Fathoming Brewing Unrest in Kashmir Valley

Kashmir valley is slowly limping to normalcy with curfew partially lifted in four districts. The unrest in the valley following the killing of militant Burhan Wani, resulted in the death of 43 civilians and over 3400 wounded. A steep escalation of civilian injuries invited serious rebuke from various sections who condemned the harsh repressive actions of the security personnel. Most of the injuries resulted in loss of vision leading to a medical emergency. Though Government has immediately quickly flown doctors from Delhi to provide urgent medical care, with injured comprising children, youth, women and old human rights activists expressed serious concerns about functioning of police and security forces. At the Monsoon session of the Parliamentary proceedings all political parties hailed the killing, opposition parties expressed that all party meeting must be convened to lunge for a political solution rather than “use of barrel of gun”. They denounced death of innocent civilians and excessive use of force. Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that military forces will be asked to exercise maximum restraint. In unequivocal terms he asserted that sudden escalation of civilian unrest is handiwork of Pakistan and rejected the plebiscite demand terming it as “outdated”. He promised to look into the excess use of pellet guns and urged the forces to use tear gas and water cannons while dealing with civilians. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for all party meeting in the Valley.

The prolonged unrest of past 13 days over the killing of Burhan Wani has raised serious doubts about the spate of protests in the valley. Brewing unrest and uneasy calm that prevailed in 10 districts of the Valley since July 8^th raises serious doubts about lingering estrangement harbored by the Kashmiris. Close to seven decades of integration into the Indian Union, J&K is beleaguered by the feeling of alienation. India as of August 15^th 1947 was besot by the humungous burden of political integration of 565 princely states. Within a decade of independence economically, politically and culturally diverse Princely States were successfully integrated. Despite occasional several internal conflicts, simmering differences, threatening separatist movements, domestic insurgencies none of the Indian States had grave misgivings with the Indian Union. Modi government managed to clinch historic Naga deal last year drawing curtains over despotic insurgencies in the North-East. Three major wars were waged over Kashmir issue, several committees were constituted to seek a way forward. Despite incessant endeavors of various governments no break through could be achieved till now. Kashmir which yearned for a unique linguistic and cultural identity levitated towards Pakistan to foster it struggle for autonomy. But Pakistan which has clambered to two-nation theory had strong plans of usurping the province since it was Muslim dominated. Moreover Kashmir issue become knotty due to India’s avowed denial of certain facts. Pakistan’s covert insinuations began to yield fruits with erosion of valley’s secular fabric. Vivid hues of the Valley soon blighted, intrinsic secular tone was muted leading to the worst ethnic cleansing of Hindus and forcible eviction of thousands of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland. Indian government cognizant of the grave atrocities and its serious repercussions preferred to remain a mute spectator. Like an albatross burying head in sand, India failed to act. Consequently the fervent aspirations of azaadi unabashedly took refuge in the Islamic jihad. This drift can be traced to Pakistan’s shifting implacable seemingly secular credentials to Islamist ideologies and subsequently to the doctrine of “thousand years of war”. It may not be surprising that political parties in Pakistan like PPP too affirmed its allegiance to this doctrine in its party’s founding principles. Even now, when the valley is besieged by anti-national elements from across the border, government failed to cull the divisive forces causing the unrest. Countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan having lost its syncretic credentials have become a breeding ground for global jihadi narrative.

Intellectuals argue that Kashmir having suffered neglect, unemployment and lack of opportunities has plunged into despondency and despair. But indeed, states which are dwelling at the bottom of the poverty charts or high unemployment aren’t exploding at a snap of the string. Kashmir is faring relatively well in terms of human development indices with respect with other states. It has been receiving more than fair amount of its budgetary allocations too. Indeed East of India, notoriously referred to as red zone, infested with Moaists and Naxalites suffer from great levels of poverty, illiteracy and over population. Almost 10 Indian states are battling with this Naxalite menace. Massive combing operations are launched regularly but none of the states had ever exploded the way Kashmir valley does. The violent reactions of irate mobs and dangerous civilian unrest crippling the normal functioning of state is unprecedented. While historical misgivings and blows suffered by state have dented the morale of the Kashmiris’ Indian Republic has always stood by the Kashmir. Syed Ata Hasnian, retired Army Personnel, who served in Kashmir opined that an extensive political activism, engagement and effective communication with people can instill new hope. But a prolonged anti-Indian tirade and the double-speak of the stake holders with vested interests has brutally crippled all these prospects very often. The alarming flare-up after the killing of an Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) commander, who revolutionized and glorified jihad and resurrected militancy has all annihilated hopes of political solution for the valley.  problem is exacerbated by Hurriyat leaders who continues to toe in line with Pakistan’s version of “Kashmir is a disputed region” giving enough leverage to its masters across the border to incessantly spark tensions  in the Valley and engage its stooges in nefarious activities.

Self-professed liberals and media sprang up to feet lashing out at Centre for failing to hear to voices of azaadi in the Valley. But alas!!! The hoarse calls for azaadi are overtaken by the jihadi Islamic movement few decades back. When Kashmir was hit was worst ever deluge in 2015, Indian security personnel and Police risking their lives rescued and moved thousands of people in valley to safer zones. Now the valley is reverberating with voices of India and the same impudent bunch is hounding the forces with stones. Reports from Aaj Tak indicate that people were paid Rs 500 for pelting stones and creating ruckus during curfew. The despicable attitude of citizenry towards security forces and Indian government is unacceptable. Similarly Kashmiri separatist leaders and interlocutors who enjoy the luxurious hospitality and round the clock security from Indian government ruthless indulged in instigating crowds and fomenting trouble in the valley. Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who sought Z-plus security (accorded to Prime Minister and other mainstream leaders) due to increased threat perception from Indian government last year, flagrantly sings peons of Pakistan. Indeed Mirwaiz chose to remain deliberately silent about the issue of youth attending his rallies waving IS flags. Other Kashmiri leaders who enjoy security provided by Centre are Abdul Gani Bhat, Abbas Ansari, Bilal Lone, Fazal Haq Qureshi and Shahid-ul- Aslam. These leaders called for Kashmir Bandh protesting the killing of Burhan Wani and unduly extended the protests till July 25^th. Interestingly, despite luxuriating on Indian tax-payers money, Kashmiri Leaders audaciously indulge in flagrant deception and revel in misplaced allegiances. They lash out at India for heavy handedness of security forces.  The diabolical arguments and demands of Hurriyat leaders are truly intimidating- repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and release of political prisoners. How can any sane nation evacuate its forces when the land can explode on a mere provocation?

Pakistan has been waging a proxy war with India and the latest dimension to this clandestine war is triggering trouble in the valley by flooding the social media with numerous trolls and responses from unknown locations. The strategy of fomenting trouble is valley though anti-India sentiment was masterminded by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) kingpin, Hafiz Saeed. Post killing of Wani, Saeed joined hands with Syed Salahuddin, HuM chief to control and coordinate the protests in Valley. India authorities has imposed a ban on internet services in the valley to rein in on anti-India insinuations. Moreover, the HuM, JuD, JeM and LeT are feeder channels of Al-Qaeda whose aim is to strengthen any Muslim movement against a non-Muslim force. The Kashmir liberation movement is not indeed about recognition and autonomy but a means to bolster the larger Islamic jihadi network. Similarly ban was initially imposed on the print media for few days but later, publishing houses experienced severe difficulties in going ahead with printing. Thus, newspapers were off the stands for six days in a row. While there is no denying that political parties in Kashmir has much ground to cover to win the confidence of people, the trouble in the valley has been creation of deep state of Pakistan. As I am writing this column, more authentic and incriminating evidence of formidable ISI links with Hafiz Saeed has emerged. Hafiz Saeed lately is more aggressively integrating anti-India forces and stiffening Pakistan’s campaign. Reports indicate Abdullah Gul, son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul has been actively assisting Hafiz in coordinating anti-India forces including the anti-Kashmir forces. Paradoxically, as Kashmir’s call for azaadi which is now synonymous to Islamic freedom movement “intrinsically contradicts the very idea of freedom”.

