This may be termed as the year of exposures for India likewise for Modi led BJP regime on account of minority persecution and extremism. While marching with the drumbeat of Indian secular democracy in US, Modi had to face some pinching objections on consistently deteriorating state of human rights in India. Fanfare created by pro BJP media quarters around the US trip to portray the Modi as incredible Indian icon has been sufficiently dented with equally blunt criticism pouring from multiple international forums. Modi seems a bit successful in enhancing the strategic weight of India by aligning obviously well with the US but at the same time stooped too low to be reckoned as a credible secular democrat. So is the case with the self-styled largest democracy in the world. Let’s glance at some of the significant aspects which may be taken as question marks on the democratic and humanitarian credentials of Indian ruling regime.
Brief Account of Indian Exposures
It was a BBC documentary earlier this year which refreshed the blot of abhorrent anti- Muslim Gujrat riots on the forehead of none other than the PM of India. Irked BJP promptly opted to ban the display of documentary all across the India and lately started intimidating the BBC with obviously fabricated tax evasion charges.
Human rights watch dogs including amnesty international arranged the screening of revealing BBC documentary in US ahead of Modi’s recent tour. This question was also raised loudly that why a person like Modi was allowed to visit the US as state guest whose entry was once banned in the past for irrefutable involvement in anti-Muslim riots as CM Gujrat.
Manipur unrest is making alarming headlines in international media. Marginalized tribes and Christian minority are complaining about the state sponsored atrocities amid brutal military operation supported by the ruling BJP and its splinter extremist groups.
Khalistan issue continued to haunt Modi in US as well. Multiple protests by oppressed Sikh community reminded the world that Indian Punjab still feels the heat of operation Blue Star.
Few weeks back, Sikh protests in front of Indian embassies in UK, Australia and Canada reaccelerated the momentum of Khalistan Referendums being held phase wise in various countries. Besides this, growing public support for young Sikh liberation icon Amrit Pal Singh compelled BJP regime to launch a massive manhunt operation ending at his abduction style arrest. Amrit Pal is being equated with Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala as Punjabi resistance symbol by Pro-Khalistan youth .
Blunt questions raised by credible forums on rapid spread of BJP led Islamophobia with specific citation of mosque demolitions, Hijab ban, Love Jihad rhetoric, cow vigilantism, Muslim lynching, blasphemic tendencies, Dalit marginalization and biased legislations.
Kashmir issue, despite Indian diversionary maneuvers, is still alive on international forums and UNSC. Kashmiri community is unflinchingly knocking the conscious of international community with protests seeking right to self-determination.
How Obama Irked India and BJP!
No wonder, BJP influenced media quarters started demonizing the former US president Barrak Obama. Same Obama was honored as chief guest on Republic Day parade by PM Modi to portray Indo-US strategic alignment. Relieved from diplomatic compulsions, this time Obama specifically pointed out Hindu extremism as a major threat to Indian state integration. BJP, unprepared for such a blunt blow, thought it appropriate to fix the Obama with media hyperbole. Outcome was entirely unintended and actually reinforced the diagnosis of Obama about incurable extremism surge in India fueled by toxic BJP ideology.
Pakistan’s Response to Indo-US Joint statement
Alleging Pakistan for cross border terrorism in joint Indo-US statement was not at all an unexpected move for the keen observers of geo-political contestation . Foul mouthing about Pakistan is now known as an Indian diplomatic brand statement. Prompt, brief and explicit response from Pakistan foreign office amply shown the mirror to both allies in the context of their spoiling role in existing disturbed geo-political environment.
Balance Sheet of US Yatra : Intended Objectives vs Losses
US tour meant a lot for BJP and Modi amid following intended advantages-:
One, India portrayed strategic relevancy and strength by visibly aligning with a global power like US.
Two, Multiple joint defense production agreements especially drone deal is direct reinforcement of military-to-military relations.
Three, Modi used this tour to showcase the perceived lead role of India in US led China containment drive.
Four, the Pointed joint statement was an effort to hush up Kashmir issue with the traditional terrorism mantra against Pakistan.
Five, a Secular image, huge market factor and economic strength was craftly packaged to project India as a vibrant, progressive, pluralist and secular democracy.
While smartly enhancing the strategic weight of India, Modi as well as BJP enormously dented the democratic and secular image of India as evident from few significant aspects:-
First, Modi and BJP are more popular around the world as mastermind of anti-Muslim Gujrat riots
Two, BJP rule eventually snatched the mask of secular democracy and earned a new identity of fascist extremist Hindu state striving to establish ‘Hindu Rashter’.
Three, Islamophobia, minority persecution, forced conversions and discriminatory caste system tags have ruptured Indian human rights image.
Four, Kashmir liberation movement, Maoist insurgency, Khalistan movement , and Manipur unrest are few significant fault-lines spreading beneath the fancy carpet of democracy.
Five, BJP’s obsession to ‘Akhund Bharat’ ideology , Pakistan phobia , proxy sponsorship in neighboring countries , LAC stand-off with China and hostile Kashmir policy are enough of evidences to comprehend Indian regional spoiler role.
