-29K aircraft and newly bought 6 Raffaele jets are clear indicators of hostile designs. Indian Defence Ministry has approached French authorities for emergent supply of latest Hammer missiles to enhance the combat capacity of Raffaele jets. This ultra-violent posturing against China is not possible without US backing. Joint naval exercise between India, US and Japan have alarmed many bells in Beijing. Pakistan is really finding it difficult to address the security related issues without falling prey to Indian coercive troops. Decision makers should carefully decipher the deadly messages coded in Indian unwise act of IOJ&K’s unlawful annexation.
—The writer is a free lancer who often contributes in national newspapers.