Pakistan is now increasingly viewed as hub of international terrorism. It recent attempts to malign India at UN has been futile which is reflected in the muted response of international community. Time for anticipation is now over. Kashmir problem is clearly exacerbated by Islamic terror outfits and its apologists operating in the valley. It is time India crushed the home grown militancy, fathered by Burhan Wani with iron hands. India must clearly evolve a strategy to counter the stinging attacks of Pakistan which follows no norms of war.

 

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Burhan Wani’s killing: A tipping point for militant resurgence in Kashmir?

With the systemic glorification of the anti-Indian element 22 year old, Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter at Kokernag on July 8^th Kashmir militancy received a new lease for life. Hailing from a well-to- do family from South Kashmir town of Tral, Burhan allegedly suffered mistreatments at the hands of errant Kashmir police, resurrected militancy. He induced a phenomenal aura into the armed struggle by reaching out to the youth through social media. Embraced by Hizbul Mujahadeen for his soaring popularity on social media, he quickly rose to higher ranks. By conscientiously aggrandizing the jihadi movement against India he attracted Kashmiri youth to join him. Deftly handling the cyberspace, he recruited 60-70 youth and steadily spearheaded the militancy movement in the valley. Militancy in India, which was lacking a formidable leader found one in Burhan. By romanticizing the call for azaadi, he soon acquired larger than life image and neutralizing such a motivating figure has become imminent. Subsequently procuring information about his alleged activities and operating location has become a challenge for the Indian security forces operating in the valley. With internal situation of Pakistan stabilized, the focus of deep state shifted focus to Kashmir. As a result infiltration movement was unusually high this summer. To revive the militant ranks in the valley attempts were made to push trained Pakistani terrorists inside. With Indian forces stepping up counter insurgency operations across the 30-40km range of LoC causalities were minimum. On the other hand, armed infiltrators changed their tactics and began targeting police convoys to create a wave of terror. Pampore ambush that claimed lives of 8 CRPF jawans typically exemplifies sudden shift in strategy of armed infiltrators. This new tactic suddenly emboldened the home grown militants. Neutralization of the charismatic young leader, who extolled jihad has become inevitable. Indian forces went for the kill. But the unprecedented success of the Indian security forces has opened a Pandora box.

The decision of handing over the body of Burhan who pioneered home grown militancy was indeed bold. Past experiences indicated that denial of last rites to terrorists eventually resulted in conferring heroic martyrdom and eternal glorification. To prevent idolization and to contain the angst of the locals, despite the perilous consequences security forces allowed a public funeral. But unfortunately, contrasting narratives that prevailed, existed and spread after post-Burhan’s killing inflicted great damage to India. While the role of Pakistan in grooming, patronizing and raking up anti-India sentiments in the valley are undeniable, the convoluted narratives enviously propagated by a section of Indian media resulted in absolute bedlam of Kashmir valley. Seamless adulation of the Kashmiri separatists and the martyr status conferred by newspapers ignited fresh row of protests in the valley. Mincing no words, critics and certain political parties, upped ante against government and shamelessly questioned the Indian forces in going for the kill. Experts too began to argue the desideratum of killing Burhan with separatists failing to create new wave of resurgence in the valley and challenged the timing of the encounter since it overlapped the Amarnath yatra.

Indian authorities appraised of the implications, were equipped to meet contingences but the overwhelming surge of passions and impetuous response of the people intrigued them. Protestors acting at the behest of their masters across the borders hardened in fomenting trouble quickly swung into action. Moreover, in this age of instantaneous social networking, Pakistan waged a proxy war raking up the old wounds of the people. Burhan acquired Robinhood status in the valley, terror groups discreetly milked this sentiment and ignited tensions. Curfew was imposed to curb escalation of tensions. But despite the curbs, the mobilized mobs targeted 17 police stations were attacks. Violence erupted in the remote areas too. Unrelenting coverage of 24X7 media channels exacerbated the situation. Cycles of tensions are a common place in valley. Earlier, the protests were truly reflective of the indigenous azaadi or independence or self-determination. But what is truly appalling in this latest resurgence has been the portentous overtures of Islamist radicalization.

Sadly, India media shamelessly never acknowledges the fact that killing of the 22-year is not simply about the independence of Kashmir from the Oppressed Indian state, but it is about the larger manifesto waging a war against a non-Islamic state. Kashmir is only a ruse, but the real target is challenging the sovereignty, integrity and unity of Indian republic. While the initial days of the Kashmir insurgency is largely about self-determination but the ultimate agenda of all the terrorist outfits targeting India is of Ghazwa-e-Hind or in simple words- an ultimate battle for conquest of India by Muslim warriors. Indian journals are thus playing into hands of Pakistanis and expeditiously endorsing Pakistan’s cause.

 After suffering humiliating defeats at the hands of India in 1965 and 1971, Lt Gen Hamid Gul of Pakistan, impelled by animosity towards India, trained young Kashmiris and Afghans to fight in India. Later in 1990’s Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) spear-headed nationalist agenda of Kashmir. JKLF created the first wave of insurgency in early 1990’s. By 1994 the Indian chapter of JKLF headed by Yashin Malik renounced armed struggle and aspired to find a political solution. The recruits would cross border, obtain training and arms from Pakistan. Wielding Kalashnikov’s, they continued armed struggle in India. The death of Burhan reminded of a young JKLF recruit, Ashfaq Majeed Wani who would kidnap civilians, torment Kashmiri Pandits and was involved in kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed, sister of current Chief Minister of Kashmir, Mehabooba Mufti. His career ended abruptly when he was blown away in grenade attack by the Indian military in 1990. His death created similar ripples in the valley when thousands of people defying the curfew attended the last prayers.  Unapologetic hankering of media that consciously chose to overlook the violence generated after the killing of Burhan reminded the valley of their posterboy of yesteryears- Ashfaq. The valley despite witnessing several encounters over the decades never flared up with rage to this extent. Instigated protestors began hurling stones and Molotov cocktails at the Indian security forces. Hurling of hand grenades from behind the agitating innocent mobs (human shields) has become popular practice in the valley after 2010. Pitched battles erupted between the civilians and paramilitary forces. With the news of killing spreading like wild fire, internet connection and mobile services were shut down, infuriated mobs began retaliating. Militants in the meanwhile, turning the scores of innocent civilians with no connection into human shield started hurling grenades at security forces. Security forces in a bid to dispel crowds used pellet guns. Over 1500 suffered the pellet injuries and a state of medical emergency was witnessed. In the meanwhile, with the unrelenting protestors intensifying attacks on army camps and air force bases, casualties began to mount resulting in the death of 42 persons till now.

While there are loud appeals from the human rights activists against the use of pellet guns to control the mobs, the alacrity of forces drastically reduced loss of lives. In reality, situation in Kashmir has relatively improved from 2002 barring sudden upsurge in 2012 and communally charged protests in 2008 and 2010. Militant recruitments too have come down. The number of active terrorists are reduced in numbers. Army records indicate that local recruits in last year was 66 and increase from 16 the previous year. After Burhan became Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) commander, local recruits were drawn into the jihad cult. Previously new recruits used to travel to Pakistan to get trained but now they are trained locally. His death is thus a massive jolt to HuM.  In the aftermath of his killing, selective amnesia of media has set a dangerous precedent. Oblivious of the violence and rage of stone hurling mobs, deification of Burhan emboldened the Kashmiri militants. 

As anticipated, Pakistan dragged India to the UN and envoy Maleeha Lodhi referred to Burhan’s killing as extra judicial and extolled that India violated human rights. Under pressure from the army and media, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif declared Burhan Wani as martyr and condemned India for killing a Kashmiri leader. Facing severe dissidence Sharif announced that Pakistan will observe a July 19^th as Black Day due to “the worst outbreak of violence in Kashmir”. But in a major loss of face, Pakistan government had to reschedule it as July 19^th is celebrated Kashmir’s Accession day in Pakistan. On July 19^th 1947 All Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar has demanded Dogra rulers to materialize accession of J&K to Pakistan.

