In the world of conflicts, quest for peace and human security is inevitable. Despite the fact that credibility of United Nations has certainly become questionable on conflicts amongst the states, its efforts in the domain of peace-building and human security are certainly affective and worth appreciating in developing and under-developed states. Relating the idea of security with people instead of territories was the basic concept of Human Security that was first coined by UNDP in its Human development report “New Dimensions of Human Security” in 1994. The idea was certainly thought-provoking as before that, lens of security was limited to protection of territories and response to armed conflicts. The concept in its self is very broad in nature, however seven essential elements that included economy, Health, Political, Personal, Food, Environmental and Community were enlisted as the basis of human security. There are various factors that have not been given due consideration by the UN, however religion and cast and creed and ideological orientation are few of the important factors in context of South Asia that can be part of human security concept. Although human development remains a focused agenda in developed world, the situation in developing states remains seriously alarming.
Pakistan and India are two nuclear and highly securitized states of South Asia where the concepts of human development and human security seem to remain a myth. Both the states have poor economic and health condition, political instability, poisoned and contaminated food with branded labels, environmental degradation and culturally & racially intense communities, yet securitization remains a priority for both of them as humans on both sides of the border may survive but aggression against each other has to be responded with complete zeal and strength. Extremist tendencies and aggression against each other remain a very dominant factor in bilateral relationship of both the states.
The latest Citizen Amendment Act passed in India is another example of extremism tendencies and hatred against Muslims thriving in Indian leadership. India is already being bashed for imposing curfew and committing serious human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, while at the same time introducing an anti-Muslim legislation has fueled the sentiments of 210 million Muslims across the country. Muslims all across India have initiated protests against the Modi government and his extremist policies and the country’s political and communal environment is seriously intensified and unstable. How can a country which accounts for 11% of Muslim population all across the globe can ignore rights of an entire community? The situation has become now or never for Muslims in India as either they will either force the government to include Muslims in the legislation by standing firm for their rights or they will surrender to RSS led Hindutva ideology. Though BJP government is facing serious challenges after this bill was passed from the Parliament as it conceded defeat in the eastern state of Jharkhand, yet the implementation on the legislation was not suspended, nor violence on Muslims was stopped. Though violent protests in Assam and north-eastern states have intensified with each passing day, the fact that students from Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University and various other institutions can seriously make it difficult for the government and security agencies to cope with the situation. Videos of students protesting against the policies of government surface on social media on daily basis initiating a debate for every segment of society. Similarly, the voice of national celebrities in the campaign has also gained it much fame and popularity, however Asad-ud-din Ovaisi’s criticism in a public gathering on Prime Minister Imran Khan seems to be words put in the mouth by their establishment and not much. While Pakistan and India rank 150 and 129 in human development index concurrently, the fact that CAA bill will further impact human security in India cannot be neglected. Economic progress will be downgraded and anti-Muslim rift across different states of India will surge leading to conflicts and internal disability. In addition, all the other religious minorities of India will also take anti-Muslim orientation of BJP government as a next step towards their community. The situation can get volatile and intense in no time and hence India needs to re-consider its policy decision making. Pursuing principles of extremism and hatred as a national narrative will not let India remain a secular state.
Human development is a necessity in the 21st century, if India intends to prosper on the path of development and growth. It is high time for both the states to re-identify their priorities, as ever increasing expenditures in defense and security will not help people of both the states to improve their lives. Despite the fact that both the countries are nuclear states, clean drinking water is a luxury for a major chunk of population. A good number of people sleep daily without having food while malnutrition in children is a common phenomenon which people have even stopped to care for. How can a country still afford to invest on maximizing its security if its people cannot afford to have even basic necessities of life? How can a country afford to create an environment of extremism and hatred through laws, if it is unable to grow in terms of its GDP? Undoubtedly, Pakistan and India share complex differences with decades of unresolved disputes which cannot be fixed in a matter of days or months. Revocation of Article 370 and 35-A was a nail in the coffin by the Modi government for the resolution of disputes. In addition, continuous Pakistan bashing by Indian politicians and its top leadership are making things worse between the two states. Despite the fact that, dialogue is the only possible solution for Pakistan and India, until and unless Modi government revokes back its actions in Kashmir, the intensity of conflict will grow. The situation of Kashmir is also alarming and a genocide is expected by the Indian forces as pro-Pakistan sentiments will continue to grow. Human development in these two countries will continue to suffer and securitization of both the states will continue to grow. Redefining priorities is the only option for both these states, however a sane leadership is required in top hierarchy of India specifically to prioritize human development and human security instead of military might.
The writer is currently working as Executive Director IPCA.
