JAMMU: On each and every occasion when Pakistan and few other countries, particularly Turkiye, raise Kashmir as an issue that is awaiting resolution, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reacts with an emphasis that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is and will remain an integral part of the country. This is a truth, which has its roots in history.
While India is used to the hyperbolic rhetoric of Pakistan raising questions about the status of Jammu and Kashmir in world body- United Nations and other international forums, at times it has to contend with similar disturbing statements by few others. In all the cases, the Indian permanent representative at the UN and the ministry of external affairs react with alacrity to set the record straight. This is becoming a cyclical move. Provocative remarks are made and India reacts and this cycle moves on to the next time as if the cycle is in motion.
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The latest provocation came from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who during his last week’s visit to Pakistan uttered some of very unacceptable remarks regarding Kashmir. He praised Pakistan’s “sacrifices” and voiced solidarity with the “Kashmiri brothers”.
Such remarks were not heard for the first time from the Turkish President, but this time these were made when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on the US visit, where he met with President Donald Trump.
Taking strong exception to extremely provocative remarks of Erdogan, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We reject such objectionable comments on matters that are eternal to India. We have lodged a strong protest with the Turkish Ambassador. Such unwarranted statements on India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable.” The spokesperson asserted that “J&K is an integral part of India and mentioned that “Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism policy against India remains the biggest threat to the people of UT.”
This assertion was needed to convey to Erdogan and skeptics elsewhere that India’s integrity and sovereignty is unchallenged and those daring to question it will face serious repercussions. Erdogan was just making an attempt to show that there exists an alternative view on Kashmir. This is just frustration and nothing else, or at best a consolation to Pakistan that is now acknowledged as an epicentre of terrorism and stands isolated in the world.
The frustration was evident in Turkish President’s remarks that, ” The Kashmir issue should be addressed according to the UN resolution through dialogue and keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” and added with emphasis “Our state and our nation, as in the past stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today.”
These remarks were uncalled for, because the reality of Jammu and Kashmir has changed from turbulent times to normalcy in which the population is finding expression of its aspirations. There is no better solution to any crisis other than peace. That has dawned in the Valley after more than 30 years of high-voltage terrorism, which consumed thousands of lives and disturbed its heritage and ethos no end.
Erdogan must have done it to please his hosts on February 13, knowing well that his words and that of Shehbaz Sharif had no meaning at all but reiterating the worn out rhetoric could inject an alternative narrative on Kashmir. It could not be that the Turkish President was unaware of the reality about Kashmir that has started looking for new opportunities after spending a life of oppression under the spell of terrorism and terrorists sponsored by Pakistan. They have said goodbye to the past and they are making their fruitful footprints into their future where there are no ifs and bust.
India, the time demands, should not only rebuff such unacceptable remarks on Kashmir, but also start a firm narrative on the decisions taken on August 5, 2019 when Narendra Modi government abrogated Article 370 and 35 A, and bifurcated the State into two Union Territories of Ladakh, and J&K as the destiny changing measures for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The people had been longing for peace for decades and that had become illusive because of Pakistan-backed terrorism. There should be more robust diplomatic and political activities. Most of the countries in the world, including many Islamic countries, have endorsed the August 5, 2019 decisions. But to keep the skeptics silent, a new strategy to neutralize all the counter narratives should be started with factsheet.