Disinformation Hindus Human Rights Insurgency Leadership Misinformation Policy Security World

Why’s Global Media Silent on Sandeshkhali Women’s Rapes?

Prejudiced, preconceived and pre-determined narrative-based news coverage on Bharat’s happenings is neither ethical nor objective. Dr Aniruddh Subhedar Renowned Belgian Indologist Koenraad Elst had said, “Western correspondents in Delhi just don’t know very much and also don’t feel the need to find out more.” In 1990s, Elst did extensive research on India especially Ayodhya Ram Temple Movement. In his book “Ayodhya and After: Issues Before Hindu Society”, Elst observed that Western media views India as a backward society which needs to learn the “European civilized ways”. As a natural consequence their view of any movement / political party that asserts indigenous cultural moorings of India was not their best bet. Overly and overtly critical view of Western media towards organizations like Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) reflects in their reportage due to this very mind set. This prognosis may sound a wee bit sweeping allegation but a simple analysis of recent events and their coverage in international media does reveal a pattern. For past two months, the shocking and gruesome cases of financial scams, land grabbing, forced labour, sexual harassments and rapes have emerged from Sandeshkhali, a village in West Bengal in Bharat. But western media raises more questions than answering any on the issue. Our analysis examines coverage of the issue by about a dozen international media organizations like The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Le Monde (France) The Times, Reuters, CNN International, Al Jazeera English and BBC What happened in Sandeshkhali? Sandeshkhali is a village in Indian state of West Bengal in proximity to Bangladesh border. West Bengal is currently ruled by Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) whose leader Mamta Banerjee has been an outspoken opponent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his political party, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Being one of the very few political leaders who found some traction in resisting BJP spread in Bengal, Banerjee holds significance for anti-BJP political formations. For last few months, news reports of financial irregularities in West Bengal being investigated by the government agencies have been frequently filed by newspersons. On January 5, 2024, officials of Enforcement Directorate (ED) went to investigate TMC leader in Sandeshkhali, Sheikh Shahjahan in a financial scam. ED officials were attacked by his men following which Sheikh Shahjahan went into hiding. It was during his absence that the local women could gather courage to speak up and depth of the issue came to light. Sheikh Shahjahan and his men were de facto rulers of the area. They grabbed land of locals, made them work like slaves, facilitated illegal immigration from neighbouring Bangladesh in large numbers to numerically enlarge their supporter-base. But most horrific reality of Sandeshkhali was that women were being raped by Sheikh Shahjahan and TMC bigwigs regularly at their will and pleasure. At midnight, women were summoned from their homes, assaulted and returned: “Trinamool people will come and check out which house has a young and pretty wife”, revealed women of Sandeshkhali. As they all belonged to ruling party Trinamool Congress, this went on unabashedly and in complete know of the state police brass. After women of Sandeshkhali spoke of their ordeal in public, it turned out to be a big story in national media. Severity of Sandeshkhali incident could only be matched by what followed after it came to public knowledge. State government put its weight behind the accused and blocked investigation of the incident. Opposition leaders were being blocked by the TMC government from entering Sandeshkhali. A journalist of a leading national news channel, who was reporting on issue, was arrested by State police while on camera. Sandeshkhali in Western Media It goes without saying that what was happening in Sandeshkhali deserved media outrage and its coverage in the international media was expected. But a simple Google search tells that there was not a single article or write-up on Sandeshkhali in any of the above-mentioned international media outlets, except in BBC. British Broadcasting Corporation reported the plight of Sandeshkhali women as it has regional language offices in India that have some traction. Sandeshkhali women’s problems and misrule of TMC got some coverage in national media as Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani flagged the issue. TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan absconded for 50 days, arrested later owing to court directives and Sandeshkhali could not be avoided any further. While there’s no plausible explanation to remain silent on Sandeshkhali story, western media may take umbrage in defence that the story may not warrant global attention or comment, Some even went to the extent to say that Sandeshkhali was India’s internal issue and we respect the country’s sovereignty. But as further analysis will show that it is not true either. Farmers’ Protest coverage In contrast, Punjab farmers protest hogged headlines in news portals of global media houses. This clearly debunks their stated claims of honouring sovereignty cited in Sandeshkhali story. About 16 news stories were done on farmers’ protest, not counting the multiple stories done by BBC and Al-Jazeera in first ten days of Punjab farmers hitting the streets at Sindhu border. One each by New York Times, The Guardian, Financial Times, Reuters, two stories by The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, and CNN International and six in The Washington Post. Both BBC and Al-Jazeera did multiple stories on farmers’ protest issue. Apart from coverage of farmers’ protests, these media outlets also found space, time and invested on other stories as well. On March 1, 2024, a foreign tourist was gang-raped in the Indian state of Jharkhand. This became a prominent story followed by several global media outfits including The Washington Post, Reuters, CNN, Al-Jazeera and BBC and others. Severity of Sandeshkhali rapes is much bigger in magnitude. If the horrific crime that happened with the foreign tourist deserved media coverage, then by the same measure, Sandeshkhali story should have become a global headline given that leaders and cadres of ruling TMC were involved and it happened with

