Here comes another update that shows how uncompromised is India on the Kashmir issue.
Be it the international community or multilateral institutions, the Government of India’s stance on Kashmir has been rigid.
The country’s top officials doesn’t look back to say to anyone, ‘that’s strictly an internal matter’!
In a similar move, the Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar wasn’t hesitant to cancel a meeting with the senior US Congressional leaders abruptly on grounds of their ‘criticism over the Kashmir issue’.
As the reports say, the US lawmakers have reportedly refused demands to exclude congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who criticized India’s policy stance on the issue.
Jaishankar had a planned schedule to meet the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), the committee’s top Republican Rep. Michael McCaul (Tex.) and others including Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).
In this regard, Indian officials had told to US committee to exclude Pramila, who is reportedly aiding the resolution to lift ‘internet ban in Kashmir’ and other sanctions in the region.
Engel had refused to Indian officials’ proposal and Indians stepped back eventually, Pramila informed in a statement.
“This only furthers the idea that the Indian Government isn’t willing to listen to any dissent at all. The seriousness of this moment should’ve been a reason for a conversation, not dictating who’s in the meeting, which seems very petty.” says Pramila.
What Analysts Said?
Jaishankar’s decision has created ripples in the analyst circles, who say this might have impact on the diplomat’s image as a skilled statesman.
“Minister Jaishankar is incredibly thoughtful and articulate – and not engaging with Congress, which has traditionally been a bastion of strong support for India, is short-sighted. It’s a missed opportunity,” says Ashley Tellis, an India scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Around Citizenship Amendment Bill
Jaishankar’s Washington visit came on the lines of long protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in India.
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a discussion with Jaishankar on the Bill on December 18, 2019.
“We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere,” the Secretary said in a statement.
However, the State Department official declined to comment on if the two discussed about the Bill in their meeting.
To Jaishankar’s statements that the Bill is a “measure which is designed to address the needs of religious minorities from certain countries,” Pramila said that “adds a whole level of complexity to India as a secular democracy — one of the great prides of the country.”
“My constituents care about the human rights situation, thousands of people detained without charges, and a communication crackdown that makes daily life more difficult. It has been extremely brutal for families in Kashmir,” Pramila said, informing about plans to advance her resolution on the issue.
Will have to see what would be the next move from either sides, India and US, on finding a balancing approach over the Kashmir issue and Citizenship Bill.