While the intransigence of Pakistan in resolving the Kashmir issue has been the major obstacle, the current episode of militant resurgence has numerous takeaways. Despite the repeated cycles of violence, India has failed to evolve a dedicated strategy for Kashmir. Estrangement of Kashmir stemming from failure of the Indian government to effectively communicate and engage with all the stakeholders of valley has generated a paralysis. While the despair and despondency of the Kashmiri youth is no different from other regions, a prolonged alienation can push into an egregious radicalization pogrom. Kashmir is an integral part of India and would continue to remain so. Over the past seven decades, the region remained as a bone of contention between India and Kashmir. Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein and extremely crucial for fostering its nihilistic agenda of 1000 years of war with India. Independent India has been effectively resisting Pakistan’s clandestine strategies. The secessionist movement of Kashmir which initially drew support from Pakistan is now inadvertently sucked into a feigned Islamic movement. Internet Islamization, a concept developed by ISIS imploring upon the Islamic aesthetics is attracting youth World over. It is time India sheds political impasse over Kashmir issue and engage with grass roots and save Kashmir from formidable influence of religious ideologues.

 

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How Pakistan is alienated on World Platform?

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wadding through muddled waters of internal dissidence sought to rake up the issue of killing of Burhan Wani, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Indian commander to avert internal crisis.  After the killing of Burhan Wani, Kashmir Valley witnessed wide spread protests and violence. On July 13^th Pakistan’s UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi condemned the killing of Burhan and termed it as an “assassination of a popular Kashmiri leader” and expressed concerns over the “atrocious brutality” and “heavy-handed tactics” of Indian forces in “India Occupied Kashmir”. In its strongest ever reply India’s UN envoy Syed Akbaruddin remarked that Pakistan was misusing the UN platform for Kashmir issue. He lashed out at Pakistan referring to it as “a country that covets territory of others; a country that uses terrorism as a state policy towards that misguided end; a country that extols the virtues of terrorists and that provides sanctuary to the UN-designated terrorists; and a country that masquerades its efforts as support for human rights and self-determination” and admonished all its claims. He quipped that owing to its dismal record on human rights, Pakistan failed to obtain membership of UN Human Rights Council. He extolled India’s pluralistic, diverse and tolerant society and its “strong commitment towards promotion and protection of human rights”. Notwithstanding India’s rebuke, Pakistan urged UN to commission an independent probe for investigating the extra-judicial killing of Burhan Wani. India also rejected a demarche issued to Indian High Commissioner at Islamabad. While India lambasted Pakistan for interfering in its internal affairs, Islamabad faced similar censure from the US.

US Indictment

The US Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington seriously mulled cancellation of all kinds of US assistance to Islamabad for failing to act on the Afghan Taliban that have safe havens in Pakistan. Some Congressmen prevailed that Pakistan be declared a state sponsor of terrorism and economic sanctions be imposed if Pakistan fails to destroy the terror sanctuaries on its territory. Debating on the Pakistan: a friend or foe? Congressmen opined that Taliban and Haqqani Network were protected by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. For decades while India frequently lamented and silently suffered Pakistani deception, international community simply dismissed it. With US finding it extremely difficult to work with an erroneous partner, it started feeling the heat. On a lighter note, trolls of #Pakistaning bragging its dubious virtues have become a common place. #Pakistaning meaning deceiving. US indicted indictment Pakistan for failing to bring a logical conclusion to the prolonged state of unrest in Afghanistan.

Deterioration of ties with neighbouring countries

Pakistan’s relations with Kabul too have touched a new low. Last week Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) ex-chief, released documents that explicitly exposed Pakistan ISI’s (Inter State Intelligence) collusion with Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network. The documents reveal Pakistan deep state’s financial transactions with terror outfits for carrying out high-profile kidnappings and suicide bombings in Kabul. Pakistan has been diverting US funds to Haqqani network. In 2015, Afghanistan President Abdul Ghani after assuming charge, made overtures to Pakistan and averred from the Pro-Indian stance advocated by his predecessor Hamid Karzai, anticipating Pakistan’s cooperation and support to convince Taliban leaders for peace talks. In sharp contrast, emboldened Taliban escalated attacks on Afghanistan extended its control over a huge swathes of territories. Aggrieved Afghanistan found no reprieve after seeking Pakistan’s help. With Taliban failing to turn up at peace talks, embittered Afghan president openly rebuked Pakistan and eventually called off peace process. More recently Ghani lashed out at Pakistan @ NATO summit and condemned it for carrying out an “undeclared war”. Adept in art of subterfuge, Pakistan evaded the charges and retorted that India aided Islamic militants to gain foot hold in the Nothern region.

Moreover tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have ratcheted up with after the clashes at Torkham Gate. Both countries deployed their armies, used heavy weaponry and suffered casualties too. In a bid to compel Afghanistan to accept Durand Line as the international border, Pakistan is taking it head-on and threatened to send back 1.5million Afghans who sought asylum during 1980s. Amidst these threats, Pakistani Pashtun nationalist leader on his visit to Afghanistan promised that all Afghan refugees living in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa can continue to live there without fear and asserted that province belongs to Afghans. Thus he challenged the legitimacy of Durand line and added that the border extended till banks of Indus and includes parts of Baluchistan. With emergence of reports suggesting support of Afghan and Iran Intelligence agencies to Baluchistan freedom movement, Pakistan is rattled. Ever since Modi rejuvenated ties with Afghanistan and signed the trilateral transit agreement with Kabul and Tehran tensions have surged. Pakistan has even picked up a fight with Iran for killing four of its soldiers along Iran’s border with Baluchistan. Iran was indeed miffed with Pakistan over misconduct of General Raheel Sharif during his visit to Pakistan.

Sponsor of Terror

Now Pakistan’s role as state sponsor of terrorism is under scanner with Bangladesh government alleging ISI’s role in Dhaka attacks. Ruling out the involvement of ISIS, political advisor to Sheikh Hasina asserted that ISI’s connection with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen is well known. This local outfit was responsible for the attacks that claimed 24 innocent lives.

Saudi Arabian security identified a Pakistani resident responsible for the Medina blasts that killed 4 people. So far Saudi detained 41 Pakistanis for alleged terrorist activities. The overwhelming links of Pakistan with terror activities is becoming more ominous. Though Pakistan defies its role, mounting evidences from various countries indicts its role. Pakistan has been posing a severe challenge to India for past five decades with its doctrine of bleeding India with thousand cuts. India has been a worst victim of its massive terrorist training program. Despite irrefutable evidences, India so far failed to muster enough support to alienate and suffocate Pakistan. Pakistan’s formidable links two superpowers-US and China precluded it from international censure and alienation. With China too facing the wrath of defying the International Arbitration on South China Sea, Beijing’s ethical disposition is highly debated. The errant credentials of Pakistan can now be scrutinized with US expressing its reservations about Islamabad.  By far with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran visibly distraught with Pakistan, India can leverage enough support to challenge the terror pogrom patronized by Pakistan.

Domestic Crisis

Ever since his return from London after heart surgery, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is facing tough internal challenges. In his absence General Sharif virtually presided over every important policy decision of the country. Facing stiff internal opposition over alleged Panama Links, Sharif’s wobbly political future forced him to mend fences with opposition. To win over Bilawal Bhutto and Imran Khan who have been vociferously condemning the Burhan’s killing, Sharif has stiffened his stance on Kashmir and decided to deride India on an international platform. But Pakistan’s contemptible record on terrorism and human rights failed to evoke any response.

Following an amelioration of Pakistan’s internal security and cracking of Pakistani Taliban through operation Zarb-e- Arab, General Sharif’s popularity reached new heights. Last week posters urging extension of Sharif’s tenure and demanding imposition of martial law mysteriously appeared across various cities of Pakistan reflecting aweful deterioration of civilian government popularity. Appalled by impending political slugfest, in a bid to appease the GHQ, Rawalpindi Sharif made damning statements about human rights violation in Kashmir. Further he declared that July 19^th be observed as black day for Pakistan at a special cabinet meeting. The strident remarks are aimed at upping political rhetoric in the upcoming elections for Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) scheduled for July 21^st. Sharif has been making last ditch desperate attempts to gain political mileage out of the recent developments in Kashmir Valley. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s defence minister stooped to a new low by linking the 2002 Gujarat riots with Kashmir violence and making unceremonious reference to Prime Minister Modi. India unequivocally rejected the cabinet decision on Black day and questioned the locus standi of Pakistan terming Kashmir issue as India’s internal matter.

