Modi government’s ban on production, import, distribution and sale of e-cigarettes appears like an important public health intervention, especially when sufficient information is not available about their harm. But there is an obvious double standard at play here because there is no such will or hurry on cigarettes and beedis.
India’s PoK stand not new, but it should first focus on getting own Kashmir story right
After Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, Jaishankar’s remarks about ‘physical jurisdiction’ of PoK have only reiterated India’s official position. It is a good diplomatic tool to counter Imran Khan’s Kashmir rhetoric on world stage, but it has limited value. India must first focus on getting its own Kashmir story right.
We all pray for the day when PoK, GB and Aksai Chin, along with the Shaksgam Valley, are restored to Indian possession and control. With three nuclear armed powers in the picture, that process must necessarily be peaceful, through a reasoned dialogue. It helps no one when friendly channels run long stories, with military commanders telling them, We are ready. It is for the government to give orders. 2. India’s legally impeccable case over these lands rests on the Instrument of Accession signed by Mahraja Hari Singh. This was all part of his state. However, there is a second aspect to nationhood : People, who reside on that Land. It is unclear if the people of PoK and GB have expressed any consistent, overriding desire to leave Pakistan and come to India. Some would say we are according primacy to land over people in our part of Kashmir as well. Some fine columns by Ms Maya Mirchandani on this aspect. As the edit suggests, the foremost concern should be to restore the bond of trust and affection with the people of Kashmir. An association that comes from the deepest core of our being, not enforced by the power of the state.