Modi and Death Warrant for India’s Free Speech
Taking the example of a few, Zee News is owned by Subhash Chandra, who is a BJP MP, Network 18 is owned by Mukesh Ambani, a business tycoon who benefitted the most under Modi’s government, India TV is owned by Rajat Sharma, a former general secretary of ABVP and Republic TV was co-founded by Rajeev Chandrasekhar who is BJP MP.
Common Denominators of Farmers Movement & Khalistan Movement
Despite coordinated endeavors by traditional right-wing disseminators to criticize the protestors who are challenging the three farming laws by marking them Khalistanis, this point has discovered little prominence among the overall population. Then again, more individuals have turned out on the side of the farmers, putting aside the caste system and political associations.
Gendered Analysis of Farmers Protest in India
History is mostly made by the greatest minds with their ability to endure change. With the rise of civilization, many
Assam Polls: A Crucial Test for BJP
In Assam, if the BJP wins again, it will mean that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah’s gambling of pushing through the Citizenship Act did not hurt them in a single state where they would otherwise have spelt the doom. This would also mean that the Modi-Shah duo mastered the art of not only acquiring new territories but also governing them in all aspects, setting their own stamp and gaining absolute power. Apart from the Citizenship Act, the BJP-led government’s political and administrative acts, such as the successful revocation of Article 370, the passage of triple talaq and farm sector legislation can contribute to the defeat of BJP and its allies in Assam.
What’s with the New Militancy in Kashmir
The Indian former Intelligence Bureau Director A. S. Dulat warned, “The calm appears deceptive.” This seasonal expert was veracious in sensing the emerging trend of militancy in Kashmir followed the decrease in 2013. There was a turning situation where a unique form of militant insurgency emerged after the evocation of autonomy provisions by abrogating Article 370 and 35A. It seriously triggered the concern of India regarding the new form of militancy.
Self-Determination: A Dormant Right of Kashmiris
The concept of self-determination emerged from Rosseau and John Locke’s political theories, which ultimately led to the French & American Revolution, respectively. On these grounds, the UN formulated and recognized the efforts of indigenous movements in gaining independence from 1960 onwards. The Kashmiri people, therefore, are simply advocating a globally agreed-upon cause in the face of military tyranny and human rights violations posed by India in their territory.
Gendered Analysis of Kashmir Conundrum
The gendered lens is one that can be employed to understand the conflict in Kashmir and its relationship to national identities. The Indian nationalist imagination views the state as a patriarchal and masculine figure that must exert control over its feminine counterpart, Kashmir, in order to coerce it into submission. Similarly, feminists have understood violence to be perceived as masculine, whereas, peace is viewed as devalued and feminine leading to the use of gender relations as the basis of fueling violence. A key factor in the propagation of gender-based violence lies in the foundations of the nation-state building process.
Indian Interests in Afghanistan
India has very limited options. With this peace deal, it has become clear that the Taliban are bound to come into power sooner or later. So, India needs to prepare accordingly. In a recent visit to New Delhi, US Chief Negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad urged New Delhi to start a political dialogue with the Taliban and directly discuss their terrorism-related concerns. He said, “India is an important force in Afghanistan, and it would be appropriate for that [India-Taliban] engagement to take place.”
Renewal of Pakistan Bangladesh Relations
It has now become almost obvious that Pakistan and Bangladesh are in the same camp, with China leading from the front. This moment can be an opportunity for both countries to come closer to each other. Still, for that to happen, the two South Asian nations must be honest with each other so that they can capitalize on this moment to forge a lasting relationship.
Biden’s Presidency and South Asia
The election of President-elect Joe Biden and his Vice-President Kamala Harris is most likely to end this vacuum of American policy for the region and engage with the region with strategic insight and assertiveness. Joe Biden was awarded Hilal-e-Pakistan, the second-highest civil-award of the country, and Kamal Harris has ancestral roots in India. The personalized nature of their relationships to both of these countries will indeed influence the interaction once the Biden administration leads the White House. However, in the spirit of previous American interactions with the region, the Biden administration’s interaction with South Asia will be clouded by two mega strategic matters: The rise of China and the Conflict in Afghanistan.