Hindus Human Rights Leadership Policy Security World

667

Explainer: Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 have been released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today. These guidelines will specify the steps and prerequisites needed for qualified individuals to apply for Indian citizenship in accordance with the terms of the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA-2019). The religious minorities, viz., Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Hindus, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who arrived in India prior to December 31, 2014, because of persecution or were afraid of being persecuted on account of their faith, the CAA-2019 offers a route to Indian citizenship. The documentation, forms, and other requirements that must be met by anyone wishing to apply for citizenship under this act will be detailed in the regulations notified by the MHA. An important step towards operationalizing the CAA-2019 has been taken with the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. This ensures efficiency and transparency in the process of granting citizenship to eligible applicants and clarifies the procedures. The CA Rules 2024 will provide clarification and direction to applicants and pertinent authorities engaged in the CAA-2019’s implementation.

Disinformation Hindus Human Rights Misinformation

557

Smear And Non-Stop Campaign Against Sanatan Dharma!

Do political upstarts understand sanatan dharma and idea of Bharat? Or, their smear campaign is designed to push for linguistic subversion? Vinod Kumar Shukla Diversity, dialogue, disagreement and harmonious co-existence have been eternal values of Bharat and its Sanatan way of life. But, disrespect, threats and abuses is what they have been getting all long. Sanatan have always been subjected to onslaught in the past by those active with anti-Sanatan and anti-India narrative ecosystem in the contemporary times. Apparently, those resorting to abuses against Sanatan, Hindutva and Bharat have actually run out of arguments to put forth their views with logic, reasoning and rationale. Hence, they seem to have unleashed a smear and non-stop campaign against Sanatan, Hindutva and Bharat. This eco-system of anti-sanatan include constituents of the political alliance that they bracket themselves to be I.N.D.I.A. Also, attempts have been made to cause artificial divide between north and south. These elements however appear to be puppets in the hands of dismantling Bharat brigade active within and outside the country. Balkanisation of Bharat is a global project that some organisations within the country are also part of. Stirring regional and linguistic sentiments, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and former Union minister A Raja claimed that India is not a nation but a subcontinent where states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have their unique identity. He has threatened that these states will secede. His party colleague Udayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin forcefully argues to eradicate Sanatan dharma and likens it to Dengue, Malaria and AIDS. Udayanidhi Stalin seems to have enlisted support of yet another disrupter in Priyank Kharge, Karnataka minister and son of Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge. Even senior Kharge spoke against Sanatan on an earlier occasion A Raja likened the ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to HIV and leprosy. DMK Member of Parliament DNV Senthilkumar S contemptuously said in Parliament, “The power of this BJP is only winning elections mainly in the heartland states of Hindi, what we generally call the ‘Gaumutra’ states.” Rahul Gandhi too spoke the same language when he described Bharat as a Union of States which means it is not a nation. He made valiant efforts to differentiate Hindutva and Hinduism. This is contrary to Justice J S Verma’s ruling that described Hindutva as a way of life. Communists that have largely become irrelevant in Bharat and elsewhere seem to be seeking to re-establish their relevance by peddling India as a state with multiple nationalities. Interestingly, parties with Sanatan abusers found some traction in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu or West Bengal having 84.00 per cent, 87.58 per cent and 71 per cent Hindu population by inciting regional and linguistic subversion. When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked of decolonising Indian minds, he’s well aware of the narrative fed for ages that replaced ‘Varna’ with ‘Caste’ introduced by Portuguese. English