REPUBLIC OF INDIA Joint Crisis: Indo-Pakistani Conflict, 1999 Chaired by Caitlin Loh

Session XXII

Republic of India Joint Crisis: Indo­Pakistani Conflict, 1999

Topic A: B reakdown of the Coalition Government

Topic B: S truggle for Control of the Kashmir Region

Committee Overview members must decide what action, if any, to take against Pakistan for violating In the spring of 1999, India’s international agreements. The committee parliament was once again dissolved after should also evaluate the costs and benefits the prime minister lost a vote of no of India’s continuing nuclear program. confidence. The president has called for new elections in the fall to reestablish a ruling coalition of political parties. Indian Parliamentary Procedure politics have been extremely divisive, with This committee will operate under just one vote bringing down the most standard parliamentary procedure. recent coalition. This committee must Unmoderated caucuses will be used to attempt to establish a new government allow delegates to formulate new ideas. with the support of a majority of Committee­wide action will be taken parliament members. Additionally, the through directives, which can be written by committee may consider passing laws to any number of delegates. Communication combat the political corruption that has between delegates can be achieved through contributed to the division within the the use of communiqués. Throughout the country. committee, various crises will be given to Meanwhile, tensions have been the delegates to address in real­time. rising between India and Pakistan, its Delegates may communicate with other neighbor and rival. Nuclear weapons tests committee members, the chair, and the joint in May 1998 brought concern that a nuclear Pakistani committee though crisis notes. war between the two nations was Each delegate will be representing a inevitable. Major progress was made in real person who has importance in India. February 1999 with the signing of the The delegates are expected to do extensive peaceful Lahore Declaration. However, research into their assigned person and there have been recent reports of Pakistani their portfolio powers. The chair will be soldiers illegally crossing into the Indian representing the Prime Minister of India. state of Jammu & Kashmir. As this state has Knowing the powers of your role will be been a source of conflict since important when conducting actions independence from Britain, the committee through crisis notes, as not all powers are

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available to all delegates. Clear and efficient will have flexibility in this regard. crisis notes are key to maintaining the Adjustments will be made based on the excitement of committee. While upholding crises at hand to keep the debate flowing parliamentary procedure is important for and relevant. the functioning of debate, the committee

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Delegate Biographies

George Fernandes Ved Prakash Malik Minister of Defense Chief of Army Staff Fernandes was first elected to parliament in Malik is the current leader of the Indian army 1967 and founded the Samata Party in 1994. He forces and military advisor to the government. has been known to support pro­democracy He has increased anti­terrorist activities in movements in nations such as Burma and has Jammu & Kashmir and navigated complicated openly criticized Indira Gandhi. He has greatly border disputes with Pakistan and China.2 increased India’s defense budget.1

Jaswant Singh E.N. Rammohan Minister of External Affairs Director General of Border Security Force Singh is a member of the BJP who was first Rammohan became the head of Border Security elected in 1980. In the 1960s, he served in the in 1997, prior to recent tensions with Pakistan. Indian military. He has also served as the His experience in the northern Indian Minister of Finance during the short­lived 1996 territories has given him extensive knowledge BJP government.3 into counterinsurgency measures..4

Arun Jaitley Kamalesh Sharma Minister of Information and Broadcasting Permanent Representative to the United Jaitley is a lawyer who joined the BJP in 1980. Nations He was involved with pro­Hindu student Sharma became involved in foreign affairs in groups and assisted in bribery investigations 1965 and focused on British Commonwealth involving Rajiv Gandhi’s government. He has issues. As the UN representative in the 1980s, recently been appointed as the spokesperson he spoke on behalf of developing nations. for the BJP.5 Sharma supports the more rights for young Indians, women, and the poor. He is currently working on the UN’s goals for the new millennium.6

1 “Fernandes: Popular but controversial minister," B BC News, (London: BBC, 2001). 2 “V P Malik”, in L ondon Speaker Bureau. 3 “Jaswant Singh Biography," E lections.in, (Infobase Ltd., 2018). 4 Press Trust of India, “Former BSF Chief EN Rammohan passes away at 77; ‘legend’ was known for counter­insurgency operations," F irstpost, (2018). 5 Bibhu Prasad Routray, “Arun Jaitley," E ncyclopedia Britannica, ( Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 6 “Commonwealth Secretary­General Kamalesh Sharma (2008­2016)," T he Commonwealth, (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2018)

