As if other problems were not enough, Indian PM
Modi has ignited a new tension in South Asia. His
reckless and risky move in annexing Kashmir has
sparked genuine fears of war in the region.
Modi violated India’s own constitutional
provisions by unilaterally scrapping Article 370
which he could not legally do without reference
to the consent of the people of Kashmir valley.
Secondly, Kashmir is a disputed territory
recognized as such by the UN Security Council
resolutions. There are two parties to the dispute
– Pakistan and India – and one party cannot alter
its status unilaterally.
There is another dimension to Modi’s rise to
power. It is the undiluted racist and fascist
Hindu supremacist ideology of RSS from which
Modi’s party BJP has evolved. Since Modi has
come to power, attacks on Muslim, Christian
and other minorities have increased. The party’s
unmistaken direction is towards making India a
state dominated by Hindu extremists who are out
to Hinduise multi-religious, multi-ethnic India.
The rise of BJP also has its regional implications.
It is a fascist party which, as its aggressive
approach to Kashmir shows, will over time
project its power in the neighbourhood. If not
restrained by big powers, India will over time try
to assume the mantle of a regional hegemon. The
signs are tell-tale. Seen from this perspective,
India poses a threat to peace not only in Asia but
the world beyond.
It is time for the international community to sit
up and take notice.
A Voice for Global Peace and Justice
Nasim Ahmed
nasimrazzaq@gmail.com