education system that drove Indians from their Sanatani ethos to certainly an alien knowledge system if one hesitates to call it superficial as India respect every knowledge system. Fortunately, people of Bharat have begun to reclaim their civilisational and cultural glory. Though India that came into being on January 26, 1950 as a political entity, its civilisational predecessor, Bharat existed for millennia. Bharat intrinsically celebrates diversity since ages in the geographical entity and has been identified as Sanatan from civilizational point of view. Vishnu Puran aptly described Bharat as: उत्तरं यत् समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम् । वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र सन्ततिः ।। It means, “The country that lies north of the Ocean & south of the Himalaya is called Bhārat and there dwell the descendants of Bharat.” Apart from trashing Bharat periodically, Lord Ram is targeted by a few leaders to hog headlines or seek relevance. DMK leader Raja said that his party was not concerned if they were dubbed as “enemies of Ram”. C Rajgopalachari (Rajaji) in preface to his book ‘Ramayana Retold’ wrote, “In presenting this English version (of Ramayana) to a wider circle of readers spread all over the world, I think I am presenting to them the people of Bharat just as they are, with all their virtues and their faults. Our classics really embody our national character in all its aspects and it is well the world sees us as we really are, apart from what we wish to become.” And, most Sanatan scriptures in East, West, South and North India are written in Sanskrit which for them is a language of the divine. Languages evolve over a period and henceTamil, Kannadiga, Malyalam and Telugu etc evolved in southern states while Hindi or Hindavi became prevalent in northern states with more Arabic and Persian effect due to Islamic invasion. Trinamool Congress leaders in West Bengal brand themselves as Shakti worshipers that have nothing to with Lord Ram. Why do political minions forget that Ram Krishna Paramhans in West Bengal was initially named Gadadhar Chattopadhyay. Gadadhar was in reverence to Lord Hanuman. So, nothing could be more ignorant than to say that Ram only belongs to North India. ‘Dravid’ in Sanskrit obliquely means ‘the land with water on three sides’ – a peninsula referring to peninsular Indians as Dravidians and not a race by any stretch of imagination or definition. Adi Shankaracharya was called Dravida Sishu who travelled length and breadth of Bharat to set up ‘Maths’ in four corners of the country in Sringeri of Karnataka, Jyotir Math in Garhwal, Kalika Math in Dwarka and Govardhan Math in Puri. But, political lightweights of today fail to appreciate Bharat’s essence. While addressing a public gathering at Thiruvananthapuram in February 2021, Wayanad Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said, “For the first 15 years, I was an MP in the North. I had got used to a different type of politics. For me, coming to Kerala was very refreshing as suddenly I found that people are interested in issues and not just superficially but going into detail in issues.” Minister in Karnataka government Priyank Kharge was quoted as saying

Fact Sheet Geopolitics Misinformation Pakistan Policy Security

620

Ravi River, Expression of Bharat’s Identity

Ravi River holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of Bharat (India). Esteemed ancient texts such as Vedas highlight its sanctity in Hindu and Sikh traditions. The riverbanks are adorned with numerous pilgrimage sites and historic towns. A pivotal decision on water allocation was marked with completion of Shahpur Kandi Barrage, located on Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir borders, on the Ravi River. As of February 25, 2024, flow of water to Pakistan has been halted. This strategic move stems from an agreement signed in 1979 between the States of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The agreement aimed at constructing the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Barrage downstream to utilize the river’s water resources effectively and restrict flow to Pakistan. Foundation stone for the dam was laid in 1982, envisioning Bharat’s utilisation of river’s waters as per terms of 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. However, it is today, both Punjab and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir reap benefits of Ravi’s waters, primarily for irrigation, thereby supporting farmers in Bharat in their agricultural endeavors. (Author Vivek Raina is Manager Outreach & Dissemination at CIHS)