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Rajagopala Chidambaram Jayaram Jayalalithaa Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission President of the All India Anna Dravida Chidambaram is a physicist who served as the Munnetra Kazhagam chairman of the International Atomic Energy Jayalalithaa is a former actress and one­time Agency. He supports the use of nuclear energy secretary of propaganda for the AIADMK. She in India and India’s possession of nuclear has dozens of corruption cases against her. She weapons, which he views as deterrents used to exited the BJP alliance after failed negotiations maintain peace. over the Tamil Nadu regional government.7

Farooq Abdullah H.D. Deve Gowda Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir President of the Janata Dal (Secular) Abdullah is an advocate for greater autonomy Gowda was prime minister from 1996 to 1997. in Jammu and Kashmir as a path towards He was raised in an agricultural family and mitigating militancy in the region. He is also advocates for the lower class. He is a former the president of the Jammu and Kashmir member of the INC and was imprisoned as an National Conference. His father helped to opposition party member in the 1970s.9 establish the state’s semi­autonomy after Indian independence.8

Kushabhau Thakre Sharad Pawar President of the Bharatiya Janata Party High­ranking member of the Indian National Thakre joined the BJP in 1980 and became Congress president in 1998. He was jailed during Indira Pawar is the former head of the INC (Socialist) Gandhi’s declared state of emergency along party, and he has run for head of the combined with other members of the opposition party.10 INC. He opposes Sonia Gandhi’s leadership based on her place of birth. He was accused of corruption while serving as defense minister.11

Sonia Gandhi Harkishan Singh Surjeet President of the Indian National Congress General Secretary of the Communist Party Gandhi became the leader of the party in 1998, (Marxist) following in the footsteps of her husband, Rajiv, Surjeet founded the CPI(M) in 1964. He and his mother, Indira. She is a former art opposes the BJP coalition on the basis of historian. Her Italian birthplace has been the rejecting political communalism, especially focus of questions about her legal ability to run since he practices Sikhism. He has supported for prime minister.12 communist China in previous conflicts with India.13

7 Shanthie Mariet D’Souza, “Jayalalitha Jayaram," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 8 Shanthie Mariet D’Souza, “Farooq Abdullah," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 9 Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, “H.D. Deve Gowda," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 10 “Late Shri Kushabhau Thakre 1998 to 2000," B haratiya Janata Party, (2018). 11 Shanthie Mariet D’Souza, “Sharad Pawar," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 12 Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, “Sonia Gandhi," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 13 Amarjit Chandan, “Obituary: Harkishan Singh Surjeet," T he Guardian, (London: Guardian News and Media, 2008).

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Mamata Banerjee Amanullah Khan President of the All India Trinamool Congress Jammu and Kashmir Separatist Banerjee founded the AITC in response to INC Khan co­founded the Jammu Kashmir corruption and CPI(M) domination in her home Liberation Front and spearheaded the violent state of West Bengal. Her simple lifestyle and separatist movement. He often operates out of outspoken opinions have contributed to her Pakistan due to deportations and arrests. Khan popularity.14 split with Yasin Malik’s party faction in 1995.15

Kanshi Ram Kuldip Nayar President of the Bahujan Samaj Party Journalist and Activist Ram founded in the BSP in 1984 to combat the Nayar is a journalist who has fought against caste system in India. He was born into the censorship of the press, especially during Dalit, or the “untouchable” caste, and opposes Indira Gandhi’s time as prime minister. As an the job quota system as “tokenism.”16 activist, he promotes peace between India and Pakistan.17

Yasin Malik M.A. Pathan President of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Chairman of IndianOil Front Pathan became the chairman of the IndianOil Malik is the leader of one faction of the JKLF, Corporation in 1997.19 Since its founding in which campaigns for an independent Kashmiri 1958, IOC has become the largest oil company state. Since 1994, he has maintained a in India one of the largest companies overall in nonviolent policy within his party, though he the country.20 had previously been militant.18

