By: Anum Yousaf
A presidential decree issued on August 5 revoked Article 370 of India’s Constitution and stripped Jammu and Kashmir of Its special semi-autonomous status. After this decree, Kashmir has become the world’s most dangerous conflict.
The statement of India’s Consul General, “Sandeep Chakrovarty” in the US:
“India should use Israeli-Model in Kashmir. I don’t know, why we don’t follow.it has happened in the Middle East. If Israeli people can do it, we can also do it.’’
This ruthless statement is a true depiction of odious motives of Indian Government. In a nutshell, they are planning a “Settler Colonial Project”, in the disputed region of Kashmir. It is specific kind of Colonialization that functions through the replacement of indigenous population with the intention of gaining control over local and natural resources. So, now the situation of Kashmir is pretty much similar to that of Palestine.
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict began with the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. It is one of the world’s longest running conflict. The “Oslo accords”, was seen as the first step toward Palestinian statehood. But unfortunately, the Oslo agreement was a catastrophe for the Palestinian people. Oslo made the Palestinians responsible for policing themselves in the West Bank, which has led to vast improvements in Israeli security from terrorism in recent years at little cost to Israel. And it has allowed Israel to postpone, seemingly indefinitely, a broader withdrawal from the West Bank. The current arrangement serves Israel’s interests: The authority’s foreign donors subsidize government services on the West Bank, relieving Israel of the obligation. And Palestinians are striving hard for their survival.
This is the Israeli model that India wants to impose on Kashmiris without their consent. Fascism, military siege, communication blackout, media Ban, destruction of properties, genocide, judicial apathy, torture and demographic invasions for gradual takeover of political, administrative, and economic institutions of Kashmir.
Life has changed in Kashmir after article-370. 8 million people are suffering from this crisis. They are not even allowed to communicate with their beloved ones, due the world’s longest -ever Digital-Shutdown in any democracy, which continued even in COVID-19. 45% of adult Kashmiris are suffering from psychological disorders. Decline in tourism by 86%, in export by 62%, loss of $2.4 billion due to Internet restriction, and lack of investment are the consequences of article-370.
Issuance of 33,000 domiciles to the non-Kashmiris under the new Domicile law which states:
“A person who has been living in Kashmir for 15 years and had studied here for 7 years, is eligible for the domicile.’’
It is nothing but a step towards a huge demographic change in Kashmir. Prior to this policy, there were 500,000 Government jobs for Kashmiris, but now other Indians can also avail these jobs. They will get the right to vote in local elections, so, they can easily affect the stance of local Kashmiris. 30% of Kashmir’s land is cultivable to serve the locals, but now there is chance that hunger will prevail in Kashmir due to shortage of food.
223 killings, 107 CASO’s, mass killings, and destruction of public properties potray that the peace condition in Kashmir is alarming .Then, the restrictions on journalists and social activists to visit Kashmir is a threat to the right of freedom of expression.
This is what Kashmiris our going through under article-370. Kashmir is a bone of contention between two nuclear powers, which is a point to ponder upon. If a non mislim is killed by a muslim, the whole International community will be standing on 1 leg to support him. But, If millions of muslims are suffering in Palestine and Kashmir, then non-muslims had the right to defend. The hushed voices and biasness of International community on this matter will lead to a catastrophe.
The writer is social activist and Ambassador at Kashmir Youth Ambassadors
