Global political scene has undergone fundamental changes as a result of the collapse of the Soviet State. Inevitably, the U.S.A. has emerged as the most decisive factor. Countries like India which until yesterday were Moscow’s clients are falling at Washington’s feet. This scenario cannot but have profound and immediate impact on the situation in Punjab and Kashmir. Pros and cons of the emerging order must, therefore be assessed by Sikh and Muslim communities before the fast moving events overtake them.
Suddenly from nowhere Kick lighter proposals have sprung up. India and the U.S.A. are talking in terms of a “new proximity.” “Cooperation, “partnership” and even alliance are in the air. There is said to be a quiet foreign policy in the making in New Delhi. New schemes are being drawn up to ensure naval cooperation between India and the U.S.A. Sharing of post-Gulf war con- tracts is being talked about. A closer India-U.S.A. cooperation in the U.S. is being mentioned. This “proximity” may even lead to India becoming a willing junior partner of Washington in Southeast Asia on certain conditions. It would like U.S.A. to ensure India’s “unity and integrity.” Delhi would also prefer Washington to accept India’s nuclear status as a fait accompli.
Sikhs and Muslims must take salt the American references to such concepts as “stability” and “democracy” in Southeast Asia. The plain meaning of southeast Asian stability the unending bondage of Kashmir and Punjab by India. Similarly, the meaning of “democracy” there is the glorification of India as the largest democracy in the world. In other words, Pakistan is sought to be isolated and weakened as an entity these are dangerous concepts for India’s minorities fighting for their just rights. They will never accept any such arrangement between U.S.A. and India whatever the price they will have to pay.
And, already, Sikhs and Kashmiris are paying ‘a very heavy price. Ever since Washington roped India in its Gulf strategy — that process is being advanced ruthlessly by the two countries — Del HI’s stepped up repression in the two States. Why, it also sent in the army to Assam and its secret murder squads to Tamilnadu to kill the Tamil youths under cover of unearthing the Rajiv Gandhi assassination mystery. Daily killings of youths — the fighting force of freedom for their respective communities — by Indian security forces is any- where between a dozen and a score. The victims are being dubbed as “hard core terrorists” by Indian Goebles all over the world. And the world media, assured of the false concept of India being a democracy, is quietly accepting the lies as gospel truth.
No wonder, the Bush administration forgets about the fact that an influential section of the USS. Congress was concerned about the violation ‘of human rights in Punjab and Kashmir. it just swept under the carpet all talk of human rights violations by India’s security forces. Washington gave ‘a quiet go-ahead to the I.M.F. to release massive aid to India. These are indeed very dangerous developments which must attract immediate attention of all those who genuinely value human rights and democracy not merely in the Soviet Union but also in India and other parts of the world.
Sikh and Muslim leaders must start applying their minds to the new developments and come to an understanding on how to make the U.S. see re son. If democratic consciousness of the Soviet people is capable of demolishing a powerful iron curtain, it is also in a position to throw out the type neo-colonial stranglehold of India in Punjab and Kashmir.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 4, 1991