Economy Education Hindus Leadership Policy

603

Wins Hearts, Pitches for Prosperity in Kashmir

Kashmir people resoundingly dismissed notions of a divided stance; unequivocal support for Modi’s vision of a ‘Naya Kashmir’. Rahul Pawa During his maiden visit to Srinagar after having ended an era of discrimination by landmark amendment of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encountered a reception that left critics and skeptics astounded. Anticipation for his visit had been building for several days with throngs of Kashmiris flocking to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Driven by a desire to glimpse Modi, a leader whose popularity has surged across what was once known as a turbulent state. This fervent public display signifies a pivotal shift in socio-political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. It marks beginning of a period that could redefine its history ushering in significant changes and reimagining Jammu and Kashmir’s future. This visit not only punctuates Modi’s magnetic appeal with people of Jammu and Kashmir but also signals potential evolution of a territory poised to embark on path to peace and prosperity. At today’s ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir’ programme in Srinagar, people of Kashmir resoundingly dismissed any notion of a divided stance on Jammu and Kashmir sending a clear message to global community their unequivocal support for Modi’s vision of a ‘Naya Kashmir.’ In the event at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was cheered by thousands of followers and supporters joining online from all districts of Union Territory and around the world. Modi, engaging in dialogue with Viksit Bharat beneficiaries from several J&K districts including Shopian, Jammu, Kupwara, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipura, Kathua, and Kishtwar, showcased inclusive reach of the initiative. Amid scenic backdrop of Bakshi Stadium, Modi then unveiled an ambitious slate of 53 projects, cumulatively valued at Rs 64 billion. These ventures go beyond just infrastructure projects; they are beacons of hope and engines of progress for Jammu and Kashmir. PM emphasised the transformative impact these projects are poised to have on the UT’s development trajectory. Modi’s visit was not only about projects, it was genuine urge to outreach to Kashmiris whom he addressed as his parivar or larger family. Echoing sentiments of Syama Prasad Mukherjee whose sacrifices laid the groundwork for this new vision of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi reiterated the symbiotic relationship between development in the valley and broader pillar of India’s progress. Modi also empathized on evolving travel trade making Srinagar, as a focal point in India’s burgeoning tourism industry pivotal to Bharat’s development story by launching ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora’ campaign. Reflecting on his visits post-2014, Modi shared, “Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am making all these efforts to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi’s guarantee…” It was a moment of reassurance, emphasise his commitment to winning over people of Jammu and Kashmir through sincere efforts and dedication. Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn’t shy away from addressing the political landscape taking aim at Congress party and its allies, along with regional opposition parties for misleading people regarding Article 370. Striking a stern note, Modi highlighted how Article 370 had disproportionately benefited certain families in the Valley challenging the earlier prevailing narratives surrounding its amendment. Furthermore, PM announced the Valmiki community now qualifies for Scheduled Caste (SC) benefits with the Vidhan Sabha reserving seats specifically for SCs. Additionally, the Pattari tribes, Pahadi groups, Gadda Brahmin and Koli communities have been newly included in the ST list. Modi turned the spotlight on tangible progress emphasizing historic milestone of railways reaching the Kashmir Valley. This infrastructure development is not just about laying tracks; it symbolizes connectivity, economic growth and prosperity for the region. In a moment of optimism, Modi expressed his unwavering faith in the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Their potential, he asserted, is the bedrock upon which the future prosperity and vitality of the region will be built. In a striking demonstration of political acumen and visionary leadership, PM Modi’s first visit to Srinagar has marked a turning point for J&K, signaling radical departure from its tumultuous past. The overwhelming reception that he got reflects a watershed moment in the region’s history, illuminating a collective desire among the people of J&K to embark on a journey of peace, prosperity and closer integration with the country’s developmental story. Modi’s initiatives, skillfully intertwining development agenda with efforts to connect on a personal level, have laid the foundation for a comprehensive socio-economic revival. Modi’s ability to draw unprecedented crowds in a region once beset by strife speaks volumes about his popularity and the shifting sentiments among its people. By directly addressing longstanding grievances and proposing a vision of progress and inclusivity, Modi has not only reinforced his political dominance but charted a bold path towards the realisation of a ‘Naya Kashmir’. This journey, underpinned by aspirations for stability and growth, could redefine the future of Jammu and Kashmir, setting a precedent for inclusive and development-driven governance. (Author is Research Director at New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Sudies)