Anna Hazare Activist Hazare is an activist who fights for the development of rural communities, increased government transparency, and the punishment of corrupt officials. In 1997, he began working towards the passing of a right to information law.21

14 Kenneth Pletcher, “Mamata Banerjee," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 15 M. Saleem Pandit, “Amanullah Khan, architect of Kashmir militancy, dies," T imes of India, (Mumbai: The Times Group, 2016). 16 Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, “Kanshi Ram," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 17 Mark Tully, “Kuldip Nayar obituary," T he Guardian, (London: The Guardian News, 2018). 18 “Yasin Malik," P akistan Times, (Pakistan Times, 2016). 19 “Past Leaders of IndianOil," I ndianOil, (Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., 2014). 20 TNN, “40% of Fortune 500 companies Asian, India has 7 in list," T he Times of India, (Mumbai: The Times Group, 2017). 21 Lorraine Murray, “Anna Hazare," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2017).

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Topic A : Breakdown of the Coalition Government

Introduction Early Independence In April 1999, the Republic of India Shortly after becoming an became embroiled in a political crisis as the independent nation, India entered into its ruling coalition government failed a vote of first war with Pakistan because tribesmen no confidence. With no coalition able to supported by the Pakistani army invaded the disputed region of Kashmir and secure a majority in the lower house, 23 Parliament was dissolved. President K.R. Jammu. During these years, tensions grew Narayanan has called for new elections to in India due to the 1948 assassination of one be held in the hopes that a new majority of its most prominent figures during the coalition will emerge. It is this committee’s fight for independence ­ Mahatma Gandhi. responsibility to discuss the divisions The assassin was a Hindu nationalist, and among the political parties of our nation the killing further divided the religious and find common ground, as well as groups in the country. In 1950, the nation’s rooting out any corruption within the first­ever constitution was signed into effect political system. Each day, India grows as a and the Republic of India was officially major player in international politics and born. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru projecting a united front is imperative to introduced a five­year plan for the birth of the nation’s success. the nation, which would introduce a centralized model of planning and development for the country.24 Two years Historical Background after becoming a sovereign nation, India would hold its first general elections in India gained independence from 1952. Great Britain in 1947 and became a Republic three years later, with the nation’s constitution going into full effect on Caste System January 26th, 1950.22 India was considered Though the new government was to be the most populous democracy on secular and the right to vote was made 25 Earth at the origin of its constitution. The universal , Indian politics were still heavily Indian road to independence was long and influenced by religion and the winding, with key events unfolding that long­standing caste system. The caste had profound effects on the nation and its system, a Hindu practice for designating a respective government system. After the person’s social status, was technically establishment of an independent outlawed in the 1950 constitution. Priests government, India underwent periods of and intellectuals are in the upper castes, both prosperity and strife as a sovereign while lower caste populations are called nation of its own. 23 "70 Years in Indian Politics and Policy," Livement, (HT Media Ltd, 2017). 22 Romila Thapar and Stanley A. Wolpert, "India," Encyclopedia 24 Ibid. Britannica, ( Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 25 Thapar and Wolpert, E ncyclopedia Britannica.

