Implementation of policies and decisions, it seems, poses challenges not only for the Pakistani authorities but also has become an inherent problem for the Indian armed forces, who have for the umpteenth time decided and declared to reduce a certain percentage of troops from the Indian-held Kashmir.
This awakens a strong sense of deja vu as similar claims had been made last year too and disposed of equally quickly a declaration that was never accompanied by concrete evidence or proof from the Indian side. This, however, did not stop the international community to accept this Indian fabrication that still remains nothing but a hypothetical construct.
Obviously, a reduction in troops would mean a considerable reduction in the violence carried out by the Indian forces, yet an enormous increase has been observed as the violent attacks upon unarmed Kashmiris and brutal killings of the innocent protestors by the Indian troops has reached a record number.
The need is there to actually reduce, not only a mere 25% of the troops, but in entirety, all traces of Indian rule over the valley to give to the locals the right of freedom and freewill. In the meantime, however, the UN and the US need to adopt a similar stance towards India as they take on for Pakistan, that is, to do more in order to bring stability into Kashmir, a factor that is inextricably linked to the spread of extremism in South Asia.
AYAANA MALIK
Islamabad