Education World

566

Bharat Celebrates Women Power in Her Famed Growth Story

It’s time to celebrate Nari Shakti (women power) and remarkable strides made by them even as we celebrate International Women’s Day. From ancient times to present day, Bharatiya women have been an integral force in shaping Bharat’s rich culture and society. Their contributions span every walk of life and their indomitable spirit continues to inspire and propel Bharat’s progress. From farming, sports, technology to space odysseys, there’s hardly a field that women in Bharat have not influenced. In today’s age of Artificial intelligence and robotics, Bharat’s women are set to become “drone didi’s” (A sister that can operate drones) in rural Bharat. The steady ascent of women in owning assets and their growing influence in the socio-economic realms of India is a development that rightfully commands global admiration. (Article is written by Triveni Kaul, a Professional Content Writer)

Business Education Technology

572

Drone Didis to Revolutionize Bharat’s Farm Sector

Bharat has moved with purpose in spread of drones to revolutionize her huge farm sector that’s key to self-sufficiency model, feed 1.4 billion people and provide agriculture products and services globally. Having adopted drones consciously over last one decade, these flying objects mark significant advancement in agricultural output and modernizing farming processes. This creative plan is a big step towards using modern technology to solve long-standing issues in the agriculture sector that’s integral to Bharat’s way of life. Conventional agricultural spraying techniques that rely on physical labour or heavy gear lifting are time-consuming and less accurate in providing farm nutrients, soil supplements and water apart from spray of pesticides etc. Indian government has adopted use of drones in agriculture and related services to transform crop management and protection in light of constraints associated with physical handling of farm nutrients and pesticides. Modern spraying technology is being used on drones to cover huge tracts of fields with previously unheard-of precision and speed. These unmanned aerial vehicles are gradually taking the place of the labour-intensive and ineffective hand spraying method. Capacity of drone sprayers to reach difficult-to-get locations such as steep terrain or heavily forested areas, which are difficult for traditional machinery or labour is one of its main advantages. These drones provide optimal resource utilization and minimize waste by accurately targeting crops with necessary nutrients, herbicides or insecticides. This promotes sustainable farming practices. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) outfitted with cutting-edge sensors and GPS technology can apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers with unmatched precision and speed as well. Farmers can target particular portions of their fields with drone sprayers, minimizing resource waste and lessening environmental effect. Furthermore, farmers may concentrate on other key facets of agriculture because of the effectiveness of drone operations, which saves them a significant amount of labour and time. The drone sprayer plan has been widely praised for its potential to take Bharat’s agriculture to next level. Farmers that use this technique can increase crop yields, maximise resource usage and help improve their standard of living. Drone usage also supports India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture which lessens negative consequences of conventional farming methods while boosting eco-friendly solutions. Use of drone sprayers is expected to help millions of Indian farmers with a number of urgent problems. The advantages are numerous, ranging from lowering danger of chemical exposure for workers to minimizing environmental contamination brought on by overuse of pesticides. Furthermore, farmers benefit greatly from the increased efficiency that drones provide in terms of cost savings which eventually strengthens their financial security. Nonetheless, there are certain drawbacks to