Article: The erosion of democratic values in India: A threat to Kashmir’s self-determination
M Umar butt
India, the so-called world’s largest democracy, has been witnessing a steady decline in its democratic values, particularly in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The ongoing parliamentary polls in the region are a mere facade, aimed at diverting attention from the long-standing freedom movement. The Kashmiri people have been consistently demanding a United Nations-sanctioned plebiscite to determine their future, but India has been adamant in denying them this basic right.
The Indian government’s actions on August 5, 2019, which scrapped Article 370 and 35A, further solidified its grip on the region, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the Kashmiri people’s aspirations. The staging of polls in IIOJK is a desperate attempt to legitimize India’s illegal occupation, but it cannot alter the disputed nature of Kashmir.
The Indian government’s actions have been marked by a systematic suppression of dissenting voices. Political activists, media personnel, human rights defenders, and even ordinary Kashmiris are being implicated in fake cases and arrested arbitrarily. The draconian laws, such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), are being employed to detain people indefinitely.
The recent arrest spree in Baramulla, where at least eight persons were arrested, is a testament to the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to silence the voices of freedom-loving Kashmiris. The Indian Prime Minister’s hate speech, where he targeted and stigmatized Muslims, has further exacerbated the situation.
The BJP’s ideology, rooted in Hindu nationalism, has perpetuated a dangerous narrative of demographic threat, labeling Muslims as “infiltrators.” This rhetoric has led to the passage of anti-conversion laws in several BJP-ruled states, stigmatizing and threatening religious minorities.
The Kashmiri people have made it clear that they do not believe in the Indian political system and reject the election dramas being staged in IIOJK. The international community must recognize the gravity of the situation and pressurize India to grant the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite.
In conclusion, India’s violation of democratic values in IIOJK is a threat not only to the Kashmiri people but also to the very fabric of democracy. It is essential to hold India accountable for its actions and ensure that the Kashmiri people’s voices are heard and their rights respected.
