India Strongly Rebukes Pakistan Kashmir and Article 370 Claims at UNGA

tensions between India and Pakistan flared once again at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the contentious issue of Jammu and Kashmir. In his address, Sharif called for India to reverse the abrogation of Article 370, which previously granted special status to the region, and urged for dialogue to resolve the dispute peacefully. This move is part of Pakistan’s ongoing strategy to internationalize the Kashmir issue, despite a lack of significant support from the global community.

Pakistan’s Position at UNGA

During his lengthy speech, Prime Minister Sharif equated the struggles of the Kashmiri people with those of Palestinians, emphasizing their fight for self-determination. He stated that India must “reverse the unilateral and illegal measures” taken since August 2019 and engage in dialogue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. Sharif’s rhetoric included references to alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir and invoked the legacy of Burhan Wani, a figure associated with militancy in the region.

Sharif’s address was not only a reiteration of Pakistan’s long-standing claims but also an attempt to highlight what he described as India’s “Hindu supremacist agenda,” which he claimed threatens the rights of Muslims in India. He asserted that India’s military expansion poses a threat to regional stability and called for global attention to what he termed “Islamophobia” in India.

India’s Strong Response

In response, India exercised its Right of Reply, delivered by Bhavika Mangalanandan, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN. She characterized Sharif’s statements as a “travesty” and accused Pakistan of hypocrisy given its history of supporting terrorism. Mangalanandan pointed out that Pakistan has been involved in numerous terrorist incidents against India, including attacks on its Parliament and civilian targets like Mumbai.

She emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and criticized Pakistan for continuously raising this issue on international platforms without any substantial backing. The Indian diplomat highlighted that instead of addressing its internal issues, Pakistan uses Kashmir as a diversion from its own challenges, including terrorism and governance problems.

The Broader Context

The backdrop to this diplomatic confrontation lies in the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, by the Indian government. This move revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and has since led to heightened tensions between the two nations. Since then, both countries have maintained entrenched positions regarding territorial claims and governance in Kashmir.

India has consistently maintained that it desires normal relations with Pakistan but insists that any dialogue must occur in a conducive environment free from terrorism. The Indian government has reiterated its stance that terror and talks cannot coexist, emphasizing that Pakistan must cease its support for cross-border terrorism if it seeks meaningful engagement

What Was Article 370 in the Indian Constitution?

Article 370 was a provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the state to have its own constitution and considerable legislative powers. While this article ensured that residents of J&K enjoyed certain privileges, it also created a unique legal framework that distinguished it from other Indian states.

History of Article 370 in Kashmir

Article 370 was incorporated into the Constitution in 1949 to recognize the unique circumstances surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India. The region was given autonomy to maintain its distinct cultural identity and governance structure. Over the years, this provision became a focal point in discussions about Kashmir’s political status and its relationship with both India and Pakistan.

Article 370 Abrogation Timeline

The abrogation process began on August 5, 2019, when the Indian government announced its decision to revoke Article 370. Following this announcement:

1. August 5, 2019: The Union Cabinet approved the abrogation.
2. August 6, 2019: The President of India issued a notification revoking Article 370.
3. August 6-31, 2019: Restrictions were imposed in J&K; communication blackouts occurred.
4. October 31, 2019: J&K was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Impact of Article 370 Revocation on J&K

The revocation of Article 370 has had profound effects on various aspects of life in Jammu and Kashmir:

Economic Effects

The removal of special status aimed to integrate J&K into India’s economic framework. Proponents argue that it could lead to increased investment and development opportunities. However, critics highlight that economic instability and security concerns have hindered growth.

Political Dynamics

The political landscape in J&K has shifted significantly post-abrogation. Local parties have expressed concerns about losing their autonomy and representation. The central government’s direct control over the Union Territories has led to tensions between local leaders and national authorities.

Human Rights Concerns

The revocation raised alarms regarding human rights violations in Kashmir. Reports of increased military presence and restrictions on civil liberties have emerged since August 2019. International organizations have called for accountability regarding these issues.

Demographic Changes

With the integration of J&K into India’s broader socio-economic framework, there are fears about demographic changes impacting local identity. Critics argue that new laws could alter land ownership patterns, affecting indigenous populations.

Legal Challenges to Article 370 Removal

The constitutional validity of Article 370’s abrogation has been challenged in India’s Supreme Court. Legal experts debate whether the central government had the authority to revoke a provision that was meant to be permanent. The Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter will have long-lasting implications for Indian federalism.

Political Parties’ Stance on Article 370

Political parties across India have varied opinions on Article 370’s abrogation:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Supports revocation as a means to integrate J&K fully into India.
• National Conference (NC): Opposes the move, advocating for restoring autonomy.
• People’s Democratic Party (PDP): Criticizes the central government’s approach as detrimental to peace in the region.

International Reactions to Article 370 Scrapping

The international community has closely monitored developments in Kashmir post-abrogation. Countries like Pakistan condemned India’s actions, while others urged for dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues concerning human rights.