Nothing can be as sanctimonious as Pakistan observing black day on killing of a terrorist in Kashmir valley. Over the past seven decades, no other country in the region have failed its citizens as Pakistan. Pakistan has a pathetic record on human rights violation. Interestingly, on July 15^th, All Fata Political Parties Alliance threatened to observe August 14^th as black day if government fails to merge Fata tribal areas with Khyber Pakthtunhwa. The list of human rights violation of Pakistan is formidable. While the India part of Kashmir is democratically administered, the residents of Gligit-Baltistan have no rights. In 1948 Pakistan has forcibly usurped Baluchistan against their wishes and suppressed Baloch freedom struggle with military boots. In the past 66 years Balochistan suffered five military operations. According to Nawab Bugti since 2006 over 140,000 Baloch people were killed and 20,000 were missing. Systemic atrocities against Ahmadiyas, Shia and minorities Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians are unspeakable. Its despicable ethnic cleansing of 3 million Bangladeshis speaks volumes of Pakistan’s stand on human rights. Almost every province is battling severe insurgencies. Standing troops are army are deployed to maintain law and order. Except for Punjab province, all provinces are controlled by army. After the bomb blast in a public park at Lahore, Nawaz Sharif was forced to handover reigns of Punjab, the sole province which is governed by civilian administration to army. Thus Pakistan has no moral standing on human rights or for that matter even the prevalence of democracy in its country is questionable. Instead of delivering evocative statements about Kashmir, Pakistan must expend energy and time on reviving floundering economy and deteriorating political stability else it may soon face the prospect of diplomatic alienation.

 

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Exploring New Horizons with Africa

Amidst looming doubts as why Prime Minister Narendra Modi undermined Indo-African connect and embarked on a four-nation tour to Africa only after two years into power?  A quick rejig of memory can address this beguiling ambiguity- Modi regime accorded highest priority to traditional partners. His tryst with Africa began a year ago with a visit to two Indian Ocean islands-Mauritius and Seychelles in March 2015 and consistently endeavored to strengthen relations. These include- 3^rd India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) hosted by India at New Delhi in October 2015, followed by high profile visits of President and Vice-President of India to the continent. IAFS was attended by leaders/representatives from 51 of the 54 African countries during which India pledged a concessional Line of Credit (LOC) worth $10 billion, a grant assistance of $600 million which included India-Africa development fund of $100 million and a health fund of $ 10 million, 50,000 scholarships for Africans in India over the next five years, Indian support for expansion of Pan-African-E-network Project etc. Earlier Vice President Hamid Ansari visited North African countries-Tunisia and Morocco from 30^th May to June 3^rd and this was followed by President Pranab Mukherjee’s maiden African tour to West African countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast and Namibia from June 12^th to 17^th

To sustain the diplomatic momentum generated through IAFS and to impart fresh impetus to economic & strategic relations with mainland African countries, Modi on his five day long, four nation sojourn visited Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania from July 7^th to July 11^th. In the last two years there has been unprecedented surge in diplomatic activity between the both sides. India’s African outreach was buttressed by high level visits. Reciprocally India hosted several African leaders including the heads of states of all the four countries Modi is now visiting. Besides, India made Africa a partner in two trilateral initiatives with US and Japan by pledging to train the troops of five African nations before their deployment in the UN peace keeping force and enhancing cooperation with African countries respectively.

Prolonged global slowdown, stagnant growth rates of European and Latin American economies have forced emerging nations to explore new avenues for economic investment. Africa with its fledging infrastructure, vibrant growth rates, stable governance, teeming natural resources, expanding middle class and burgeoning demographic dividend has emerged as land of opportunities. Though dramatic decline of commodity prices, economic slowdown of China have markedly affected its economy, Africa still remains a most favored destination for trade and investment. Modi’s African outreach focused on strengthening strategic partnership and intensifying counter-terror cooperation. Africa is grappling the twin scourges of terrorism and radicalism. With terror outfits like Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda expanding its foot hold and audacious attacks have become a commonplace. Another vital aspect of engagement with these littoral African nations who are members of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is enhancing maritime cooperation. Maritime cooperation is corner stone for Modi’s ambitious concept of blue water economy. Indeed Modi rejuvenated the idyllic IORA and infused new energy to give wings to his SAGARMALA initiative. Lately, China is steadily increasing footprints in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) sealing official contracts for establishing naval bases. Setting up a naval base in Djibouti, located in the horn of Africa is an outcome of such move.

While India’s relations with Africa has been steady and consistent, high level visits were infrequent. Thus, Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit Mozambique after 34 years. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit was Indira Gandhi in 1982. Modi signed three key MoU’s including the most crucial long term agreement for import of Pulses to India. Prices of pulses have skyrocketed in the past 18 months because of two years of successive droughts. India will initially import 100,000 tons of Pulses and the amounts can be steadily increased up to 200,000 tons in the next four years. The other two MoUs are those on reduction of demands for drugs and prevention of illicit drug trafficking. In Maputo, Modi held diplomatic talks with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, visited the Centre for Innovation and Technological Development (CITD), interacted with students who studied under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and met an Indian delegation before leaving for South Africa. India established firm diplomatic relations with Mozambique in 1975. Historical and commercial relations between both countries existed for past several centuries. In fact, Vasco da Gama met Indian traders on Mozambican shores when he landed in 1499. India is among the top five trading partners of Mozambique and eight largest investor. India has been extending credit, educational and technical cooperation to Mozambique. India extended cooperation in agriculture, skill development and health care.

In his second leg of African sojourn Modi arrived in Pretoria on July 8^th. South Africa being a member of BRICS, IBSA, BASIC and G-20 Summit, Modi met President Jacob Zuma along sidelines of BRICS Summit at Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014 and at Ufa, Russia in 2015, G-20 summit at Brisbane, November 2014 and at 3^rd IFSA, Delhi 2015. Recently at the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) plenary Seoul, South Africa was in news for expressing reservations about India’s membership. Ending all these speculations, President Zuma during Modi’s visit unequivocally supported India’s membership to NSG. Both countries have firmly supported each other’s bid for permanent membership of UNSC. Indo-South African relations are strongly stabilized by bilateral trade that stood at $5.3 billion with the trade balance highly tilted in favor of South Africa. India exports vehicles, transport equipment, drugs, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, dyes, footwear rice, gems and jewelry and imports gold, steel, copper ore, phosphoric acid, coal, manganese, aluminum and other metals from South Africa.

In South Africa, Modi invoked India’s patriotic linkages with the land. He embarked on a train journey to Pietermaritzburg station, where young Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of the train for refusing to leave the first class compartment reserved for the white in 1893. This instance made a deep impression on Gandhi who undertook first non-violent civil disobedience movement for civil rights of all residents of South Africa. Modi visited Constitution Hill-where Gandhi was incarcerated in 1906, Sarvodaya (Gandhi’s residence) and Phoenix settlement in Durban, a community established by Gandhi in 1904. Modi fondly remembered iconic leaders of both the countries- Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.

Stepping up the pace of diplomatic engagement, Modi galvanized bilateral relations with South Africa and strengthened the levels of cooperation between countries in defence, agriculture, science and technology, manufacturing, education, health and human settlements. Agreements were reached on joint development of heavy-weaponry, custom cooperation, visa free travel for diplomatic passport holders. Modi addressed a business summit in Pretoria and invited South African business giants to invest in India. South Africa is home to 1.5 million Indians who arrived in 1860. Modi sporting a Madiba shirt, enthralled the 11,000 strong Indian diaspora and successfully sold the Indian dream by envisaging his passionate vision of India- HOPE (Harmony, Optimism, Potential and Energy). Indian diaspora constitutes 3% of South African population. Durban with a population of 1.3million of India origin is the largest Indian city outside India.

