Modi’s provocations in Kashmir, Siachen

Zafar Bangash

Muharram 08, 1436 2014-11-01

Editor's Desk

by Zafar Bangash (Editor's Desk, Crescent International Vol. 43, No. 9, Muharram, 1436)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is living up to his reputation as a Hindu fascist. He has escalated conflict with Pakistan in Kashmir and Siachen. He is clearly itching for a war.

Since his election as prime minister of India, Narendra Modi has lived up to his reputation as a fascist. He represents the worst of Hindu jingoism. Even during the election campaign, his henchmen were issuing dire warnings to the Muslims in India.

In recent days and weeks, Modi has become even more belligerent. Indian occupation forces have intensified firing on Pakistani troops and civilians in Azad Kashmir from across the Line of Control (LoC). Modi also made a highly publicized and provocative visit to Siachen Glacier where the armies of India and Pakistan fight for frozen space. More soldiers on both sides have died of frostbite than firing.

Why is Modi so determined to spoil relations with Pakistan? Given his extreme anti-Muslim animus, he wants to consolidate his Hindu fascist constituency. While claiming to introduce business-friendly policies, it will be difficult to achieve any major breakthroughs.

India is a bog land. Half its population does not have access to toilets relieving themselves in the open. More than 400 million Indians live below the poverty line. With such grim statistics, India flirts with space exploration sending a mission to Mars. Will that put food on the table, even daal and roti?

Picking a fight with Pakistan will also not be without a price but Modi cannot help it: he is a Hindu Nazi and it is in his genes to hate others, especially Muslims. The subcontinent is in for turbulent times.