While discussing the Kashmir issue, it becomes clear that there is a series of contradictions on both sides. The nature of half-revealing and half-concealing is evident on both sides. Whether it is Pakistan’s perspective on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Pakistan’s control or Congress’s perspective on Jammu and Kashmir in India, both reveal two sides of the same coin.
Pakistan’s Double Standards on PoK
Pakistan’s stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is filled with many contradictions. For instance, recently in Muzaffarabad, in the case of the disappearance of Kashmiri poet and journalist Ahmad Farhad Shah, the Islamabad High Court instructed the government to present Farhad Shah in court based on his wife’s petition. However, the government informed the court that Farhad Shah is on ‘foreign soil’, thus he cannot be presented in the Islamabad High Court.
This claim by the Pakistani government illustrates a deep contradiction. On one hand, they consider PoK as their territory, and on the other, they call it foreign land. Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir rightly stated that this shows Pakistan’s illegal occupation of PoK.
Congress’s Perspective on Jammu and Kashmir
On the other hand, the Congress party in India also has a less confrontational view towards Kashmir. Recently, on June 9th, following a terrorist attack in Rajouri, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted that this incident reflects the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi made this statement at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was taking oath as Prime Minister for the third time.
To say that this is the real situation in Jammu and Kashmir is only a half-truth. Since the removal of Articles 370 and 35A, there has been improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Participation in local elections and the pace of development indicate that the people there are moving towards peace and development.
Pakistan’s Instability in PoK
The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is also complex. Initially, the Pakistani government requested time in Ahmad Farhad Shah’s case, and when the court showed firmness, they placed Farhad Shah under the custody of Muzaffarabad Police. This incident exposed the insensitivity of Pakistan’s government and judiciary.
The Supreme Court of PoK in Muzaffarabad has also made it clear that Pakistani courts have no jurisdiction there. In a 2018 ruling, the Supreme Court of PoK stated that decisions of any court in Pakistan cannot be enforced there because Pakistan is considered ‘foreign territory’ to them.
Congress’s Pakistan Affection and Political Ambitions
Congress leaders occasionally display affection towards Pakistan. They have surrounded themselves with questions from all sides with their actions. Congress’s less confrontational stance on the Kashmir issue shows an effort to secure their political interests.
Rahul Gandhi’s statement that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is worrying denies the reality that has emerged after the removal of Articles 370 and 35A. Now, the people there are using their voting rights and participating in development, moving towards freedom.
Denial of Reality by Pakistan and Congress
Pakistan and Congress both deny accepting reality regarding Kashmir. Pakistan fears losing ground and is haunted by the wound of Bangladesh. For them, the issue of PoK becomes a matter related to their existence.
On the other hand, Congress fears losing its political ground. They could be compelled to raise issues in other parts of the country if they lose their political ground in Kashmir. Therefore, they consider the decision to remove Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir wrong and deny the peace that has come there.
Conclusion
There is a clear contradiction in the perspectives of Pakistan and Congress on the Kashmir issue. Pakistan calls PoK foreign land and talks about the rights of the people there to self-determination, yet it does not let go of its control. Meanwhile, Congress denies the reality of Jammu and Kashmir and makes it a political issue.
However, in a democratic system, public consciousness does not remain in confusion for long. Both Pakistan and Congress need to understand that the politics of half-revealing and half-concealing cannot continue indefinitely. The public recognizes reality and makes the right decisions when the time comes. This applies equally here and there.
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