The entire world is in amazement and shock. Even though the Israeli-Palestinian issue is old news to everyone, the recent Hamas terrorist attack on the Israeli people and Israel’s response in the Gaza Strip have reignited a loud debate in Indian culture.
The typical Indian citizen has no direct ties to Israel or Palestine, yet one might adopt a geopolitical stance based on humanitarian considerations as well as bearing in mind the interests of the country.
One group in Indian society believes that India should support Israel no matter what, to the extent of overlooking the human rights of a typical Palestinian person, while another is quick to defend Hamas’ “resistance” against Israeli oppression. Both the actual situation and India’s foreign policy are much more complex than that.
India’s view on the Israel-Palestine conflict has long supported a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully. This is in contrast to the high-voltage drama in Indian media newsrooms. India has also stressed the value of the two parties engaging in direct talks to settle their disagreements.
India has continuously advocated for a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the issue and maintains positive diplomatic ties with both Israel and Palestine. India’s position highlights the necessity of a fair and thorough settlement that takes into account the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. However, India has continued to take a firm stance against terrorism in all of its forms.
People who claim that India’s position on the recent escalation is motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment in the current administration need to be reminded that PM Modi visited Palestine in 2018, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, and expressed support for the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood while reaffirming India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the protracted conflict.
Palestine was one of the first areas India sent a shipment of vaccinations to. The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) was also acknowledged as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people by India in 1974, making it the first non-Arab state to do so. However, it is vital to recognise Hamas as a terrorist group that not only kills Israeli civilians but also engages in serious human rights abuses with the Palestinian people.
When militants in Kashmir began using the Palestinians’ Intifada model at home, India came dangerously near to the circumstances in Gaza. Similar strategies were adopted by Kashmiri separatists in their fight for autonomy, just as the Intifada, which is Arabic for “resistance,” involved a popular uprising against perceived occupation.
This featured demonstrations that involved throwing stones, civic unrest, and violent outbursts directed against Indian security personnel. One noteworthy instance is the large-scale demonstrations and stone-throwing episodes that happened following the assassination of militant leader Burhan Wani in 2016, which led to a protracted period of instability in the Kashmir Valley.
In addition, terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen carried out violent operations against Indian security forces and civilian targets in Kashmir, imitating the Palestinian territories’ asymmetric warfare tactics. Although the nature of the conflicts are different, there are obvious similarities in the strategies used by Palestinian Intifada activists and Kashmiri separatists in their respective wars for independence.
A whole generation of Kashmiri youth fell victims to the machinations of a few power-hungry politicians and certain leaders of extremist organisations during the aimless fight, which was never intended to go anywhere from the start. The funerals of young boys began to serve as a breeding ground for the next generation of radicalised youngsters willing to kill and die for their interpretation of Azaadi from the Indian state. It goes without saying that the Pakistani deep state is funding and directing the entire campaign.
The violence in Jammu and Kashmir claimed an astonishing 41,000 lives from 1989 to 2017. This amounts to an average of four fatalities every day in the state or 1,519 casualties each year. In addition to the 22,000 insurgent deaths, the battle also claimed the lives of 14,000 civilians and 5,000 security officers between 1990 and March 2017. A startling 69,820 militancy-related occurrences occurred in the region throughout this time period, which equates to about 2,586 incidents per year and highlights the conflict’s long-lasting effects.
Instead of making decisive moves in the right direction, the political parties were playing a point-blank blame game as dozens of Kashmiri young were being recruited by extremist groups in the valley. A total of 2,736 instances of stone-pelting were reported in the year that ended in March 2017. This increase in unrest followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen fighter Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016, which sparked skirmishes and significant unrest in the Kashmir Valley.
Farooq Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference, said that these stone-pelting instances were being financially supported by the Mufti government. Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of Jammu and Kashmir, responded by claiming that the previous administration, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, had failed to adequately address the problem of stone-pelting, which began in 2010 when young people began throwing stones in the streets. She emphasised that at the time, no significant steps were taken to address this issue.
Even though the way the Indian government handled the Kashmir crisis may not have been ideal, it is still a blessing that India was able to avoid dealing with its own Gaza Strip on a daily basis by making the correct moves at the appropriate time. An example of Kashmir’s transformational path towards peace, advancement, and international cooperation is the successful hosting of the G20 summit. This choice highlights the need for regional support on a national and international level for the region to reach its full potential. Despite this encouraging trend, it’s important to recognise certain significant advancements.
Since the repeal of Article 370 in 2019, Kashmir has seen a significant decrease in cases of stone-pelting, signalling an encouraging trend. There has been a noticeable decrease in security force losses during contacts with terrorists, even though civilian casualties from terror-related incidents remain a worry. Additionally, the area has made substantial technological and infrastructure advancements. The capital of Kashmir, Srinagar, is on an impressive path to become a smart city thanks to a number of tech-based projects that improve public services, governance, and general effectiveness. These smart city initiatives are promoting economic development and improving the environment for both locals and visitors.
Kashmir’s cultural diversity is also thriving. The area experienced a significant increase in visitors in 2022 as a result of its stunning landscapes, enthralling culture, and welcoming people. This influx not only boosts the local economy but also reflects a restored assurance in Kashmir’s attractiveness and safety. In 2022, 1.80 crore tourists came to Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrating the area’s rising attraction.
Additionally, crucial infrastructure upgrades are transforming Kashmir’s future. The construction of AIIMS in Awantipora intends to provide the local community with top-notch medical facilities. The building of the Chenab Bridge, the tallest rail bridge in the world, represents infrastructure development and fosters trade and connection between Kashmir and the rest of the nation.
Additionally, the opening of a multiplex in Shivpora in September 2022 will be a crucial step towards revitalising the entertainment industry, satisfying locals’ entertainment requirements, and luring tourists, all of which will ultimately support the growth and vitality of the area.
At the Inox Multiplex in Srinagar, Shah Rukh Khan’s film “Jawan” debuted to a raucous reception, with all performances recording full occupancy during the day. Similar levels of anticipation were present for his earlier film Pathaan. Even Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised it in the legislature. In his speech to the Lok Sabha, PM Modi enthusiastically mentioned the success of Pathaan around the world and claimed that Srinagar theatres were once again packed to capacity.
Even if there is still some separatist support, more and more Kashmiri youth are realising that they may have a rich future in India rather than in a landlocked country that falls victim to either China’s or Pakistan’s military advances or Pakistan’s terrorism industry.