Modi was extended a warm welcome at Dar-es-Salaam. From 1960 to 1980 political relations were driven by shared ideologies of anti-colonialism, anti-racism and socialism and South-South Cooperation. Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere was conferred with Jawaharlal Nehru award for International Understanding in 1974 and International Gandhi Peace Prize in 1995. India and Tanzania has thriving business relationships with bilateral trade reaching $ 3.57 billion. Besides economic interactions, developmental partnership was sustained with India offering LOC, capacity building training opportunities and grants. India signed five agreements with Tanzania including one for providing $92 million credit line. Other MoU’s signed are in line with developmental needs of Tanzania and include- MoU on  water resource management and development, establishment of vocational training centres at Zanzibar, visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders, and an agreement between National Small Industries Corporation of India and the Small Industries Development Organisation, Tanzania. Modi had bilateral talks with President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli affirming to deepen defence and security partnership. Tanzania has been biggest beneficiary of ITEC training slots, ICCR scholarships. Modi enthralled Tanzanians with his drumming skills and met Solar Mamas, who are trained at the Barefoot College in Tilonia village of Rajasthan. Around 30 women from six African countries received training in solar electrification and other entrepreneurial skills under harnessing solar energy project supported by government of India. India has been major supplier of medicines and pharmaceuticals to Tanzania. Tanzania is a major investment destination of top Indian companies.

On the final leg of African odyssey Modi landed in Nairobi as the Prime Minister of India after 35 years. India established Office of Commissioner at Nairobi in 1948. Bilateral relations between India and Kenya are powered by strong economic and business links. According to a trade agreement of 1981 both countries mutually accorded MFN (Most Favored Nation) status. Joint Trade committee was set up in 1983 and both countries signed double taxation avoidance agreement in 1989. Volume of bilateral trade touched $4.235 billion. India is the largest trading partner of Kenya and the second largest investor. Besides extending two concessional LOC of $44.95 (15+29.95) million to Kenya towards development of small and medium industries and textiles during the bilateral talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in defence and security and signed seven agreements. These include-MoU of defence cooperation for sharing of expertise, training, exchange of personnel, cooperation in hydrography & equipment supply, revised Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty (DTAA), exemption of visa for holders of diplomatic passports, cooperation in fields of standardization. Kenya which is currently one of the major producer of tea got its first tea seedlings from Assam in 1903. In 19^th and 20^th century thousands of Indian workers helped in building railways in Kenya.  Kenya has a sizeable Indian diaspora with Gujarati roots, Modi reiterating crucial role of Indians diaspora in their adopted nation in his address to PIO’s assembled at the Nairobi’s Kasrani stadium accompanied by the President. He congratulated the leadership for working towards development and spoke in length about his vision for India and the new initiatives spearheaded by his government. In an apparent disapproval of venomous extremist ideologies, Modi took an indirect dig at Zakir Naik and Pakistan for propagating and patronizing terror elements in his address to students at University of Nairobi. Health care is very expensive in Kenya and every year hundreds of people travel to India for specialized treatments. Modi pledged to build a cancer hospital in Kenya offering affordable medical care and gifted 30 field ambulances.

During his visits to Maputo, Pretoria, Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi Modi deliberated on various global issues like the climate change, UN Security Council reforms and sustainable growth. Besides, Modi laid enough thrust on rejuvenating the key energy security ties, enhancing trade and investment relations, food security, expanding economic engagement in areas of infrastructure development, technology, transport and agriculture. Following liberalization of economy in 1991, Indian economy has steadily expanded prompting global nations to accredit it as a key player in the region. With India shunning traditional diffidence under Modi, nations began to evince interest in strengthening ties with New Delhi.

For decades, European countries and US had an overwhelming presence in Africa. By late 1960’s China slowly penetrated African markets, aggressively invested in infrastructure projects, offered soft loans to ravaged economies, ambitiously explored natural resources and pledged to revamp connectivity network. It ambitiously explored the continent, consequently, by 2009 it toppled US to become largest trading partner of Africa with an annual bilateral trade of enviable $120 billion. Aptly dubbed as “neo-colonist” China’s staggering presence in Africa driven by economic pursuits is truly intimidating. Despite India’s historical trade linkages, shared colonial connect, huge diaspora base, India frittered away several opportunities. Now it can't surpass China in trade volumes. But India’s approach of multi-sectoral cooperation aimed at rehabilitation and rejuvenation of African economies is striking right cords. By shunning one size fits all kind of approach towards, India learnt right lessons. Modi’s portentous and timely outreach coupled with soft diplomacy has strengthened political, economic, strategic ties with the friendly African nations. By pledging developmental and technical assistance India emerged as a reliable regional power. Through unpretentious engagement with African leaders, Modi garnered support of the nations for crucial aspects like NSG membership, bid for permanent seat at UNSC, UN reforms and Climate Change.

 

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Arvind Kejriwal's journey from sanguinity to duplicity Part-II

For all the integrity and upright moral posturing reports indicated AAP spent Rs 526 crore for advertising its first year in power. Despite its principled stance on austerity, AAP voted for 400% rise in perks for legislators and cleverly avoided all media attention by passing the bill at the height of odd-even scheme introduction. While citizens of Delhi were severely inconvenienced by indefinite strike of municipal, sanitation and health workers over non-payments of salaries, unconcerned Kejriwal just announced a measly amount of money to corporations as loan. Now, with the prospect of 21 parliamentary secretaries facing disqualification becoming more imminent, Kejriwal has become jittery. Deriding the suggestions of authoritative legal opinion, he went ahead and appointed the secretaries and later passed bill retrospectively to justify his position. Having effectively played a victim card till now he is keen on seeking refuge in bashing the Central government. His beguiling rants, open rebukes and uncivilized sarcasms are now reaching heights of desperation. By openly detesting authority he is constantly challenging the constitutional hierarchy. Kejriwal’s fanatic obsession of Modi making him target of his diatribes, virulent and venomous harangues are now becoming deplorable.

Indeed politics seems to a greatest equalizer. Kejriwal condoned communalism, corruption, cronyism and paid media.  Intriguingly for all the hard talk he is now using these very elements to boost up his political prospects. Surprisingly the church attacks which triggered religious divide before assembly elections suddenly disappeared. Gopal Rai was forced to quit on the pretext of ill health is facing allegations of transport scam. Thanks to inept opposition and journalist wooing, sugar scam, onion scam and auto-rickshaw permit scam charges that had roots in his first innings quickly faded off. Most recently, Kejriwal made baseless allegations against BJP MP Mahesh Girri claiming that has links with the killing of NDMC lawyer MM Khan. Though Delhi police gave clean chit to the MP, Kejriwal demanded that he should resign with immediate effect and court arrest. When Girri challenged Kejriwal for an open debate Kejriwal shirked. Miffed MP staged an indefinite hunger strike before Kejriwal’s house. This constant tirade of escalation of war words and “scoot and shoot” has become the survival mantras of AAP. Similarly Kejriwal pertinently maintained that Modi had never graduated nor even earned a Master’s degree despite BJP releasing all the valid documents in a press meet. In short the party began drawing political mileage from the cheap politics of levelling baseless allegations, making wild U-turns and defaming political leaders.

Recent developments and duplicitous actions like sharing dais with Lalu Prasad Yadav, extending unequivocal support to the anti-national sloganeering, stoic silence during the National Herald court hearings against Sonia Gandhi and stunning indifference to Augusta Westland allegations raise curious doubts about the moral stance of Kejriwal. With more complaints of offences against AAP legislators seeing light, AAP is becoming notoriously famous as party of rabble rousers, delinquents and fraudsters. Blissfully indifferent to constitutional semblance, augured by the Brexit, Kejriwal is now pressing for a similar kind of arrangement for citizens of the Capital to decide statehood for Delhi. Even before the discussions about any such referendum could be discussed, AAP is back in the news with yet another legislator, Dinesh Monhaiya booked for alleged misbehavior towards two elderly women. The incident couldn’t have become more dramatic as the erring legislator was arrested by Police in the middle of press meet. Enraged Kejriwal hit back with all guns blazing tweeting that Prime Minister is bent on imposing emergency. Interestingly, this instantaneous out lash coincided with the 41^st anniversary of imposition of emergency in India by Indira Gandhi. While both events have no iota similarity, fervid Kejriwal smacked at Modi.