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“untouchables” or the Dalit and are However, the party was accused of relegated to jobs such as street sweepers. widespread corruption and subsequently Many of the Dalit are Muslim. Despite its lost power in the 1996 election.28 The outlawing, the system remains highly right­wing Bharatiya Janata Party emerged influential in Indian society and causes as the major party, though they have been extreme economic stratification between the unable to secure a stable coalition. The upper and lower classes. In order to most recent coalition, the National combat this stratification, the government Democratic Alliance, collapsed after the has used job quotas for individuals of lower leader of the All India Anna Dravida castes since the nation’s founding, though Munnetra Kazhagam pulled her support.29 these programs have more recently been used for political gain. Caste groups often vote together and are typically swayed by Government Structure promises of beneficial programs for their India is considered to have a 26 caste. In 1990, the government announced government system that can be categorized it would enforce the quotas recommended as a parliamentary democracy. A by the Mandal Commission report of 1980, parliamentary democracy involves an which would increase jobs for lower castes executive branch of government, as well as in all sectors. This declaration caused a legislative branch that is responsible for protests across northern India, which holding the executive branch accountable. included the immolation of several young Therefore, there exists a head of state, the upper­caste Hindus, and helped lead to the President, and a head of the executive collapse of the coalition government branch, the Prime Minister. The three 27 formed in 1989. branches of the Indian government are responsible for overseeing the nation, Changes of Power which itself is divided into 29 states and 7 India’s politics have remained territories30. The three branches of the tumultuous since the nation’s founding. In Indian government are the legislative, the past half­century, the country has executive, and judicial branches. This engaged in multiple wars, experienced both model is used at both the national and state economic growth and decline, and seen levels of government. many different coalition governments rise to power. The coalitions have been Legislative Branch especially subject to change since the 1984 The legislative branch of India assassination of Indira Gandhi, who had includes a bicameral Parliament that is held power in India for much of the 1970s made up of the Council of States and the and ‘80s. Over a decade later, the country House of the People. The main still has not had a ruling coalition that responsibilities of the legislative branch are lasted for more than five years. In the early to pass new laws and regulations that will 1990s, the Congress Party held power and fairly govern the people of India. The introduced economic liberalization and judicial branch is in charge of reviewing the deregulation, as well as overseeing an expansion of India’s technology sector. 28 Thapar and Wolpert, E ncyclopedia Britannica. 29 Shanthie Mariet D’Souza, "Jayalalitha Jayaram," Encyclopedia 26 "What Is India's Caste System?" B BC News, ( London: BBC, 2017). Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). 27 Sanjay Subrahmanyam and Frank R. Allchin, “Sikh Separatism," 30 Amber Pariona, "What Type Of Government Does India Have?" Encyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). in W orldAtlas, (2017).

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work done by the legislative branch, the Scheduled Tribes, groups who making sure to hold it accountable and to traditionally live in the forests or other ensure that the decisions it makes are fair tribal areas. These reserved positions are and righteous before the suggested plans meant to provide guaranteed become new laws. representation for populations that have been historically disadvantaged and The Council of States marginalized within India.32 The remaining The Council of States, also known as positions available in the House of the the Rajya Sabha, is the first of the two People are decided by general elections, houses that make up the government of and state and territory population sizes. India’s Parliament. The house may have up to 250 members, but no more due to Executive Branch constitutional limits and restrictions. Up to The main objective of the executive 12 members may be appointed to the house branch of the Indian government is to by the President of India. These members oversee the management of daily may be selected by the President for their governmental activities. The executive knowledge and experience in a variety of branch is composed of the Council of fields, ranging from science to literature. Ministers, the President, and the Prime The remainder of the Council of States are Minister. chosen through elections, which are held by the legislative bodies at both the state and Council of Ministers territory levels of the government. The Council of Ministers is led by Members of the Council of States can serve the Prime Minister and its members are for multiple six­year terms, which are formally appointed by the President. The non­consecutive. Every two years, cabinet is arguably the most important one­third of the Council of States members 31 group within the council. The Council of retire. Ministers’ responsibilities include directing government policy, analyzing national The House of the People problems, presenting bills from their The House of the People, also known respective government departments, and as the Lok Sabha, is the second of the two work toward improving the security, houses that make up India’s Parliament and foreign relations, and economy of India.33 is considered to be the lower of the two. The house may have up to 552 members, President due to constitutional limits. The The President of India appoints Anglo­Indian population of India consists members of the Council of Minister, with of those with a parent or other ancestor assistance from the Prime Minister. Some of from Europe, and the president can appoint the positions that the President has the 2 members from the community as power to appoint candidates to include representatives if it is decided that they state Governors, the Attorney General, the have not been well represented in the Chief Election Commissioner, and more. house. Additionally, 84 positions are Additionally, the President receives the role reserved for representatives of the of being the Commander­in­Chief of the Scheduled Castes, or the Dalit, and 47 positions are reserved for representatives of 32 Ibid 33 Frank R. Allchin and Muzaffar Alam, “India," Encyclopedia 31 Ibid Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018).

