Imagine if our lockdown continued beyond two years. For Kashmiris, it has.
Kashmir is a disputed territory located between India and Pakistan and since 1947, it has been claimed by both countries. However, in India things have escalated. The rise of Hindu nationalism has led to Narendra Modi, leader of the right-wing nationalist BJP party, being elected for a second time.
Following the revocation of Article 370 (granting Kashmir autonomy) in August 2019, the BJP led government imposed a lockdown and total communications blackout in Kashmir, removing Muslim citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and restricting access to food, healthcare and education. The Indian government claims that the lockdown was imposed to tackle terrorism in the region. However, many Kashmiris view the decision to deploy 38,000 troops in the region as the government’s final move to deny them independence.
Rape, torture and murder at the hands of Indian troops go unreported as foreign journalists are forbidden from entering the area, and Imran Khan, Pakistan’s PM, claims that the government’s illegal actions are ‘like treating cancer with Disprin [Aspirin].’
Today, scientists across the world are collaborating on a cure for COVID-19. What’s stopping diplomats from doing the same for Kashmir, not to forget other conflicts threatening world peace?
Sufia Jafri
Comments