drone technology’s broad use in agriculture. Concerns including licensing processes, legal frameworks and cost must be addressed to guarantee easy integration and accessibility for farmers from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Policymakers, technology companies and other agricultural stakeholders must work together to tackle these challenges. The broad use of drone sprayers can be facilitated by cooperative projects that provide financial support, training and awareness-raising which could spark a paradigm shift in Indian agriculture. Most stakeholders in the farm sector will have to work in unison to adopt drones like other technologies. With the drone sprayer plan, Bharat is demonstrating its commitment to using innovations for sustainable development as it sets off on this revolutionary journey. In several other sectors as well, drones are being increasingly deployed to deliver pharmaceutical products and tackle life threatening emergency situations. India is positioned to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity by embracing technology-driven solutions, empowering farmers, and promoting economic growth while protecting the environment for future generations. Drones for farm development Thanks to development of drone technology, India’s agriculture sector has undergone a spectacular revolution in recent years. These unmanned aerial vehicles are strong instruments that are changing how farmers manage their crops and nurture their land; they are not just futuristic gadgets. Drones have made a major contribution to Indian agriculture in the form of crop monitoring and management. Drones with cutting-edge cameras and sensors fly over huge stretches of farmland, taking high-resolution pictures that provide vital information on crop health, insect infestations, and soil conditions. With the use of this real-time data, farmers are better equipped to optimize their techniques for fertilization, irrigation, and pest management, which ultimately increases yields and minimises resource waste. Drone technology is also revolutionising farming techniques nationwide with precision agriculture. Drones optimise production by precisely directing inputs such as insecticides, fertilisers, and water, hence reducing waste and negative environmental effects. This accuracy is crucial for maintaining sustainable farming techniques for future generations in a nation where agricultural resources are becoming scarce. Drones are also excellent at large-scale mapping and surveying, giving farmers access to precise land-use surveys and maps. Better land management, crop selection and resource allocation are made possible by this capacity, which is especially important in India’s several agro-climatic zones where soil conditions vary greatly. Drones have advantages over traditional farming methods. Drones prove to be invaluable in hard-to-reach areas where conventional machinery is unable to operate. These flying marvels bridge the gap between farmers and their fields with their unprecedented efficiency and accessibility, whether they are monitoring crops or delivering necessary supplies. Drones are also essential for disaster management since they can quickly assess crop damage following natural disasters like floods or droughts. Drones minimize losses and aid recovery process by facilitating rapid response measures through the provision of precise and timely information. Overall, drone technology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Bharat by providing innovative solutions to challenges faced by farmers and enhancing efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices. However, coordinated efforts are required to guarantee affordability, accessibility and appropriate legal frameworks in order to fully reap its benefits. Drone technology has the potential to take Indian agriculture to new heights of wealth and sustainability if given the proper backing and funding. Drone Didis to helm farm reforms Under the ‘Namo Drone Didis’ scheme announced by Bharat’s government on November 30, women in 15,000 self-help groups would be trained and

