By Shanzay Pervaiz
In 1947, following the exit of British colonial rule, India and Pakistan split into two countries.[1]This partition marked the beginning of inexplicable sectarian violence, massacres, and abductions between Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims. [2]Although it occurred over 70 years ago, the partition remains an integral part to both India and Pakistan’s political, socioeconomic, and geographical identity.[3]Since then, both countries have greatly disputed over Kashmir, which lies in between India and Pakistan.[4]
Kashmir is a Muslim-majority, semi-autonomous region that is granted independence under Article 370 of India’s Constitution.[5]However, in August, India’s government revoked Kashmir’s 70-year independent status, and sent thousands of army troops to subdue potential violence that was possibly expected to occur as a result of this revocation. [6]In addition to the military stronghold, government authorities severed all communication within Kashmir.[7]They cut off internet connections, mobile phones, and land lines, leaving the people of Kashmir with no way to communicate with anyone outside of the region.[8]
The Indian government cites this decision as one that could benefit India and bring peace to the region.[9]But, the reality of the situation is much more sinister. In addition to the media blackout, thousands of Kashmiris have been imprisoned, along with several political leaders, and travel within Kashmir has been severely restricted.[10]This move strongly demonstrates efforts to diminish Kashmir’s rights and absorb it as a part of India; many Indians believe that Kashmir rightfully belongs to India.[11]However, a majority of Kashmiris believe otherwise, and want to continue functioning as a semi-autonomous state.[12]
Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, is the orchestrator of the recent alarming events in Kashmir.[13]Individuals have speculated that fears of India’s stifling economy fueled, in part, Modi’s decision to remove Kashmir’s independent status, so more investment would enter the region – non-Kashmiris under Article 370 are not allowed to buy or own land in Kashmir.[14]Regardless the reason, alleviating this situation or holding Modi accountable for his actions will be incredibly difficult.[15]
A New York lawyer, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has agreed to help sue Modi for potential human rights violations in Kashmir.[16]Pannun is the spokesperson for a group called Kashmir Khalistan Referendum Front.[17]They filed a federal lawsuit, pursuant to the Torture Victims Protection Act, in Houston before Modi’s arrival to attend a rally there.[18]According to the Act, if Modi was found to have in engaged in commanded extrajudicial torture in his official capacity, he can be held accountable for his actions.[19]Although, it is unclear if this lawsuit will prove to be fruitful.
Regardless of the outcome, it is vital that individuals and communities are aware of the disturbing events that have unfolded in Kashmir and continue to speak out against India’s government. Even though they have been silenced, Kashmiris still have a voice.
[1] William Dalrymple, The Great Divide(June 22, 2015), https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/06/29/the-great-divide-books-dalrymple.
[2]Id.
[3]Id.
[4]Id.
[5]Vindu Goel, What Is Article 370, and Why Does It Matter in Kashmir?(August 5, 2019), https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/world/asia/india-pakistan-crisis.html.
[6] Jeffrey Gettleman, India Revokes Kashmir’s Special Status, Raising Fears of Unrest(Aug. 5, 2019), https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/05/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jammu.html .
[7]Id.
[8]Id.
[9]Id.
[10]Mehdi Hasan, THE SILENCING OF KASHMIR: ARUNDHATI ROY ON INDIA, MODI, AND FASCISM (October 3 2019, 6:03 a.m.),https://theintercept.com/2019/10/03/deconstructed-podcast-kashmir-india-arundhati-roy/.
[11]Jeffrey Gettleman, India Revokes Kashmir’s Special Status, Raising Fears of Unrest(Aug. 5, 2019), https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/05/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-jammu.html.
[12]Id.
[13]Id.
[14]Id.
[15]Id.
[16]Samira Sadeque, New York: Thousands rally for human rights in Kashmir(Sept. 29, 2019), https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/york-thousands-rally-human-rights-kashmir-190928053510778.html .
[17]Id.
[18]Id.
[19]Id.
