After its initial unqualified endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of India raising human rights violations in Balochistan to counter Pakistan’s constant raising of the Kashmir issue, the Congress has officially been at pains to nuance its approval. On Wednesday, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi warned of the dangers of unintentionally creating a doctrine of “equivalence” between Balochistan and Kashmir internationally.
This comes in the wake of the Prime Minister making a strong reference to Balochistan in his Independence Day speech, following which former foreign minister Salman Khurshid had sought to make a distinction between Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Balochistan. But this was dismissed as his “personal opinion” by the Congress’ communication chief, Randeep Surjewala.
Mr. Khurshid had said that Balochistan was Pakistan’s internal matter, warning that bringing it into public discussion would weaken India’s claim on POK. Shortly after Mr. Khurshid expressed his views, Mr Surjewala said: “Whether it is Balochistan or POK or other parts of Pakistan, there are violations being committed by Pakistani agencies and armed forces. The Congress feels the violations in Balochistan, [and] the way democracy and democratic dissent is being stifled, India should raise it in bilateral and international fora.”
When Mr. Surjewala made his statement, it appeared as though the Congress wanted to be identified with what it felt was the popular mood against Pakistan, especially with a slew of state elections ahead, in which the party anticipates the BJP will play the Hindu card, especially in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP has, in the past, accused the Congress of not being nationalist enough, and positions on Pakistan have always come in handy for this.
Indeed, it is learnt that Mr. Surjewala’s statement was based on an internal note in the party — and was therefore the official position.
But on Wednesday, possibly with people questioning the Congress’ change in policy on the issues, party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi walked a tightrope, seeking to find a middle path.
Asked whether Mr. Surjewala’s statement meant that the party had a change of heart on the subject, he said: “We have to be careful in creating an equivalence of Balochistan with Kashmir. But the government’s talk of Balochistan now rings hollow when it can’t sort out Kashmir. If you can’t deal with the fire in your backyard, and control the situation, then don’t talk of Balochistan. It’s just politics, and empty rhetoric.”
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was even more guarded when asked a similar question. “First, the deaths must end in Kashmir, whether of civilians, police or security forces. First, save the honour of the crown you are wearing, then do politics in Pakistan,” was his advice to the government.