Hindus Human Rights Policy Security

551

Situational Analysis – Indian Students under attack: US should review, revisit & revamp governance norms to ensure their safety

Rohan Giri Indian students have strong inclination to pursue higher education opportunities overseas which is not a one-sided phenomenon. Foreign colleges and universities are also diversifying their curriculum, educational opportunities, job chances, commitments and declarations to attract Indian students. In recent years, America has consistently been most preferred country for Indian students seeking education with international exposure. In 2021, more than 107,000 students of Indian origin were enrolled in American institutions for higher education. This number climbed to 269,000 in 2022–2023 academic year. America has highest number of Indian students and is the top pick for international students from many countries. Enrolments at American institutions has increased by almost 35 percent this year. Given the rising numbers, it is crucial to understand the students’ status, safety, advancement and their impact on the American economy and infrastructure. This situational study will provide insights into benefits America accrues from Indian students and what Indian students are getting in return! (Rohan is a journalism graduate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi, and Manager Operations at CIHS.)

Human Rights Policy Security

572

‘Army Out’ Mandate By The Pakistani People

The adage, ‘Pakistan Army is the only army in the world that has never won a war but has never lost an election’ seems poised to manifest yet again. Yet the people’s mandate is unequivocally clear: Army Out. Rahul Pawa Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in its political history, marked by rapid developments and significant electoral ambivalence. On February 8, the country held elections for its 16th National Assembly amidst large-scale allegations of pre-poll rigging and widespread electoral fraud. Despite these challenges, independent candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan, emerged as the leading force, securing nearly 33 million votes despite its jailed founder facing corruption convictions and an ten year ban on holding public office. As the elections unfolded in Pakistan, PTI-backed candidates faced severe repression of political activities, criminalisation of affiliations with PTI, systemic hindrances, and efforts to sideline the party. Nonetheless, it secured 101 seats in the 266-member national legislature and more than 85 percent of the seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, signalling a clear, long held mandate against the Pakistan Army’s involvement in politics. However, the adage “The Pakistan Army is the only army in the world that has never won a war but has never lost an election” seems poised to manifest yet again. Despite trailing in the electoral polls, the Pakistan Army-backed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), founded by Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and currently led by his grandson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, are well on their way to forming the governing coalition, deepening the challenges for Pakistan’s 241 million people more than ever before. Recent elections in Pakistan have created a stir shaping broader discussion on democracy, governance, and the role of the military in the political sphere. The PML-N—PPP coalition being formulated in the wake of a hung Parliament, highlights the overbearing influence of the Pakistan Army in in political affairs. The revelation by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha, asserting the manipulation of election results to favour certain candidates, is not merely an indictment of the electoral process but a clarion call for introspection and reform within Pakistan’s political and judicial systems. The resignation of Commissioner Chattha, coupled with his allegations implicating high-ranking officials in the electoral fraud, paints a grim picture of the challenges facing Pakistani democracy. This apprehension furthered by Pakistan’s Supreme Court’s, as it deliberates on a petition for the annulment of the elections and the court’s decision to proceed with the case, even after the withdrawal of the petition, underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative for judicial independence and political transparency. Internationally, the response to Pakistan’s electoral controversy has been significant, with lawmakers from the United States expressing concern over the allegations of interference and fraud. The bipartisan calls for investigation into these allegations, along with statements from the US State Department, reflect global implications of Pakistan’s political crisis. Pre-election remarks made by Ajay Bisaria, the Former High Commissioner of India to Pakistan, inject an additional layer of regional concern and scrutiny over the electoral process in Pakistan. His assertion that elections were more akin to a “selection than an election,” with pre-election engineering by Pakistan army to install a preferred government, underscores the apprehension regarding the integrity of Pakistan’s democracy and the pervasive influence of its military in political matters. This critique from a senators and a seasoned diplomat not only reinforces the global and regional voices of dissent and calls for reform but also amplifies the international call for a transparent, free, and fair electoral process in Pakistan is in benefit of the global peace and stability. This recent electoral turmoil in Pakistan transcends mere domestic concerns. It highlights a growing opposition to the long-standing and deep-seated interference of the military in politics, reflecting a worldwide demand for governance that genuinely aligns with the aspirations of the Pakistani people. The establishment of a coalition government, despite PTI’s substantial seat victories, along with global concerns about electoral integrity, marks a significant shift in the consciousness of the Pakistani populace. This shift is towards a mindset that values the nation’s true needs—transparency, accountability, and democratic governance—above the traditional dominance of military power. This movement represents the most forceful ‘Army Out’ sentiment witnessed since the creation of Pakistan following the partition of Earstwhile British India. At this pivotal moment, Pakistan’s choice will not only carve its democratic path but also shape its international persona and influence. The nation is caught between a fervent call for democracy, unencumbered by military influence, and the entrenched power of the Army within its political sphere. This clash presents a formidable obstacle to progress in democracy, diplomacy, and development, spotlighting the military’s indisputable impact on governance. Pakistan’s journey ahead is fraught with complexity, demanding a steadfast commitment to forging a genuinely democratic governance structure. The imperative for Pakistan is clear: to bridge the chasm between current realities and the democratic ideals of its citizens, paving the way for a future where governance reflects the true will of the people. (Author is Research Director at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a New Delhi based non-partisan think tank)

Uncategorized

584

Explainer: Jammu and Kashmir Sankalp Diwas

In aftermath of India’s independence and subsequent Partition of earstwhile British occupied India, Princely States were vested with the prerogative to decide their accession to either the dominion of India or Pakistan, contingent upon geographical coherence as per Indian Independence Act of 1947. This foundational principle was disrupted on the night of October 22/23, 1947, when Pakistani army along with its rallied tribal raiders initiated a forceful assault on the Princely State of Jammu & Kashmir. Subsequently, Maharaja Hari Singh formally acceded to the dominion of India on October 26, 1947, prompting deployment of the Indian army. Read More….

Blog Post