Following the abrogation of Article 370, India hosted the G20’s tourism summit in the heartland of Kashmir, in Srinagar, from the 22nd to the 24th of May. However, amidst these preparations, the colonial occupiers are busy constructing walls to conceal their military occupation bunkers and engaging in propaganda efforts to present the illegal situation in Kashmir as normal. India's objective is to legitimize the illegal occupation of the region, and they are looking to achieve this goal by utilizing the G20 summit as a means to send a subtle message to nations that have been unsuccessful in mediating and resolving the intricate issues in Jammu & Kashmir. Through increased military and police presence, India wants to convey the notion that Kashmir is now in a state of peace. However, this approach raises concerns regarding the violation of international humanitarian rights and laws, as it undermines the genuine concerns of the region. It is crucial to recognize the importance of addressing the Kashmir problem in a manner that upholds international standards and ensures the protection of the rights and aspirations of the people in the region.
It has been three years since the state of Jammu and Kashmir was unlawfully subjected to demographic changes and a new era of Indian colonial conquest was marked. The decision to hold the G20 summit in Kashmir seems to be primarily aimed at showcasing the efforts of the BJP government to create an appearance of normalcy in the region, particularly to appeal to their voters in the upcoming 2024 elections.
However, despite these attempts, the government has failed to create an environment that fosters acceptance and inclusivity in India as a whole. It is possible that this summit is being utilized to solidify the ruling party's vote bank and gain an advantage in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, the ground reality in Kashmir reflects a suffocating atmosphere due to the hazardous approach of the right-wing Hindutva agenda being pursued in the region. The proceedings of the G20 conference offer only a limited view of the underlying settler colonial agenda pursued by the participating nations. Within this larger context, the plight of the Kashmiri people is evident, as they find themselves marginalized and oppressed. Their very identity is in crisis, and their lands are subject to confiscation. Job opportunities are being allocated to non-residents, further exacerbating the sense of exclusion felt by the local population. Stakeholders and activists who dare to voice their concerns are unjustly imprisoned in hazardous jails, while journalists are systematically prevented from revealing the true picture of Kashmir. The authorities have issued threats, warning ordinary citizens that any form of dissent against these colonial policies will result in either violence or punitive measures.
Since 2019, the region of Kashmir has been devoid of a so-called elected government and is instead under the direct control of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), with the aim of advancing the Hindutva agenda in a Muslim-majority state. The consequences of this control have been the destabilization of Muslim businesses, employment opportunities, land rights, and overall identity. While there is a façade of showcasing development in Jammu and Kashmir under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the actual reality is that the situation has worsened due to the policies implemented by them. The true motivations behind this move go far beyond mere development and have resulted in a heightened state of turmoil and inequality within the region.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently engaged in a process of reevaluating and reshaping the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the intent of rewriting its history and altering the demographic composition of the state. This includes granting citizenship and land rights in Kashmir to non-locals, as well as promoting new narratives that aim to undermine the special status of the region. However, it is important to note that the BJP is well aware that Kashmir remains a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, and the disputed status has led to major countries like China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt boycotting the G20 meeting held in Srinagar. The determination of whether normalcy has been restored in Kashmir cannot solely be determined by Western nations; neighboring countries such as China and Pakistan play a proactive role in the Kashmir issue, further highlighting its complexity and significance.
Undoubtedly, world leaders visiting Kashmir will have witnessed breathtaking tourist attractions and stunning scenery, providing them with memorable experiences. However, these fleeting moments of enjoyment cannot overshadow the harsh reality faced by the Kashmiri people. Their situation has significantly deteriorated as a result of inflexible policies and severe restrictions imposed by the government. The plight of the Kashmiri population cannot be compensated for by mere tourism, as their fundamental rights and well-being continue to be compromised under these rigid measures.
The development and restoration of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be achieved through meetings that exclude the genuine stakeholders of the region, including the Hurriyat conference, political parties, and civil society. Such gatherings would lack any meaningful impact. Allowing non-locals to participate in these dialogues would only serve to obstruct the narratives and aspirations of the local population. Disregarding the voices of locals would not only be detrimental to their interests but also ignore the unique perspectives and needs of the indigenous people.
To truly address the challenges and foster progress, it is essential to involve genuine stakeholders and prioritize the concerns of the local community. If the intention is to demonstrate to the world that Kashmir is functioning normally and that development has flourished since the revocation of Article 370, then it would be imperative to allow the people of Kashmir to freely move outside of the confines of jails, homes under surveillance, and barricades. By granting them the freedom to express their opinions and engage in open dialogue, they can collectively determine the true state of affairs in the region and evaluate the impact of the changes that have taken place. Only through such inclusive and participatory processes can a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Kashmir be attained.
