Modi's new blunders: Going soft on Kashmir and Pakistan

A very important meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before the crucial Shimla Accord following the 1971 War is a landmark episode for those who deal on India's geo-strategic objectives and also for those wanting to understand the true nature of Pakistani state. Since it was a one-to-one meeting no definite clue is available as to what actually happened but its contents did trickle down partially.

However, more than these bits, the Shimla Accord itself gave a big clue. After fighting virtually like a tigress Indira Gandhi failed to capitalise on the 93,000 Pakistani soldiers that India had captured in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and force a one-stop solution on Kashmir issue by taking back PoK, an objective she could have easily achieved. The PoK of 1971 didn't have the jihadi elements and so its merger with Jammu and Kashmir would have been smoother. Plus Gandhi gave back three Hindu dominated talukas of Sindh on Gujarat-Rajasthan border that India had captured in the war, putting the Pakistani Hindus of that region in great jeopardy, triggering their migration to India in large numbers for personal safety.

So, what actually happened at the Bhutto-Gandhi stand-alone meet? Reportedly Bhutto virtually fell at Gandhi's feet requesting her to redeem his honour before an incensed Pakistani people by not forcing a one-stop solution to Kashmir issue using the captivity of Pakistani soldiers as a millstone. Instead, he promised he would resolve the issue in the quickest possible time in a manner that wouldn't invite ire of his people. Gandhi gave in to the plea. The three talukas were given back reportedly in response to his plea that he should have some space to stand on in his native Sindh. But within months of the accord which entailed handing back the Pakistani soldiers Bhutto had changed his tune. The rest is history. The Pakistan problem for India and Kashmir has only deteriorated manifold since then with a new element called jihad. And that country has virtually put Shimla Accord in the cold bag.

In negotiations Pakistan has repeatedly beaten India down in past four decades after defeating an astute negotiator like Indira Gandhi and that too when she was at the zenith of her glory. So why has the Modi government chosen the soft-pedal route in Kashmir when Pakistan is yet to act on 26/11 or hand over Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi to us or even Dawood Ibrahim? It is a frightening scenario for all right thinking Indians. First Masarat Alam is released by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. And now Hurriyat leaders are allowed to attend Pakistan Day celebrations in Delhi where minister of state for external affairs Gen VK Singh was also there to keep them company and that too in a typically Pakistani green jacket-appearing more like a Pakistani leader than an Indian minister, notwithstanding his unhappiness at being asked to attend the function.

On the same day comes the next bombshell by Mufti that he will work to ensure that AFSPA is lifted from Jammu and Kashmir alongside the celebration of Pakistan Day in Srinagar by separatist Asiya Andrabi. She further added salt to India's injury by telling the press that she also had the invite from the Pakistan High Commissioner but didn't go to Delhi because in that case who would have hosted the Pakistani flag in Srinagar.

It is widely believed that after Indira Gandhi, Modi is the most skilful negotiator that India has seen. He gave enough account of it during his stint as Gujarat chief minister. Whether dealing with his unsupportive party leaders or with the corporate world or later with NDA constituents Modi's negotiations have invariably ended in his favour. And interestingly he has always played for high stakes in any parley by holding out for long durations. So why is Modi giving in so easily on Kashmir and Pakistan and getting India the label of a soft state once again?

There can be two reasons for this. One, Modi has a deeper strategy on hand which he is keeping close to his chest, and he believes, it will provide a favourable result in the future. And, two, he is simply not adequately aware of the nature of the Pakistani state and the jihadi forces active in Kashmir. The war with Pakistan and the jihadis is also a psychological one. One has to only recall the wars that Gods waged in the puranas. 

Ever since Mufti thanked Pakistan and the separatists/terrorists for the peaceful poll, there has been a complete downslide in the Kashmir situation with that state moving further in the separatist direction right under the nose of the Indian government and because of its own actions. The two recent terror attacks are the most potent proof of the deterioration and the high morale of the jihadis. What is shocking is that BJP is a partner in the government. It is like the Bhasmasura finding the weakness in Shiva. What's more, actions leading to upping the morale of jihadis also affects our internal security scenario as there are ultra-Wahabis active in India too. 

Then there is also a question of national pride in this. The best exponent of Chanakyaniti in the Indian history has been Shivaji. In his lifespan marked by constant war and diplomacy he wriggled out of tight situations many times by skilful compromises. But when Aurangzeb insulted him in an open darbar in Diwane Khaas at the Agra Fort on May 12, 1666 by assigning him a low place he not only flared up against Aurangzeb but walked out of the darbar in a huff by showing his back to the throne against strict Mughal etiquette. It invited the following comment from a Rajput courtier of the Mughals who met Shivaji soon after: "Rajasahab, aapne to Rana Pratap ki yaad diladi. Sina phul utha. (Oh Shivaji, you reminded me of Rana Pratap. My chest swelled with pride)''. Modi's pacifist actions came close on the heels of the two terror attacks in Kashmir in which our jawans died. Modi can't forget India's pride and honour are also at stake.