Meanwhile situation has turned murky with over 52 AAP MLA’s headed by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia marched towards 7 RCR , official residence of Prime Minister to protest the arrest. Despite the imposition of Sec-144 legislators continued their protests leading to their detention by police.  More theatrics began to unfurl as reports began to emerge that a complaint was lodged for intimidating businessmen of Ghazipur Market Association against Manish Sisodia. Certain media began reporting that following the complaint against Sisodia is now leading the protest to surrender himself before Prime minister. AAP grooved in default dharna mode sought refuge of agitations are upping ante against the Centre. Amidst this escalation police clarified that since Sangam Vihar MLA Mohaniya was evading investigation despite repeated requests. Hence he was arrested for cognizable offence. Delhi government, visibly distraught with Centre for returning 14 of bills, citing procedural lapse is now miffed. This issue was excellently reviewed by S Sudhir Kumar on MyIndmakers Website earlier. With AAP getting increasingly drawn into aggressive protests all the crucial governance issues are likely to suffer. Unwarranted outbursts, massive theatrics, jingoistic comments unbecoming of a person of Chief Minister’s stature are truly casting aspersions Kejriwal’s solemnity who enticed Urban electorate with his agenda of politics of change. In a latest constitutionally invalid move, Delhi Assembly issued summons to Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung and ACB Chief MK Meena questioning their inaction on the five cases registered against AAP in 2014. The series of infringement cases against the AAP legislators is mindboggling- Naresh Yadav, AAP legislator from Mehrauli was booked for allegedly burning Quran at Malerkotla, Punjab. Kejriwal, who had abused Modi over CBI raids on the office of Rajendra Kumar his principal secretary is now arrested by CBI for favoring a private firm Endeavour and awarding contracts without tenders worth over 50 crores. From vociferously defending a bureaucrat facing corruption charges to mangling reputation of Prime Minister, Kejriwal’s defense of the accused knew no bounds. Now, Ashish Khetan, spokesperson of AAP is under scanner for hurting religious sentiments of people. He equated party’s youth manifesto for Punjab with Guru Granth Sahib and using the picture of Golden temple on AAP manifesto with its party symbol broom embossed on it. Though he apologized for his remarks, he might face jail sentence of three years if found guilty. The systemic listlessness and desperation of Kejriwal is in sharp contrast to his projected image of savior, raising serious doubts about the commitment of this erstwhile social activist. A steady moral decrepitude symptomatic of the ruthless politicians who were shuddered has now crept into the fledging political outfit. People have voted the party into power for its conscientious approach. By launching audacious verbal attacks and playing victimhood for eternity to evade investigations AAP is losing sheen and relevance among its apologists. While it cogently silenced cabal media through lucrative benefactions, electorate with moral allegiance will decamp.

No individual had ever received as much media adulation and unrelenting media coverage as Arvind Kejriwal in the contemporary Indian political scenario. His name has become synonymous to a new generation of political thinking and electoral reforms. For all the praise showered on the political iconoclast for shaking the foundation of Indian political gerontocracy, he truly turned out be an oxymoron.

While political parties are conditioned to play murkier tricks to stay in the game of politics, advocating high morals and willfully denigrating them for narrow political gains is unpardonable. The calamitous fall of an idolized crusader of corruption from the apogee of reverence to abyss of cheap politics is truly appalling.

 

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Arvind Kejirwal's journey from sanguinity to duplicity Part-1

With ACB lodging FIR against Arvind Kejriwal for failing to act on water tanker scam making the news, the pinnacle of political unrighteousness proclaimed by Arvind Kejriwal seems to be buried under the weight of obfuscation. Kejriwal who began his career as Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer actively involved in resolving public grievances. Shot into fame for championing the use of state-level Right to Information (RTI) to address the woes of Delhi public through Parivartan movement he exposed PDS scam and was recognized as social activist. For his pivotal role of empowering the poor citizens and crusade against corruption, he was conferred the Ramon Magsaysay award in 2006. Cherishing the credentials of anti-corruption crusader, he rose to instant fame by joining India Against Corruption (IAC) movement led by Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi. By aggressively advocating enactment of Jan Lokpal Bill, he slowly sidelined other activists and took complete charge of the movement. By mid-2012, he deftly replaced Anna Hazare from the evocative Jan Lokpal Movement. Firmly seeding his political ambitions on these fertile grounds, Kejriwal created a political outfit Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). At a time when ordinary men and women refrained from wadding through the muddled waters of Politics, Kejriwal displayed a rare conviction to steer clear of corruption, cronyism, communalism, casteism and promised to revive the public delivery systems. He offered hope to the Indian public seething with anger and felt cheated by the rampant corruption.

With nine months of political history, riding on his grassroots connect in New Delhi, Kejriwal startled everyone with his stellar debut political performance in Delhi Assembly elections 2013 by clinching 28 seats. He not only defeated three-time Congress Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in her own bastion but audaciously sought external support of Congress Party and formed minority government.  Through a rather politically smart stratagem of seeking public opinion before formation of government, he awed the Delhi public. This unprecedented move coupled with the flutter of doing away with red beacons, attending the swearing-in ceremony by traveling in metro, Kejriwal earned unstinted public applause and faith. Subsequently, by inducting a cabinet with an average age of 40 he made exquisite political beginning. Aside this political makeover, AAP redefined politics through a unique, thrifty and reliable campaigning mode. AAP volunteers, the party workers embarked on the time tested campaigning mode of door to door visits. Consequently, AAP managed to successfully topple the richly funded campaigns of the national parties with modest funds. Kejriwal thus created a history in Indian politics by becoming chief minister of the capital state with absolutely no prior political connections and affiliations. Above all, the fledging political party quickly learned to stay in limelight by aggressively attacking governments and politicians. Ironically, this trend of mudslinging and trading charges without any probity significantly emerged as its lone survival mantra.

Reverberating performance of AAP literally changed the political scenario of the country at the fag-end of 2013 when the country was gearing for crucial general elections. With a political novice emerging victorious, major political parties were forced to change their strategies. Kejriwal was immediately catapulted to national stage. He figured in all opinion poll charts as prime ministerial candidate too.

 Assuming charge amidst tremendous fanfare and public support, Kejriwal after an initial stint of 49 days  resigned as Chief Minister after failing to pass Jan Lok Pal Bill as per mandated constitutional guidelines. During the short regime, Kejriwal and his adventurous cabinet had several tiffs with the Delhi Police and the Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung. With an eye on establishing long term political career, Kejriwal lost no time in rolling out election freebies of 10 month waiver of electric bills, 20 kilolitres of free water every month and retracted the approval of FDI in retail. In the meanwhile, AAP managed pretty hard to gain political mileage through a manufactured attack on convoy of Rakhi Birla but failed. Soon news of expulsion of newly elected MLA Vinod Binny from the party raised doubts about the internal democracy of AAP. Shortly party was muddled by charges of racial abuse with Law Minister Somnath Bharati carrying out a brusque and humiliating raid on Ugandan women at mid night on charges of prostitution on charges of prostitution and drug peddling. Subjugated by old habits, AAP resorted to dharna politics and protested in front of Rail Bhavan demanding suspension of four policemen, days before Republic Day Celebrations (despite concerns of security threats). Calling himself an anarchist, Kejriwal slept on the roads demanding immediate action & reiterated AAP’s demands of Delhi statehood and control over Delhi police.  Though crisis was averted owing to swift intervention of Lt. Governor who proposed a compromise formula, this fete badly tarnished party’s reputation among the middle-class. Political parties and media lambasted AAP for remaining in the default protest mode and remaining rudderless in governance aspects. Further, notwithstanding the recommendations made by Lt.Governor, Kejriwal went ahead with tabulation of the bill resulting in the blockade of the same by BJP and Congress. As a result, the much touted jubilant political fanfare of Kejriwal’s first term came to a close.

