PALESTINE and Kashmir stand out as two of the world’s most enduring and intricate conflicts, each characterized by decades of unresolved tension and violence. These conflicts have deep historical roots and continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, with no clear resolution in sight. In the case of Palestine, the conflict revolves around competing claims to the same land by Israelis and Palestinians. Rooted in historical, religious and territorial disputes, the conflict has witnessed multiple wars, countless negotiations and ongoing violence. The status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state are just a few of the many complex issues that remain unresolved. Similarly, the Kashmir conflict centres on the disputed region between India and Pakistan, a picturesque but contentious area in South Asia. This conflict is deeply rooted in the partition of British India in 1947 and the subsequent territorial claims by both nations. Over the years, the region has witnessed numerous armed conflicts, ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, yet a lasting resolution remains elusive.
Both of these conflicts have resulted in immense human suffering, political instability and regional tension. Their complex histories, competing interests and deeply ingrained emotional attachments make them some of the world’s most intractable disputes, continually challenging the international community’s quest for peaceful solutions. Resolving these conflicts requires sustained diplomatic efforts, compromises and a willingness to address the deep-rooted grievances on both sides. In the case of Palestine, the conflict encompasses not only the physical land but also the deeply held ideological and religious beliefs of Israelis and Palestinians. The region holds immense religious significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims, with Jerusalem at its heart. This ideological dimension of the conflict adds an emotional and spiritual layer, making it even more challenging to find common ground.
Similarly, the Kashmir conflict extends beyond the borders of India and Pakistan. It is a struggle which reflects the aspirations and identity of the Kashmiri people themselves. The ideological dimension of the Kashmir issue includes questions of self-determination, autonomy and cultural identity, creating a complex web of loyalties, interests and grievances. Both conflicts are influenced by nationalism, historical narratives and the aspirations of the people involved. These ideological undercurrents often hinder resolution efforts, as they are deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the parties involved. Addressing these ideological aspects, in addition to the territorial disputes, is essential for any meaningful and lasting solution in both regions. It requires recognition, empathy and compromise to navigate the intricate tapestry of historical and ideological narratives that have become entwined with these conflicts.
The similarities are striking. Both the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir were promised self-determination by the UN in 1947 and 1948. The Palestinians have not yet attained their state and the Kashmiris have not yet had their opportunity to vote for the UN called-for referendum. The failure of the UN to enforce its decisions relating to Palestine and Kashmir has directly resulted in the instability of the Middle East (ME) and South Asia, leading inevitably to military conflicts in both regions.
There have been at least a half dozen major military conflicts in the Middle East in the past 70 years. In Kashmir, the failure of the UN to provide self-determination for the people of Kashmir has led directly to two major wars between India and Pakistan. Hundreds of thousands of people have died in these conflicts and millions have been injured. The toll on civilian infrastructure and people’s lives is incalculable. There are numerous consequences of failure of the international community of the world to resolve the question of the self-determination of the Palestinian and Kashmiri peoples.
Likewise illegal military occupation, impunity for military forces, HRVs leading towards genocidal tendencies, mental/psych suffering, collective punishment and eco-strangulation are a few. It is no surprise, then, that the Palestinians and Kashmiris resist so fiercely the illegal occupations. And, according to international law, they have every right to oppose their foreign oppressors. In both cases, occupying forces violate human rights, alter the demographic structure and pose a threat to peace and security.
Kashmiris are vociferously protesting against a new piece of legislation rolled out by India, saying it’s a page straight out of the Israeli playbook and will alter demographics in the Muslim-majority region. India and Israel are passionate about their brutal occupations in Kashmir and Palestine. India is one of Israel’s biggest arms export clients, spending about $10bn over the past decade, a no of these are deployed in IIOJK. Indian police forces have been receiving training in Israel for so-called “anti-terror” operations that Israel conducts against Palestinians. Likewise, enacting new laws after the abrogation of 370 and 35-A allows Indian citizens to permanently settle and buy land in IIOJK. The racist and unjust laws India has been decreeing lately (2019 onwards) are similar to the racist laws Israel has been applying in Palestine for decades.
The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to human rights violations in both Palestine and Kashmir, perpetrated by Indian and Israeli forces. These regions have been marred by persistent reports of abuses, including excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on freedom. To uphold the principles of justice and equality, the international community must take these violations seriously. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for the well-being of the affected populations but also for promoting global peace and stability. A collective effort to hold accountable those responsible and seek peaceful resolutions is essential to end the suffering and foster a just future for these conflict-ridden areas.
—The writer is Islamabad based expert of strategic affairs
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