Who is Responsible for Internationalizing the Kashmir Issue?

Modi and His Erratic Policies

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has indeed taken the Kashmir issue to the international stage, a move that has been met with mixed reactions and criticism. Modi's policies, often described as erratic, have not only drawn global attention to Kashmir but also heightened tensions within the country. His approach to religious minorities and internal governance has contributed significantly to the international discourse on India.

One of the key issues under scrutiny is the treatment of religious minorities, such as the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2020, which critics argue discriminates against Muslims. This has been mirrored in other parts of India, such as the eviction of thousands of Muslims from their homes in Assam through the National Register of Citizens (NRC) based on religious criteria. These actions have nurtured an atmosphere of discrimination and suspicion, fueling global perceptions of India's political landscape.

The Internationalization of Kashmir

The Kashmir issue has been a sensitive topic for decades, but it has remained largely within the bilateral domain between India and Pakistan. However, due to various strategic and geopolitical reasons, the international community has shown increasing concern over the Kashmir conflict. This is evident in the following key points:

Modi has made Kashmir a central topic in UN Security Council meetings twice since the 1960s, a rarity for a bilateral dispute. This internationalization stems from the fact that the Kashmir conflict has direct implications on regional stability and peace, especially given that both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons.

India's actions, including the heavy militarization of Kashmir and the frequent curfews, have escalated tensions, compelling global observers to take notice. The prolonged lockdown in Indian-administered Kashmir, combined with protests and sit-ins in other parts of India, have further fueled international concerns.

The Historical Context of the Kashmir Conflict

The issue of Kashmir is deeply rooted in history. Prior to India's independence in 1947, Kashmir was a princely state ruled by a Hindu ruler, but the state's population was predominantly Muslim. When the British withdrew, the ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, initially sought to maintain independence but was coerced into signing the Instrument of Accession with India, which eventually led to the First Indo-Pak War in 1947.

The United Nations intervened, and a ceasefire was agreed upon, leading to the formation of the Line of Control (LoC). While India retained the majority (2/3) of Kashmir's territory, including the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh, Pakistan retained the rest, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

A second war in 1965 was triggered by Pakistan's attempt to annex more territory in Kashmir. Again, the international community, including the Soviet Union and the United States, intervened to resolve the conflict.

Modern Implications and International Attention

Despite the agreement to keep Kashmir a bilateral matter, the international community continues to watch the situation closely. The threat of nuclear conflict makes any escalation of the Kashmir dispute a matter of global concern. Recent events, such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the mass curfew, have further internationalized the issue.

In conclusion, while India retains the primary responsibility for resolving the Kashmir issue, its actions have indeed drawn global attention. The international community's involvement underscores the complexity and sensitivity of this long-standing conflict.