- Secretary of State Warren Christopher wrote to the Indian prime minister recently that the was “most pleased to learn that Rao had succeeded in ending the standoff at Hazzatbal mosque without any further bloodshed or damage to the shrine itself.” Mr.Christopher attributed the success to the Indian prime minister’s steadfast determination to resolve the siege through negotiations and not by vlolence. “Peaceful end of the siege creates opportunities for all parties in Jammu and Kashmir to further reduce tensions and begin work in resolving larger issues in a constructive spirit,” he stated in the letter.
‘This was a matter of fact letter. No one can take exception to its wording; yet, it appears to have created an unfortunate aura and impression. On the face of it, the communication amounts to a sort of certificate of “good conduct” to the Indian government. It does not convey the totality of the situation. The fact is that the drama around Hazratbal mosque was the Indian state’s own creation. The aim was to build up the issue as a confrontation and use it to gather electoral support for the ruling Congress (I). It was, in effect, intended to be a replay of the 1994 operation “Blue Star” at Amritsar. If bloodshed at Hazzatbal has been avoided, it is largely due to the U.S. government’s timely warming to the Indian government. Mr, Christopher’s letter creates an impression that the initiative for avoiding bloodshed came from the Indian government which is factually wrong. India used violence and killed about 60 Kashmiris when they tried to end the standoff at Hazratbal. Moreover, dozens of Kashmiri youths are being killed daily by Indian security forces after the standoff ended, it could be safely said that the “good conduct” certificate by the U.S. secretary of state is primarily responsible for India’s renewed violence. The U.S. government must be very careful about letting out signs and symbols that even remotely are appreciative of India on the question of state violence and human rights. The Indian ruling class is a bloodthirsty, fascist clique. If it pauses in the use of force against Sikhs, Muslims and three nations fighting for their freedom, it is due mainly to international pressure. But any sign of withdrawal of the pressure and issuance of “good conduct” certificates are a sure guarantee that India would resume spilling blood on a larger scale than before, No wonder, Indian forces have killed more Kashmiris (after the Hazratbal siege ended) than ‘those who had been holed up inside. Thanks to the Christopher letter.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 3, 1993
