Modi government’s global outreach on Kashmir by conducting a tour for 15 envoys has come a little late in the day. The world has reacted much more strongly against India’s contentious CAA law since then. What would really help India’s image is restoring democratic process in Kashmir and freeing politicians.
If framed as an Either or binary, one would endorse the Print view completely. A gradual, genuine restoration of normalcy in Kashmir is its own best advertisement and publicity. Absent that, formal visits – recall how the MEPs have sunk without a trace – will not change global perceptions. However, if this visit marks a thaw, is built upon, this initiative is praiseworthy. Other envoys should follow. 2. To the larger question. Can anyone feel happy how little progress has been made in five months. More importantly, can we at least be certain that movement, if a little slow, is taking us to a better place. Some very thoughtful stock taking is called for.
There is an opinion that, “Govt aim is twofold: let world judge how peaceful Kashmir is and use it to justify any future restriction” What if this envoys’ Kashmir tour is thus used to justify FUTURE RESTRICTIONS?