Day 49 – Q 2.Do you think developments on the West Bank or Hong Kong can lead to internationalisation of the Kashmir issue as well? Critically comment.

2. Do you think developments on the West Bank or Hong Kong can lead to internationalisation of the Kashmir issue as well? Critically comment. 

क्या आपको लगता है कि वेस्ट बैंक या हांगकांग के घटनाक्रम से कश्मीर मुद्दे का अंतर्राष्ट्रीयकरण हो सकता है? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें।

Introduction:

Article 370 of the Indian constitution which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir was revoked by the Government in August 2019 through a Presidential Order and the passage of a resolution in the Parliament. This action ensured the integration of the state with the entire nation and repeal of the Article 35A altogether.

Body:

Developments in various regions of the world and necessity of the International community:

West Bank:

• When the Jewish State (Israel) came into existence, there was no Palestine Arab State because Palestinian Arabs were not organized, unlike Zionists; they lacked the money and gun power of their own. They relied on the armies sent by Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, to fight for their cause.
• West Bank is the region on the west side of Jordan River. From 1950 to 1967 it was ruled by Jordan. But Israel captured it in 1967’s war. A Palestine Authority (PA) was created and Israel handed over the civilian administration of Gaza and West bank to this PA.
• The current Israel-Hamas conflict, sporadic ceasefires, economic blockades, violent uprisings and militant movements are frequent incidents plaguing the region even now.
• Various UN resolutions and global interventions have been accompanied with key outside parties—the UN, the United States, the EU and the neighbours intervening strategically.

Hong Kong:

• Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong’s strategic location on the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea has made it one of the world’s most thriving and cosmopolitan cities. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China on 1 July 1997.
• The interference of the communist regime of China in the internal affairs of Hong Kong and its oppressive policies have led to various pro-democracy protests for autonomy in recent times.
• Massive protests in Hongkong have erupted against a government plan to allow extradition to mainland China. Civil unrests and severe economic clampdowns are being witnessed in the region.

Situation in Kashmir and why it should not be internationalized: 

• Under the Shimla Agreement the two countries not only agreed to put an end to “conflict and confrontation” but also work for the promotion of a friendly and harmonious relationship and the establishment of durable peace in the sub-continent, so that both countries may henceforth devote their resources and energies to the pressing talk of advancing the welfare of their peoples.
• Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is a ‘temporary provision’ which grants special autonomous status to Jammu & Kashmir.
• The issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India, India’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in J&K and issues relating to Article 370 are an internal matter of India which is aimed at improving growth and economic development, democracy and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It should also be noted that out of the 3 main administrative divisions – Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh – insurgency and demand for independence are high only in the Kashmir Valley. Most of the people in Jammu and Ladakh still wish to be part of India, even though they demand autonomy in a different way.
• Kashmir was and still is an integral part of India. It has a plural and secular culture – just like the rest of India. Urgent steps should be taken to bridge the gaps of trust deficit in the minds of Kashmiri youth. All Kashmiris should get the due share in the growth story of India which can be realised only if it is integrated with the rest of the nation.

Challenges:

• UN refuses to formally declare Pakistan a ‘terrorist state’
• Pakistan’s military, identified as anti-India elemental force in Pakistan, remains opposed to any understanding with India
• Rising influence of radical extremist ideas and ideologies inside Pakistan and subsequent influence on youth of Kashmir may lead to a call for International intervention.

Way forward:

India needs to establish a national security doctrine in order to deal with all security issues. A strong need for India to change its approach from Responsive to Proactive is more suitable at present. Immediate measures to improve and mainstream J&K population economically and socially with the rest of India can help curb the feeling of neglect and backwardness of the region.

Conclusion:

For the past 70 years, India has consistently resisted any third-party mediation proposal and recently an overwhelming majority in the UN Security Council too has stressed Kashmir is a bilateral matter between New Delhi and Islamabad. Thus, both sides should exercise restraint and settle the matter via peaceful talks and negotiations, with the strict end to state sponsored terrorism by Pakistan.