Written by: Ali Ayub
G20, a platform formulated on the notion to stabilize the world economy, is on a path where it might prove to be a plutocracy. The top 20 economic giants usually meet once in a year to address financial issues. However, the group has expanded its agenda that include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, etc. With no permanent headquarter, its presidency is given on a rotatory basis. India, which assumed the group’s presidency last year, is set to host the G20 leaders’ annual summit this year. Prior to the summit, a complete schedule regarding the series of events being held in different Indian cities has been released. New Delhi has also announced Srinagar-the capital of Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir- as the venue for the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting scheduled to take place from May 22 to 24. The contentious move to hold summit events in the UN recognised disputed territory has raised alarms across the world. Along with China, two significant stakeholders including Pakistan and the people of Kashmir have strongly condemned the move and termed it as a violation of international law.
Pakistan foreign office while condemning the move said, “India’s irresponsible move is the latest in a series of self-serving measures to perpetuate its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir in sheer disregard of the United Nations Security Council resolutions and in violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law”.
By holding the session in Srinagar, Modi is not only adamant in making a mockery of these resolutions but also trying to achieve geopolitical and domestic political objectives. With such tactics, the Modi government is trying to curb the voices of millions of Kashmiris.
With elections due in a year, Modi is trying to keep its vote bank intact by hosting the conference in Srinagar.
Pakistan and India since independence have been at loggerheads with each other mainly over the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan is having a lot of reservations and has condemned the act. Neither of the two arch rivals is ready to throw in the sponge with ease.
The RSS influenced regime’s repressive policies have cost Kashmiris dearly. Since Modi assumed power in New Delhi in 2014, the political and human rights situation in the held territory has worsened with each passing year. First, Kashmiris were stripped of their identity by abrogating articles 370 and 35A in 2019, and now Modi is trying to whitewash his crimes and lend credence to its actions thereby hosting G20 conference in Srinagar- which is considered as the political heartland of Kashmir.
Pakistan should devise a pragmatic policy on Kashmir and launch an effective public diplomacy campaign to persuade the global community in particular the influential world governments to take effective notice of the India’s belligerent policies aimed at stifling the voice of Kashmiris who have been engaged in a just struggle for right to self-determination guaranteed to them by the world community.
It is high time that the powerful nations must shun their policy of indifference towards Kashmiris. If they blame Russia and condemn her for its atrocities against Ukrainians publicly, why not India? Why do they turn a blind eye when it comes to the Kashmir issue and the atrocities committed against Kashmiris by the Indian forces.
Writer is student of IR at NDU/ Intern KIIR
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