When India removed article 370 on 05 Aug 2019, there was a global outcry. The government, anticipating trouble from local politicians as also pro-Pak Hurriyat factions and Pakistan sponsored militants, had imposed curfew, blocked the internet and enhanced deployment of security forces. This led to Pakistan launching an information war seeking to discredit India. Pakistan termed the day as ‘Youm-e-Istehsal,’ which implies, ‘Day of Exploitation.’
It sponsored protests and demonstrations across the country as also launched an international campaign to discredit India. Over the years Indian Kashmiris have treated this day as any other, while Pak politicians cry hoarse. When Pakistan screams of maltreatment of locals in India, nations laugh, while when India questions Pak on its handling of POJK, Islamabad finds it difficult to counter.
A few years after the abrogation of article 370, while the valley blooms with peace, development and record-breaking tourism, POJK is mired in violence, suppression and killings of innocents by Pak security forces. The current spate of protests in POJK have continued for almost two months and inputs mention over 120 killed, thousands wounded, internet blocked, food and medicines prohibited from entering, amidst an endless curfew.
Nothing like this ever happened in India, even at the peak of terrorism, because Indian security forces gave immense importance to ‘winning hearts and mind’ while Pak forces treat Kashmiris as second class citizens. The only importance of Kashmir to Pakistan is its water sources and connectivity with China through the CPEC. It has no love for Kashmiris.
Mehbooba Mufti writes on the ongoing protests, ‘The Kashmiris across the LoC increasingly feel disempowered because their representative institutions are being undermined through nominated members imposed by the Government of Pakistan.’ She added, ‘The Pakistani government’s use of brute force instead of engaging with peaceful protesters is deeply unfortunate. Governments cannot take their own people for granted. Responding to genuine grievances with bullets instead of dialogue will only alienate those very people whom Pakistan often describes as its jugular vein.’ She also acknowledges the immense development in Kashmir. Even the normally pro-Pakistan Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has expressed concern over the condition of Kashmiris across the LoC.
The differences between the two Kashmir’s are one of the causes for anger in POJK. Since 2019, India has concentrated on changing Kashmir in every way, reducing anger, engaging the population and enhancing connectivity with the rest of the country. While democracy has been restored in J and K, with the region still being a UT, POJK remains under subjugation. Its so-called PM and party in power is always the same as the one which controls Islamabad all at the mercy of the failed marshal. To maintain its control over the region, Pakistan relies on elected representatives from outside the region as also nominated ones.
J and K has witnessed development in every sphere over the past few years. Rail connectivity has linked the region with the rest of the country, educational institutes and medical colleges have mushroomed in record numbers and investment has flowed. Students no longer need to step outside for higher education.
On the other hand, infrastructure in POJK is primitive, whatever exists is collapsing, rail connectivity does not exist and higher educational institutions missing. POJK residents are forced to risk illegal migration to western nations to survive. With blocking of movement of food supplies and medicines, the population is suffering.
The implementation of central government schemes including AB-PMJAY SEHAT health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, the Prime Minister’s Development Package and the New Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development amongst others, has made life easier for the people in J and K. The National Social Assistance Program in the valley provides financial support to widows, elderly persons and those with disabilities.
Nothing exists in POJK forcing people to spend huge sums just for medical treatment. The people are considered second class citizens of Pakistan, exploited for their resources, benefits of which are never given to them. While alienation of Indian Kashmiris has ended and are now reaping the benefits of being Indian, POJK residents are up in arms.
J and K has been witnessing record inflow of tourists as also the Amarnath Yatra is a financial boom for the locals. On the contrary, POJK is controlled by the Pak army which restricts local movement and prevents any development of infrastructure. The people living in POJK are akin to life in a prison where every movement is monitored and controlled. No wonder discontent is rising.
Those who criticized the removal of article 370 in J and K are silent now as the region has witnessed a complete change. Numbers joining terrorist groups are in single digits though odd incidents take place, aimed at highlighting the region remains disputed, night-life which had closed down due to threats of terrorist strikes has been revived and fear which existed has vanished. Stone pelting which had become a cottage industry, due to non-availability of employment has ended. Pro-Pak elements, including the Hurriyat, have lost steam. People of the valley no longer look towards POJK as an option.
On the contrary, ongoing protests in POJK continue with security forces firing on unarmed and peaceful protestors, an act never done in a democracy. The scenario is reversed as residents of POJK are now looking upto India as an example. J and K which was once a hub of violence and protests is secure, while POJK, which was peaceful, has flared up. Pakistan’s leaders now term protests in POJK as ‘India sponsored’ similar to what terrorism was termed in J and K. It is only a matter of time before residents of POJK pick up the gun and change the character of the region similar to Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The boot is definitely on the other foot.