Unfazed by his debut political debacle, like a doughty fighter, Kejriwal aspired to remain in limelight. Hence he contested against Narendra Modi in Varansi but lost bitterly. Though he ruefully denied the charges of making AAP a pan-Indian party, putting up candidates in 432 constituencies’ testimonies national ambitions of Kejriwal. Owing to ground swell of AAP in Delhi, exit polls made marginally high prediction but AAP managed to clinch four Lok Sabha seats from Punjab. BJP won all 7 seats from Delhi handsomely raising doubts about AAP’s popularity. Undeterred by the electoral losses, Kejriwal regrouped his team, cheered volunteers and strategized new game plan. He made a sensational comeback scripting stupendous victory in the Delhi assembly elections held in Feb 2015. Winning 67 of 70 seats he decimated Congress and plundered BJP’s electoral hubris. Gradual erosion of Congress bastions, weakening of leadership have reduced the oldest national party to quandary. AAP began to slowly fill in the vacuum. Buoyed by the overwhelming electoral mandate Kejriwal began to pitch himself against Modi. He began envisaging that no party other than AAP can challenge BJP. In short, a resplendent majority has emboldened Kejriwal imbuing him with “a holier than thou” authoritarianism.

II Innings

Flagging off, new populist policies like 50% subsidy on power bills for those consuming up to 400 units and free medicines to patients, Kejriwal began his second innings. But major poll promises like free wi-fi zones, recruitment of 55,000 government posts, installation of 10-15 lakh CCTV cameras, legislation of Swaraj bill and building of 500 new schools and 20 new colleges failed to see light of the day. Being adept in propaganda and self-promotion AAP left no stone unturned to promote itself. Abdicating himself of all portfolios, he inducted 7 ministers and appointed his long term associate Manish Sisodia as Deputy Chief Minister. Post elections, dissidence within the party cadres reached a crescendo. Senior leaders like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav started publicly flaying party for undemocratic functioning. Consequently, both were unceremoniously ousted for conspiring against the party and were manhandled at the national council meeting. (No wonder why credible leaders are slowly retracing their steps). Even before the furor of internal dissidence could subside, farmer’s suicide at AAP’s public rally earned it severe indignation of media and other political parties for gross insensitivity. Just few months into power several AAP legislators were charged with civil and criminal charge for violation of law.

After quelling the internal dissidence and shunting out voices that questioned his authoritarianism, Kejriwal aspired to have complete control and started pushing hard for complete statehood of Delhi. While he is aware that it is impossible for the Centre to function as subordinate to state but Kejriwal was persistent and began squabbling with the Lt. Governor on various issues. He launched severe attacks on Najeeb Jung calling him a stooge of Central government and created unnecessary ruckus over issues like appointment of Chief Secretary to Delhi for a short period of 15 days etc. Perpetual spats with the Delhi police, which works under ministry of home affairs has become a routine affair. His derogatory remarks of “tullu” in reference to Police earned him a defamation suit. Constant insinuations against the central government and questioning their constitutional authority has become order of the day.

It might be interesting at this juncture to recall that while in his first innings Kejriwal publicly shunned privileges, AAP is now found incentivizing its spokesperson, with facilities on par with Cabinet ministers of state. The AAP which launched scathing attacks on paid media now seems to religiously follow the same path by accommodating MSM journals on the boards of Delhi universities. Realizing the need for an effective communication media in this modern era, Kejriwal has announced plans of starting a news Channel to broadcast the proceedings of Delhi Assembly. But in the hindsight, it is a ruse to popularize Delhi government’s initiatives and governance policies. The party is in headlines now more often for the wrong reasons than the right. Punching above the waist, positioning himself against Modi, AAP wants to elevate itself to a national party status. But it awfully fails to have an independent stance on crucial national and international aspects including the Kashmir issue.

In December, the center-state spat turned really ugly when CBI conducted raids on the offices of Kejriwal’s Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar. Enraged Kejriwal defying all the boundaries of civility hurled back calling Modi a coward and psychopath. Betrayed Kejriwal announced that raids were aimed to confiscate files pertaining to corruption allegations against DDCA (Delhi District Cricket Association) during Arun Jaitley’s tenure. He immediately ordered a probe to investigate DDCA scam and sought help of NSA, CBI and IB too. Subsequently AAP leaders too stepped up allegations of corruption against Jaitely. Irked by the wild allegations, Jaitley dragged Kejriwal to court and lodged defamation case against him and other AAP leaders. It must be recalled that Kejriwal levelled similar charges against Nitin Gadkari in 2013 and had to spend few days in jail for failing to prove the allegations in May 2014. However the case was closed with Kejriwal withdrawing the charges. Similarly during his first innings, he ordered Delhi government to file FIR against Mukesh Ambani, Union Law Minister Veerapa Moily and Murali Deora and DG hydrocarbons knowing pretty well that the case doesn’t fall in Delhi’s jurisdiction.

 Kejriwal had his water shed movement during implementation of odd-even car scheme when he portrayed himself as a savior. Though the claims of successful implementation of odd-even scheme and its effectiveness in checking pollution levels or decongestion are still contested, AAP continues to trumpet it as a major accomplishment.  The blown out success of odd-even formula augured AAP to hinge onto it as an effective pollution control measure. Ironically second phase was out rightly derided by citizens of Delhi and consequently Kejriwal government was forced to scrap this scheme. (To be continued...) 

 

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Dhaka Attacks: The Pakistani Angle

On Friday night, armed gunmen entered a well-guarded, high-end café located in the diplomatic area of capital city of Dhaka. Armed Islamic militants barged into the café, killed 20 foreigners including nine Italians, seven Japanese, an American an Indian and two Bangladeshis and held several others hostage. In a major stand-off between the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) of Bangladesh and armed militants that lasted 12 hrs, six militants were neutralized, one was nabbed alive and 13 foreign hostages were rescued. Bangladesh for the past 18 months had been witnessing rising sporadic incidents of attacks on minorities, leaders of religious groups, university professors, secular bloggers, gay rights activists and foreigners (1).  Just a day before the major attack, a Hindu Priest and a Buddhist Monk were hacked to death. Unfortunately, media had been selectively vocal regarding spurt in violence against Hindus. Of late there has been an unprecedented rise in targeted killings of Hindus. Coincidentally, in most of the cases, victims are attacked by machete wielding assailants. Over 48 innocent Hindus were killed sending the message of intolerance to the minorities. In the last fortnight senior priest of Ramakrishna Mission at Bangladesh received a letter carrying death threats believed to be sent by IS. While Bangladesh government claims that there IS has no presence in the country, the trends from across the border are really worrying.

Sudden spurt terrorist attacks are now linked to IS’s call of intensifying attacks in the holy month of Ramadan. Substantiating these links, reports emerged that IS Bangladesh Emir, Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif in IS mouthpiece Dabiq recently warned that massive offenses will be launched in Bangladesh and India. He reiterating the idea of liberating both the countries from “disbelievers or mushikirins”. He elaborated that fighters are trained in Bangladesh and Pakistan to carry out attacks and to establish law of sharia in India and Bangladesh. With IS slowly losing ground in Iraq and Syria, in every likelihood, IS may escalate attacks in other places to stay relevant. IS’s venal animosity towards India is well-known. Three days back, acting on a major tip-off, Indian NIA (National Investigation Agency) busted an IS module operating from Hyderabad and arrested suspects. NIA has recovered the lethal explosive Triacetone triperoxide, used by IS in Paris attacks from the basement of the Indian operatives. Timely nabbing of the operatives had averted major communal clashes in India. While IS claimed responsibility for IS attacks, it has now emerged that armed gunmen were local Bangladeshis and government persisted that it’s an act of home-grown militants of Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Home Minister of Bangladesh asserted that latest attacks are an attempt to destabilize government and to draw international attention. But, the writing on the wall is clear and India must now intensified vigil along the porous Indo-Bangladesh border spanning across four states- West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Survivors of Dhaka attacks revealed that foreigners were singled out and upon failing to recite verses from Quran, were killed. Targeted killing of non-muslims, by the zealot Islamic militants generated serious apprehensions about the secular credentials of the country. Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina of Awami League (AL) is making perceptible progressing registering robust growth rates. $26 billion Bangladesh garment industry which accounts for 15% of economy is the second largest in the World. In wake of these attacks, business leaders are worried that foreigners might seriously review their ties. These attacks besides being a litmus test on the secularism propounded by Hasina, raise doubts about seriousness of government in cracking Islamist militants.

