UNGA 74 | Kashmir's Case

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The 74th United Nations General Assembly took place, whilst what the leaders of nations, activists and all individuals and groups who voiced their concerns were revered as important. The attention of the event became blurred with the simultaneous events such as, the announcement of impeachment proceedings from Washington, and the shooting of Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal in Houston, Texas. Whilst it is true that the timing of the impeachment announcement was totally off, we cannot say the same for a someone who was shot intentionally. Whilst we celebrate the great joys of birth and the precious gift of life, we are also inclined to join with the mourning of life. Through natural death, the life / death cycle. But when someone shoots to kill - as humans we cannot comprehend these acts without asking the question of why? With any cycle of life, or life event - as the saying goes: life goes on. Which is why as I write further I reiterate my condolences to family, friends, relatives, loved ones and the Houston Police Department. The news of Dhaliwal's death arrived on the same day as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech at the 74th UNGA. The PM khan speech from Pakistan and the Indian-origin Sikh Deputy Dhaliwal's death, reveal how events are purposely orchestrated to deter or attract mass media / public attention.

     I took particular interest in the speech delivered by PM Khan, especially because of the tensions and situation of Kashmir. Whilst I wanted to write my thoughts earlier, I simply held off because of the timing of Dhaliwal's death. Rightly so, because if you think about it: What assumptions would have been made about me? Who whilst keeping my concerns for the territorial disputes, political crisis', unjust use of laws, corruption and humanitarian crisis, I have always spoken through a united front. That is the value of India and Pakistan's shared history, culture, before and even after the partition of India and Pakistan, including Bangladesh. But even with the death of Dhaliwal and Khan's speech delivery, we are still left to ponder - what is the solution for Kashmir? Is there going to be a resolution? Revealing that the matter still needs attention / focus and discussion.

     I found PM Khan's speech interesting, where there were points for learning Pakistan's history, Pakistans' assistance to the USA during the after -math of 9/11, and the issues that are important to Pakistan. It goes without saying that Pakistan should focus on conservation and protection efforts of lands, mountainous regions, untouched lands, nature and habitats that are often forgotten about. But there is also the issue of pollution, improving sewage systems, garbage collection that requires attention, conservation, protection of urban lands, health and safety of individuals, sanitation, illness prevention and disease control. Increasing and improving efforts as these would improve the quality of life, life span and the environment. This goes for most developing nations / regions including: India, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. We could think under the umbrella term of climate change, but for most individuals who are poor, or not well versed with this idea, they could probably care-less. Which is why it is important to bring matters to the realm of relatability. If someone is able to relate to an issue, they might start caring more.

     With regards to the issue of Kashmir - I think I would have disputed with PM Khan's order or importance with his numbering, and put Kashmir to No. 1. It was upsetting to see the absence of Prime Minister Modi. I think that PM Modi's presence could have revealed a good gesture. Such as the openness to listening directly to what PM Khan had to say. I would agree with PM Khan that the courts have been manipulating the laws to specifically deny the Kashmiri people their rights. I also agreed with PM Khan that the United Nations has a duty to investigate and become involved further. To enact International laws to ensure that laws are being utilized properly, and Kashmiri's are not being unlawfully denied their rights. We could also ask why Khan's Government or Judges from Pakistan's side are not presenting a case for these violations / uses of law from India. Here we can say / think about how knowledge, or as Khan termed the Information Revolution is being misused. Misuse / abuse of knowledge is an abuse to the human's consciousness, as well as society's national, collective consciousness. Any rights that have been determined by law, that are taken away deserve investigation.  

     If the revolution is information, the information as soft power, diplomacy and diplomatic relations are the best way to proceed. But for the path, there has to be a willingness. You have to want peace, if you want to be at peace. A resolution / solution may not be completed in one day, but PM Khan's voice at the 74th UNGA, 2019 has given importance to the nation of Pakistan - and Pakistan's desire to contribute, develop with a flourishing healthy economy; to take charge of it's national identity, once smeared with corruption, and a sanctuary for terrorists. This could also include building good relations with their neighbour India. It is with these thoughts we await to see what, or if there will be any response to the Kashmiri crisis. As individuals: Indian's / Pakistani's / Kashmiri's, we only hope and pray that leaders will begin to think and act, with common sense and seek common ground. 

Further Reading:

*Thousands Begin 'Freedom March' in Pakistan-Held Kashmir Toward Disputed Border With India

*Article 370: What happened with Kashmir and why it matters

*Official Department of Tourism Website -  Jammu and Kashmir 

My thoughts to share with love & Kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on October 6th, 2019.
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