G-20 Summit in Kashmir, a Plot to Legitimise Occupation?
Muhammad Wasay Qasim
June 06, 2023
The founding principles of India, rooted in secularism, were meant to guarantee the rights and protection of all minority communities. However, the tragic loss of approximately 70,000 lives over the past three decades in Kashmir is a stark reminder of the failure to uphold these principles in the region. The Muslim community in Jammu has suffered disproportionately, with forced displacement and marginalization as a minority. Such systemic injustices only deepen grievances and reinforce the need for an end to the occupation.
Introduction | The recent G20 tourism meeting, held in the disputed region of Indian Occupied Kashmir from May 22 to 24, served as a convenient stage for the Indian government to legitimize its continued occupation of an internationally recognized disputed territory. This gathering, the first major global event held in the region since India unilaterally revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019, was projected to be a platform for global collaboration on economic and financial matters.
However, its underlying motive raises concerns about the Indian government's intentions and its desperate attempt to cloak the occupation under the guise of international participation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 'Voice of the Global South Summit' virtually, boasting about overcoming challenging periods of war, dispute, and violence, it becomes imperative to critically examine the true implications of this summit and expose the government's agenda behind it.
Reign of Fear | The region's largest city Srinagar had been cordoned off by elite NSG commandos, CRPF personnel, and J&K Police personnel who searched hotels, homes of Kashmiri leadership, stores, and other buildings close to Lal Chowk. There were meetings which were held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), which is situated on the banks of Dal Lake. As a component of the adaptation procedure, MARCOS, a specialized operational unit within the Indian Navy, took control of the security. There was a three-tier security where anti-drone equipment was set up for air defence. And aerial surveillance drones were also deployed for monitoring at multiple locations to provide security protection and prevent any potential terrorist incidents.
G20 delegates and representatives of other nations attended these meetings. According to India, the G20 event is expected to provide a significant boost to the region's tourism industry, as the country plans to lead the delegates on a scenic tour of the Himalayan valley. Tricolour national flags had been strategically painted throughout the city, while schools, colleges, and other government buildings had been adorned with a G20 logo too. Notably, the logo incorporates a lotus, which serves as the symbol for Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
Michael Kugelman, the director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute in the US, commented to International News Outlet that “India aims to present the notion of peace in the disputed region through its hosting of the G20 event”. Sarral Sharma, a political analyst based in New Delhi, thinks the meeting is expected to highlight not just the tourism prospects of Kashmir but also the significant growth in the number of tourists visiting the region since 2019.
Criticism By United Nations | Fernand de Varennes, the United Nations special rapporteur on minority issues, expressed his belief that India's decision to host the G20 meeting in the disputed region aimed at legitimizing the harsh and oppressive infringement upon the democratic and various entitlements of Kashmiri Muslims and minority groups.
“The government of India is seeking to normalize what some have described as a military occupation by instrumentalizing a G20 meeting and portray an international ‘seal of approval’,” Varennes shared his thoughts on Twitter. He also added “massive human rights violations have been reported in Kashmir since it came under New Delhi’s direct rule. These included torture, extrajudicial killings, denial of political participation rights of Kashmiri Muslims and minorities”
There are still human rights violations being practised by the Indian Government to deprive Kashmiris. Ahead of the meeting, Mehbooba Mufti, the former highest-ranking official in the region, stated that hundreds of Kashmiris had been taken into custody by the police. Kashmiri people are still struggling for their right to self-determination, which cannot be neglected as India is trying to eradicate their communal identity. Kashmiris are just demanding action on the UN resolution to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir. But India is still not honouring the UN resolution.
The Way Forward | The Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir region has been marred by a long-standing conflict, with severe human rights abuses and violations of international law. The global community must take immediate action to address these atrocities, under the principles outlined in the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir. By doing so, we can pave the way for a peaceful resolution that respects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In this tumultuous situation, the adoption of non-violent actions through mediation and negotiation, led by a neutral third party, presents a viable path towards resolving the conflict. Upholding the principles of UN Resolution 47 (1948), India needs to facilitate a plebiscite that allows the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination. This approach would enable positive-sum outcomes, ensuring that the opinions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people are considered.
The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the grave human rights abuses being perpetrated against the Kashmiri people within Indian-occupied Kashmir. The suppression and killing of innocent Kashmiris constitute a direct violation of their basic human rights. As an internationally recognized dispute, the situation in Kashmir has been described by the United Nations as a "humanitarian catastrophe," with warnings that it may worsen if the violence persists.
India's actions in the region have faced condemnation from the international community, with calls for accountability for the human rights abuses committed. The escalation of violence in Kashmir has not only endangered the lives of its residents but has also increased the risk of radicalization among the local population. This vicious cycle of violence and despair can only be broken through a concerted effort by the global community to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure justice for the Kashmiri people.
India cannot justify its occupation of the disputed land by hosting international forums, such as the G20, within the region. This only serves to further suppress the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and restrict their freedom of expression. The global community must recognize that the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle, and its realization is essential to put an end to the legitimization of occupation. In supporting the Kashmiri people's quest for self-determination, the international community can play a pivotal role in resolving this long-standing conflict.
The ongoing human rights abuses and violations of international law in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir demand immediate attention and action from the international community. By adhering to the principles outlined in UN resolutions on Kashmir and respecting the wishes of the Kashmiri people, we can collectively work towards a peaceful resolution. The plight of the Kashmiri people must not be ignored any longer, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure justice, human rights, and self-determination for all those affected by this protracted conflict.
The author is a student of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Defence University, in Islamabad.
