Just a couple of weeks into the Biden Presidency, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Democrats wooed the Indian American community just for the political donations and have no interest in encouraging the interests of India or the Indian American community. In what reveals the glaringly pro-Pakistan tilt of the USA under the Biden-Harris administration, New York State Assembly passed a resolution to declare February 5 as Kashmir American Day. It is pertinent to note that 5th February is also observed in Pakistan as Kashmir Solidarity Day.
It feels like ages ago when Vice President Kamala Harris had idlis as she flaunted her Indian heritage sending the Indian liberals into a tizzy. Turns out, it was all a facade as a resolution petitioning New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare February 5 as Kashmir American Day has been passed by the state assembly.
Cuomo is the blue-eyed boy of the Democrats and it remains to be seen whether he goes ahead with recognition of the day or not, and in case he does, there’s no chance he would go ahead with a move with such huge geopolitical ramifications without the consent of the Biden-Harris administration.
Unsurprisingly, the resolution was sponsored by two Democratic Assemblymen, Nader Sayegh and Nick Perry and states that, “The Kashmiri community has overcome adversity, shown perseverance, and established themselves as one of the pillars of the New York immigrant communities.”
It adds, “Kashmiri people living around the world speak the Koshur language and practice their distinct and ancient rites of Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism; and in the recognition of their unique cultural identity and storied history, which has its roots in the Himalayan foothills and the Pir Panjal Range, helps to keep the Kashmiri identity alive.”
The resolution further reads, “The State of New York endeavours to champion human rights including the freedom of religion, movement, and expression for all Kashmiri people, which are embedded within the United States Constitution, through the recognition of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious identities.”
There are indications that the Pakistan Consulate in New York had a role to play in the passing of the resolution as it posted a congratulatory message to the New York Assembly, Mr. Sayegh and the American Pakistani Advocacy Group on its Facebook page.
The Hindu quoted a spokesperson at the Indian Embassy in Washington as saying, “We have seen the New York Assembly Resolution regarding Kashmir American Day. Like the U.S., India is a vibrant democracy and the pluralistic ethos of 1.35 billion people are a matter of pride. India celebrates its diversity and rich cultural mosaic including in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India.”
The spokesperson added, “We note with concern the attempt by vested interests to misrepresent the rich cultural and social mosaic of Jammu & Kashmir to divide the people. We will engage with the elected representatives in the New York State on all matters concerning India-U.S. partnership and the diverse Indian diaspora.”
One must not forget that when American forces under the Obama administration killed Osama Bin Laden, the then Vice President Biden criticised the operation which was carried out by the US forces in Pakistan. Biden has also been awarded the second-highest civilian honour in Pakistan of ‘Hilal-e-Pakistan’.
While it’s certainly a setback for India, the Americans are also being taken for a ride by the Biden-Harris administration especially when you consider the fact that Pakistan willfully released the killer of American journalist Daniel Pearl with Democrats seemingly still having a soft spot for Pakistan.