Miscellaneous
Dr. Happymon Jacob speaks to Max Rodenbeck (South Asia Bureau Chief of the Economist) about the international reactions to the situation in Jammu & Kashmir after its autonomy under Article 370 was removed and the state was bifurcated into two union territories. Mr Rodenbeck argues that while constitutionality of the move may be debated, the fact remains that people of Jammu & Kashmir were not consulted, which is quite a blot on the Indian democracy. He further addresses the issue of the orchestrated visit of far-right members of the European Parliament to Kashmir, a move that has backfired internationally. Dr. Jacob and Mr Rodenbeck also discuss the heated diplomatic exchange between India & China over what India calls a domestic issue. On the question of the UN Human Rights body’s concern over Kashmir, Mr. Rodenbeck argues that it might not be in India’s interest, in the longer run, to undermine the legitimacy of these institutions. He also addresses the larger implications for the people in J&K, and the wider strategic fallout.