The current falling out between the two countries resulting in the breakdown of talks at the foreign secretary level, and the role of Pakistan’s military in ‘straightening out’ the political mess are linked to India’s designs on Kashmir. The success of BJP’s Narendra Modi and his appointment of a hawk as national security advisor paved the way for a rough ride. Indian policymakers have decided to integrate Kashmir in mainland India by revoking their special status (article 370 of Indian constitution) and will go to any lengths to achieve this goal. Local Assembly elections will be held in Jammu and Kashmir later this year and BJP hopes to capture power in the state. BJP’s 2014 manifesto promised the abrogation of Article 370 and the party won three out of six Lok Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir. Their next goal is to achieve a simple majority (at least 44 out of 87 seats) in the local elections, paving the way for fulfilling their promise. The recent skirmishes in Jora Farm area of Jammu are indicative of a tough stance taken by the Indian military establishment. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government sought better relations with India—stepping on Pakistan army’s traditional turf—thus upsetting the military’s top brass. Mr. Sharif’s India policy, coupled with the Musharraf trial and reluctance to own Operation Zarb-e-Azab triggered the alarms, resulting in ‘Azaadi’ and ‘Inquilab’ marches. Following a fortnight of low-quality soap opera, the ‘powers that be’ have readjusted the power dynamics in their favor. The current maneuvering by the establishment is a ploy to gain an upper hand in deciding the country’s Afghanistan policy after withdrawal by NATO forces by the end of 2014.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:10:03 +0000
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