the Kashmir conflict issue fueled animosity between India and Pakistan
In this study, I will examine the Kashmir conflict issue, which has fueled animosity between India and Pakistan for the last six decades. Since 1947, Kashmir has probably been one of the most dangerous places on this planet. This conflict was fueled by the power vacuum that was left when the British ended their activities in the region (Hasmir and Sajid 2017). India and Pakistan have, for many years, fought over ownership of this unclaimed territory. The conflict was primarily characterized by discrimination, human rights violations, among others. However, the primary conflict cause of conflict is the ideological differences between these two countries. This conflict has made it almost impossible to come up with a tangible solution to the problem despite many talks (Ankit R, 2016). The reason for choosing this topic is because it is a typical realistic tale that has never ended. The fact that a world democratic power like India has not been able to solve a situation like this appealed to me. This topic is interesting because it evaluates the role of democracy in addressing social and political issues. They lean on regional roots alone to maintain their free face, which is otherwise tainted.
Question 2.
The New Democratic Party headed by Canadian lawyer Jagmeet Singh promised to support the people of Kashmir in their quest for peace. The party leader sternly denounced the ruthlessness of the head of India’s government on the people of Kashmir. I believe my stance will receive support from this Canadian party (Gurpreet S, 2019). I think this was a more influential position by NDP as compared to the official technical communication from the Canadian government on the subject, which was less harsh. Perhaps Singh also believe this issue is political and can only be solved politically (Singh and Whitaker, 2019)
Question 3
Just like many territorial and civil wars, the Kashmir issue has caused tremendously negative impacts. The hostile relationship between India and Pakistan has weakened economic interrelations between these two countries, their neighbors, and other different affiliates. Socially, the war has caused a lot of suffering to innocent citizens who have been over the years subjected to sexual abuse, physical torture, and murders (Haq and Sofi 2019). However, this war has posed a more dangerous impact and which has, unfortunately, been overlooked by the international community. Many have ignored this issue and have termed it as an Indian issue that does not need external intervention. This construction is very unfortunate because we might fail to understand the international threat that this conflict poses (Dar and Deb, 2020). Kashmir has become a breeding ground for terrorism activities. If ignored, the terrorist will continue launching their actions, not forgetting the two countries have powers in nuclear weapons (Khan et al., 2019). As a lawmaker, I would give the two countries an ultimatum not exceeding six months to the ceasefire. After ceasing fire, they should then sit down for diplomatic terms and end the war before the region becomes a hotbed of terrorism (Kramer M, 2018).
Question 4
‘The rule of the people, by the people and for the people’ is a famous quote used to democracy, that it is a rule by the compact majority. I don’t think this is ever practical. Democracy should prevent harsh, tyrannical despots from ascending to power. Again, it should avoid civil wars. It should preserve fundamental rights, freedoms, and interests of citizens; democracy should ensure equitable distribution of resources to foster development. India is considered the best democratic state globally (Dhar p. 2019). However, appearance is not reality. The Kashmir issue has no aspect of democracy. The detention of political leaders characterizes it without proper trial. Movement of citizens is restricted; there is no internet access; the fate of the citizens is on the hands of ruthless terrorists. The terrorists then subject them to all forms of affliction (Kaul N. 2018). The two states are unable to solve this issue because of the ego and superiority complex. The only flicker of hope is the voice of the limited well-wishers and some concerned foreign governments. Democracy has failed to address challenges and crises facing the people of Krishna. It has been unable to address the issue of ethnicity and religious differences, which are the primary drivers of this eternal conflict. Because of this, the two countries and the entire globe is faced with the more significant threat of the development of deadly nuclear weapons and the advancement of terrorist activities. The fear of failure has made the two countries to belittle a perilous international security threat.
Question 5
A stimulus always invites a response. The response can be positive or negative, depending on the action. In a democracy, when a state becomes too dictatorial to tolerate, the citizens often violently retaliate. Such violent wars often end in blood baths. It is a symbol of democracy. I strongly support peaceful protests and demonstrations because they show tolerance and patience. However, many states are always quick to delegitimize such protests because they are the same people withholding the rights that protestors are demanding. In the end, they use violence on peaceful demonstrators. That is not a democratic regime. I do not support violent protests because it leaves scores injured and others dead, as in the case of the 2016-2017 Burhan aftermath. To demonstrate democracy and make demonstrations productive and fruitful, the two parties must tolerate each other (Boycott B. 2017).
Question 6
The media plays a vital role in society. They educate and inform the community about the happenings around them. Social media can be used positively to spread messages of peace in times of war. However, sometimes it can fuel violence because of hate speech and the spreading of wrong information. Sometimes the media becomes biased by understating a big problem that might otherwise endanger human lives if not properly handled. It is essential that the press uses facts when reporting and not personal opinions that can fuel violence (Khan et al., 2017).
Question 7
Social sciences, as a branch of knowledge, play a significant role in society through its various disciplines. History, as one of its subjects, helps us understand our origins. The study of social science gives us an understanding of the society we live in and all its aspects. When we have fully understood the culture, we will be able to come up with tangible solutions whenever we are faced with specific problems without involving ourselves in violence (Rust et al., 2017).