After 45 years of existence as an independent country, Bangladesh is now bearing brunt of diabolical political ideologies. Bangladesh was a part of Indian subcontinent as East Bengal before partition and became East Pakistan after partition. Following a 9-month long bloody war against military and political establishment of West Pakistan the collective Bengali Nationalism forces gained independence in 1971. Post-independence, Bangladesh adopted Parliamentary democracy. After winning elections, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Awami League (AL) enshrined the ideals socialism, secularism, nationalism and democracy in the constitution which became popular as Mujibism. Mujibism had to face the ire of the left-leaning radicals and pro-Islamic political outfit Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam (BJI), propped by Army personnel who received training from Pakistan. Mujib banned BJI for strongly contending the principles of secularism. By 1975 support for Mujib has declined, famine of 1974 and sanctions on grain imports by US exacerbated the situation in Bangladesh. Mujib declared state of emergency, assumed presidency and banned all political parties and with his assassination in 1975 AL was overthrown. Khondaker Mostaq Ahmed, a conservative leader, who opposed the pro-India and socialist policies became the president. He overturned the secular credentials and declared Bangladesh as an Islamic Republic. He was soon ousted by an armed coup. In the meanwhile, all the sympathizers of Pakistan and right-wing nationalists began to gain ground as Mujib had recused them of all the heinous charges. By 1977, after launching two palace coups, Gen Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) became the President. He soon cozied to Pakistan, China and the West, parted ways with India and Soviet Union. Zia soon accommodated all the anti-AL leaders in the governments, built close relations with clergies, introduced multi-party system expounded concept of Bangladesh Nationalism, drawing a clear distinction between the Bengali Muslims and Bangladeshi Muslims, replaced secularism with  the “statement of absolute faith in Almighty Allah” under article 8 and strengthened relations with the Arabic nations and other Islamic nations. Afflicted by severe identity crisis, propelled the country towards Islamization. Zia was replaced by Lt. Gen Ershad after the former’s assassination in 1981. Ershad a military official usurped power from President Abdur Sattar. Ershad too strongly advocated Islamisation leading to proliferation of madrasas and mosques. He declared Islam as state religion in 1988. Soon Dhaka has transformed into city of mosques each of them significantly exemplifying Arabic architecture.

Subsequently education system in Bangladesh dichotomized into secular and Islamic madrasa-based. The madrasa education was of two kinds-Alia and Quami. Alia madrasa curriculum was government approved, their degrees were recognized and students were employed. Whereas the Quami madrasas funded by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libya and UK taught Quran, Hadith, Sunnah and Sharia. Students and teachers from these madrasas formed the strong back bone for the radical Islam existing in Bangladesh.  Incidentally, Hefajat-e-Islam an association of teachers of Quami madrasas began protesting against equal rights for women, challenged secular education of Bangladesh and warned the government to implement a 13-point charter that reinforced the ultra-conservative Muslim principles in 2013. Thus Quami madrasas and its allied political dispensation that affirmatively supported radical Islam piloted Bangladesh’s strides towards Arabisation.

With a spurt in state-sponsored Islamic education, there was a phenomenal rise in number of Islamic parties. The process of radicalization received a new lease for life and constantly challenged secular political forces. Among various Islamic political parties, BJI commanded greater support. Other Muslim groups like Jamaatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB), Harkatul Jihad Bangladesh (HuJI-B) (created in 1992 from the financial support of Al-Qaeda) to remain relevant created orchestrated terror activities. Eventually AL headed by Sheikh Hasina daughter of Mujib and BNP commanded by widow of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia began to rule Bangladesh alternatively. As a result, both secular aspirations and radical Islam thrived. Under the BNP-Jamaat coalition from 1991 to 1996 and 2001-2006, Islamist fractions like JMB, HuJI flourished. During the second term, Khaleda Zia assigned two ministries to JMB and endowed it with political legitimacy. Terror strikes increased, massive assassination bids were made on Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh witnessed worst pogroms against Hindu minorities. Radical Islam received a new lease for life.

Mujib set a dangerous precedent by extending amnesty to perpetrators of genocide in 1971 thus the radicalised Islamic groups were assimilated. Soon they occupied senior positions in army, administration, police, bureaucracy and judicial systems. Thus, the Islamic fundamental groups thrived, flourished and sufficiently influenced political discourse. Following the general elections of 2008, Sheikh Hasina was reinstated as Prime Minister in 2009. The coalition government of AL with the support of Jatiya Party of Ershad and other leftist parties replaced “absolute trust in Allah” with secularism again. Hasina beefed up efforts to nab radical Islamic leaders involved in the atrocities committed during 1971 and sentenced them to death.  She declared a full blown war against radical Islamists and ended up in arresting prominent leaders of opposition. To stay on course, she imposed curbs on mainstream media and social media. Though these efforts were made to check the mass spreading of violent messaging that created social unrest soon Sheikh Hasina regime was branded as authoritarian. Bangladesh is not new to authoritarian regimes as in the past it endured excesses of two military dictators. Following execution of Islamic leader, small players like JMB and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) escalated their activities and publicly announced their affiliation to Al-Qaeda and IS.

Owing to sudden rise in violence against civilians, Bangladesh government in the last fortnight intensified anti-militant drive which led to arrest of over 10,000 people including 194 suspected militants of JMB. Despite these rigorous combing efforts, civilians and activists are hardly convinced since, people in senior positions have colluded with radical Islamic groups. The menace of sympathizing the radical militants had made deep in roots into police and armed forces. Though this doesn’t justify government’s failures but the roots of terrorism have firmly established in Bangladesh due to absence of stringent action against those stoking religious prejudices. The founding father of Bangladesh, aspired to create a new nation based on cultural and linguistic identity as opposed to genesis of Pakistan on religious lines. But steadily the groups rooting for Islamic identity prevailed and the nation slowly levitated towards rapid Islamisation. Bangladesh has turned into a fertile breeding ground for Muslim radicalisation. Until unless the ruling party evinces firm conviction to crack down Muslim fundamentalists within and outside, unabated reign of terror will prevail. Continual denial of existence of terror dens in Bangladesh by the government may embolden the hardliners.

Under Hasina Bangladesh made rapid economic strides and consistent growth rates pulled millions from the stranglehold of poverty. She averted a military coup in 2012, banned Islamic religious groups and reposed faith in secularism. She renewed ties with India and now both countries can intensify counter-terrorism operations to root out Islamic fundamentals. Unfortunately, World leaders are doing a greatest disservice by consistently dehyphenating religion with terror. Till now all the major terrorist attacks across the World trace back its origins to religious radicalization. While Iam writing this article, latest news indicated that terror strikes claimed by IS in Baghdad, killed 179 people and injured over 130 people. It high time, leaders mustn’t mince words in calling a spade a spade. Annihilating the menace of terrorism would remain a distant dream until, the roots of this scourge are obliterated.

Claiming allegiance to IS is a matter of honor for home grown militants of Bangladesh since the local outfits can hardly make waves in international media. Forging links with IS might help the local militants to modernize and get branded. Appearance of Dhaka gunmen pictures on IS website clearly substantiates this argument. Just now with Bangladesh’s I&B Minister coming out in open hinting about the links between IS and Bangladeshi militants, the long standing belief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan having deep roots in Bangladesh turns out be veritable. Implying, Pakistan through its agents are shamelessly waging proxy wars across the sub-continent. Evidently, Pakistan hasn’t gotten over the humiliation suffered during Bangladesh’s liberation war, is hell bent on creating a reign of terror in its former province. With Modi government extending unflinching support to Sheik Hasina regime, the targeted attacks on Hindus might be a Pakistan’s stratagem of creating rift between both countries. Bangladesh should be commended for displaying a rare tenacity of calling shots at Pakistan during the hour of grief. India politicians who are keen on appeasing the minorities for vote banks should draw a lesson or two from Bangladesh and exude conviction of upholding the security interests of our country. By offering legal assistance to terror suspects, Indian politicians has spectacularly displayed their apathy and disingenuity.

 

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