It has been three years since the state of Jammu and Kashmir was unlawfully subjected to demographic changes and a new era of Indian colonial conquest was marked. The decision to hold the G20 summit in Kashmir seems to be primarily aimed at showcasing the efforts of the BJP government to create an appearance of normalcy in the region, particularly to appeal to their voters in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The plight of the Kashmiri population cannot be compensated for by mere tourism, as their fundamental rights and well-being continue to be compromised under these rigid measures.
However, despite these attempts, the government has failed to create an environment that fosters acceptance and inclusivity in India as a whole. It is possible that this summit is being utilized to solidify the ruling party's vote bank and gain an advantage in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Nevertheless, the ground reality in Kashmir reflects a suffocating atmosphere due to the hazardous approach of the right-wing Hindutva agenda being pursued in the region. The proceedings of the G20 conference offer only a limited view of the underlying settler colonial agenda pursued by the participating nations. Within this larger context, the plight of the Kashmiri people is evident, as they find themselves marginalized and oppressed. Their very identity is in crisis, and their lands are subject to confiscation. Job opportunities are being allocated to non-residents, further exacerbating the sense of exclusion felt by the local population. Stakeholders and activists who dare to voice their concerns are unjustly imprisoned in hazardous jails, while journalists are systematically prevented from revealing the true picture of Kashmir. The authorities have issued threats, warning ordinary citizens that any form of dissent against these colonial policies will result in either violence or punitive measures.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently engaged in a process of reevaluating and reshaping the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the intent of rewriting its history and altering the demographic composition of the state. This includes granting citizenship and land rights in Kashmir to non-locals, as well as promoting new narratives that aim to undermine the special status of the region.
Since 2019, the region of Kashmir has been devoid of a so-called elected government and is instead under the direct control of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), with the aim of advancing the Hindutva agenda in a Muslim-majority state. The consequences of this control have been the destabilization of Muslim businesses, employment opportunities, land rights, and overall identity. While there is a façade of showcasing development in Jammu and Kashmir under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the actual reality is that the situation has worsened due to the policies implemented by them. The true motivations behind this move go far beyond mere development and have resulted in a heightened state of turmoil and inequality within the region.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently engaged in a process of reevaluating and reshaping the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the intent of rewriting its history and altering the demographic composition of the state. This includes granting citizenship and land rights in Kashmir to non-locals, as well as promoting new narratives that aim to undermine the special status of the region. However, it is important to note that the BJP is well aware that Kashmir remains a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, and the disputed status has led to major countries like China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt boycotting the G20 meeting held in Srinagar. The determination of whether normalcy has been restored in Kashmir cannot solely be determined by Western nations; neighboring countries such as China and Pakistan play a proactive role in the Kashmir issue, further highlighting its complexity and significance.
Undoubtedly, world leaders visiting Kashmir will have witnessed breathtaking tourist attractions and stunning scenery, providing them with memorable experiences. However, these fleeting moments of enjoyment cannot overshadow the harsh reality faced by the Kashmiri people. Their situation has significantly deteriorated as a result of inflexible policies and severe restrictions imposed by the government. The plight of the Kashmiri population cannot be compensated for by mere tourism, as their fundamental rights and well-being continue to be compromised under these rigid measures.
The development and restoration of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be achieved through meetings that exclude the genuine stakeholders of the region, including the Hurriyat conference, political parties, and civil society. Such gatherings would lack any meaningful impact. Allowing non-locals to participate in these dialogues would only serve to obstruct the narratives and aspirations of the local population. Disregarding the voices of locals would not only be detrimental to their interests but also ignore the unique perspectives and needs of the indigenous people.
To truly address the challenges and foster progress, it is essential to involve genuine stakeholders and prioritize the concerns of the local community. If the intention is to demonstrate to the world that Kashmir is functioning normally and that development has flourished since the revocation of Article 370, then it would be imperative to allow the people of Kashmir to freely move outside of the confines of jails, homes under surveillance, and barricades. By granting them the freedom to express their opinions and engage in open dialogue, they can collectively determine the true state of affairs in the region and evaluate the impact of the changes that have taken place. Only through such inclusive and participatory processes can a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Kashmir be attained.