Muhammad Wasay Qasim
June 06, 2023
The founding principles of India, rooted in secularism, were meant to guarantee the rights and protection of all minority communities. However, the tragic loss of approximately 70,000 lives over the past three decades in Kashmir is a stark reminder of the failure to uphold these principles in the region. The Muslim community in Jammu has suffered disproportionately, with forced displacement and marginalization as a minority. Such systemic injustices only deepen grievances and reinforce the need for an end to the occupation.
Introduction | The recent G20 tourism meeting, held in the disputed region of Indian Occupied Kashmir from May 22 to 24, served as a convenient stage for the Indian government to legitimize its continued occupation of an internationally recognized disputed territory. This gathering, the first major global event held in the region since India unilaterally revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019, was projected to be a platform for global collaboration on economic and financial matters.
However, its underlying motive raises concerns about the Indian government's intentions and its desperate attempt to cloak the occupation under the guise of international participation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 'Voice of the Global South Summit' virtually, boasting about overcoming challenging periods of war, dispute, and violence, it becomes imperative to critically examine the true implications of this summit and expose the government's agenda behind it.
Reign of Fear | The region's largest city Srinagar had been cordoned off by elite NSG commandos, CRPF personnel, and J&K Police personnel who searched hotels, homes of Kashmiri leadership, stores, and other buildings close to Lal Chowk. There were meetings which were held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), which is situated on the banks of Dal Lake. As a component of the adaptation procedure, MARCOS, a specialized operational unit within the Indian Navy, took control of the security. There was a three-tier security where anti-drone equipment was set up for air defence. And aerial surveillance drones were also deployed for monitoring at multiple locations to provide security protection and prevent any potential terrorist incidents.
G20 delegates and representatives of other nations attended these meetings. According to India, the G20 event is expected to provide a significant boost to the region's tourism industry, as the country plans to lead the delegates on a scenic tour of the Himalayan valley. Tricolour national flags had been strategically painted throughout the city, while schools, colleges, and other government buildings had been adorned with a G20 logo too. Notably, the logo incorporates a lotus, which serves as the symbol for Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
Michael Kugelman, the director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute in the US, commented to International News Outlet that “India aims to present the notion of peace in the disputed region through its hosting of the G20 event”. Sarral Sharma, a political analyst based in New Delhi, thinks the meeting is expected to highlight not just the tourism prospects of Kashmir but also the significant growth in the number of tourists visiting the region since 2019.
Criticism By United Nations | Fernand de Varennes, the United Nations special rapporteur on minority issues, expressed his belief that India's decision to host the G20 meeting in the disputed region aimed at legitimizing the harsh and oppressive infringement upon the democratic and various entitlements of Kashmiri Muslims and minority groups.
“The government of India is seeking to normalize what some have described as a military occupation by instrumentalizing a G20 meeting and portray an international ‘seal of approval’,” Varennes shared his thoughts on Twitter. He also added “massive human rights violations have been reported in Kashmir since it came under New Delhi’s direct rule. These included torture, extrajudicial killings, denial of political participation rights of Kashmiri Muslims and minorities”
There are still human rights violations being practised by the Indian Government to deprive Kashmiris. Ahead of the meeting, Mehbooba Mufti, the former highest-ranking official in the region, stated that hundreds of Kashmiris had been taken into custody by the police. Kashmiri people are still struggling for their right to self-determination, which cannot be neglected as India is trying to eradicate their communal identity. Kashmiris are just demanding action on the UN resolution to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir. But India is still not honouring the UN resolution.
The Way Forward | The Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir region has been marred by a long-standing conflict, with severe human rights abuses and violations of international law. The global community must take immediate action to address these atrocities, under the principles outlined in the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir. By doing so, we can pave the way for a peaceful resolution that respects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In this tumultuous situation, the adoption of non-violent actions through mediation and negotiation, led by a neutral third party, presents a viable path towards resolving the conflict. Upholding the principles of UN Resolution 47 (1948), India needs to facilitate a plebiscite that allows the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination. This approach would enable positive-sum outcomes, ensuring that the opinions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people are considered.
The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the grave human rights abuses being perpetrated against the Kashmiri people within Indian-occupied Kashmir. The suppression and killing of innocent Kashmiris constitute a direct violation of their basic human rights. As an internationally recognized dispute, the situation in Kashmir has been described by the United Nations as a "humanitarian catastrophe," with warnings that it may worsen if the violence persists.
India's actions in the region have faced condemnation from the international community, with calls for accountability for the human rights abuses committed. The escalation of violence in Kashmir has not only endangered the lives of its residents but has also increased the risk of radicalization among the local population. This vicious cycle of violence and despair can only be broken through a concerted effort by the global community to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure justice for the Kashmiri people.
India cannot justify its occupation of the disputed land by hosting international forums, such as the G20, within the region. This only serves to further suppress the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and restrict their freedom of expression. The global community must recognize that the right to self-determination is a fundamental principle, and its realization is essential to put an end to the legitimization of occupation. In supporting the Kashmiri people's quest for self-determination, the international community can play a pivotal role in resolving this long-standing conflict.
The ongoing human rights abuses and violations of international law in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir demand immediate attention and action from the international community. By adhering to the principles outlined in UN resolutions on Kashmir and respecting the wishes of the Kashmiri people, we can collectively work towards a peaceful resolution. The plight of the Kashmiri people must not be ignored any longer, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure justice, human rights, and self-determination for all those affected by this protracted conflict.
The author is a student of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Defence University, in Islamabad.
