Indian Americans must educate their political leaders and media on the beneficial implications integration
Recently the Indian government removed certain special rights granted to the residents of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. These rights were granted temporarily under Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution. Expecting that this action will lead to violent protests in the state, the Indian government imposed certain restrictions on movement and communications in the Kashmir valley. Although these restrictions have been gradually lifted, Pakistan has led a misinformation campaign against India. It has even threatened a nuclear war over this action.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the “Howdy Modi!” event in Houston, the people living in Jammu and Kashmir will now have the same rights and privileges as the rest of India’s citizens. There is no denial of any fundamental rights to any residents as a result of this action. The existence of special rights for the people of Jammu & Kashmir had generated a feeling of being different which in turn was exploited by forces inimical to the unity of India and had resulted in loss of more than 70,000 lives during last thirty years. Continuing with status quo was not leading to any peace in the area. Hopefully the removal of these articles will now lead to greater national integration.
