Celebrations are rife around the world for Eid-ul-Adha, yet Kashmir is continuing to bleed in the silence that Modi’s fascist vengeance has created.
The revocation of Article 370 has led to a series of human rights violations far more sinister than the world knows. Having issued an absolute blackout, telecommunication has been cut off in its entirety, silencing the dissent of Kashmiris. Tourists and journalists have been driven out of the region, immediately replaced by troops numbering 35000, the largest deployment in the world at this time.
The conflict of Kashmir between India and Pakistan has continued to develop over a number of decades, since 1947, with the Muslim-majority state feeling the harsh impact of Modi’s Hindu nationalist tactics. It isn’t simply an issue of religion, but every realm within politics itself, and the demographic terrorism resurfacing is causing great fear across the region. Rightfully so, as the surge in human rights violations is astounding.
India’s Hindu nationalist government has revoked Article 370 of India’s Constitution, which had provided Kashmir autonomy over its own affairs amidst the chaos. Revoking A370 has not only opened doors to another potential war, but has also introduced the possibility of ethnic cleansing. A370 protected Kashmiri land from external buyers, namely the Hindu’s of India, but the possibility of displacement of Muslim Kashmiri’s is greater than ever now. The potential for Muslims to be pushed and shoved, and ultimately barred from their own land, rests in Modi’s greedy hands.
Modi’s agenda has been shifting from a pluralistic democracy to a fascist Hindu nationalism rapidly, its identity shifting from accepting of all religious faiths and statuses to now deeming Hinduism the superior, and any equal rights shoved aside. Its nationalist aspect is easily comparable to that of Hitler’s, as Modi is adamant in integrating Hinduism in politics, economics and general society.
The uproar the world is creating is entirely justifiable. My father, a Kashmiri, sits anxiously as he watches the news every night. Scenes of arrogant soldiers (*cowardly murderers) striding across barren Kashmiri land sets a bitter tone. Revoking A370 has allowed Modi to exert full control over the Muslim-majority region, leaving countless people living in fear.
Modi’s move to suppress the unrest he has caused is clear as day – residents have no access to the internet or landline/ mobile service, a curfew has been implemented, prominent leaders are under house arrest and troops litter the land with their weapons of choice. This is a direct silencing of the injustice Kashmiris are facing right now. The sheer nerve of Modi infuriates me, and he has incited so much tension and fear in innocent people for his own skewed gain.
Given that both Pakistan and India possess a nuclear arsenal (a topic to discuss another time), the possibility of a fully-fledged war is very real. Pakistan’s army chief, Bajwa, has stated that Pakistan is “prepared and shall go to any extent to fulfil our obligations” in protecting the people of Kashmir. I imagine it will not be only protection they offer, but an even stronger rebuttal in the form of violence.
I believe the feud will get worse before it gets better, despite international outcry growing. Protests, sit-ins and marches are all over the news, yet I fear our words won’t be enough to take down Modi’s fascist agenda, despite Pakistan referring the issue to the United Nations Security Council. Even more troubling is Modi’s influence over the supreme court, which has even less judicial independence than ever. He will only continue to push this agenda, and is unlikely to back down easily.
When is comes to the current state of Kashmir being so dire, and its people suffering tremendously, my heart hurts. Amoral ‘leaders’ such as Modi will only continue to tarnish the region, and cause even more upset, and I desperately want an outcome that isn’t as horrific as war.
#FREEKASHMIR
Zack