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military. The Vice President is responsible Justice and 30 associate judges, who serve for taking over the roles of the President if until the age of 65.36 the President resigns, travels, or dies The Supreme Court has the power of suddenly. Therefore, it is necessary for the judicial review, meaning it can decide if the Vice President to meet the same other branches of the Indian government qualifications as the President, in addition are operating within their constitutional to being a member of the Rajya Sabha (The powers. Since the 1950s, the Court’s Council of States).34 interpretation of the constitution has become more liberal, making decisions Prime Minister based on principles both explicitly and The Prime Minister of India is implicitly outlined in the document. The endowed with a number of roles that Court also makes decisions about the perform crucial functions within the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, much government. The Prime Minister acts as the like the Supreme Court of the United States. Chief of Government, the head of the However, the constitution does limit some Council of Ministers, and is designated as of the powers of the Court, especially in the leader of the political party that regard to the topic of property rights.37 possesses the majority representation within Parliament. Another key role the Political Parties Prime Minister performs is to act as a close advisor to the President, assisting him in Major Political Parties decisions that will impact the citizens of The Republic of India has many India. The Prime Minister also holds the prominent political parties, much like the power to propose new legislation to the party system in the United Kingdom. A President and may move to dismiss majority of political parties are considered ministers from the Council of Ministers.35 regional parties, though most have some national influence. Typically, no one party Judicial Branch gains more than half of the seats in The judicial branch of India’s Parliament, so multiple parties must work 38 government has retained many of the together to implement new laws. features it had during the British colonial The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is period, and bears similarities to the judicial the major party in the National Democratic branches found in the governments of some Alliance. The party is generally considered European nations. The branch is made up to be right­wing and promotes what many of the Supreme Court of India, the High see as Hindu nationalism. This creates Courts at the state level, and the District issues among India’s Muslim population, and Sessions Courts at the local level. This though the party itself claims it has no bias branch performs its tasks alone, working against Islam. Firmly against the Mandal independently of the other two branches in report which promotes social justice based the government. The President of India on caste, the BJP calls for greater unification appoints the leaders of the Supreme Court with recommendations given by the Chief Justice of India. The leadership positions within the Supreme Court include the Chief 36 Pariona, W orldAtlas. 37 George H. Gadbois, Jr., “The birth of India’s powerful Supreme 34 “President of India," E lections.in, (Infobase, 2017). Court," L ivemint, (HT Media Ltd, 2018). 35 “Prime Minister of India," E lections.in, (Infobase, 2017). 38 "Political Parties in India," E lections.in, (Infobase, 2015).

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among the Indian states through shared during different elections.43 Policies of the Hindu culture.39 AIADMK are targeted to depoliticize the The Indian National Congress education policies of the government and to (INC) is the major party of the opposition create welfare schemes like maternity coalition. It had been India’s dominant assistance and subsidized public transport political party until the general election of to the poorer segments of the society.44 1996. The party is secular and encourages The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is a equal rights for citizens. The party has major party within the Jan Morcha Alliance. promoted economic policies of The party has a strong stance against deregulation and privatization throughout corruption and aims at uplifting the the 1990s. In the past, the INC has nation’s downtrodden groups. As the endorsed socialist economics in a mixed representation of religious minorities, the economy.40 BSP believes in egalitarianism and The Janata Dal (Secular) is a emphasizes social justice.45 regional political party that was formed in a The Samajwadi Party (SP) is a split from the larger Janata Dal. Their regional democratic socialist party that policies are left­leaning, and they are not seeks to mobilize the Muslim population. aligned with the BJP or INC in a coalition. The SP functioned as an opposition party The party is popular with the farming caste under a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)­led of Karnataka, where the Janata Dal (S) coalition government in the 1996 elections.46 holds most of its power.41 The All India Trinamool Congress The Communist Party (Marxist) is (AITMC) was formed in January 1998 after the more popular of the two Communist breaking away from the INC. Its policies factions in India. They follow a traditional, are generally secular and populist while anti­capitalist platform. In India, this adhering to a center­left platform. They translates to the complete abolition of the generally attract individuals of lower social caste system, landlords, and other status such as farmers and women. The class­based structures. They advocate party competes with the CPIM in the state non­alignment as their major foreign policy, of West Bengal, where it has the most notably in cases involving enemies of influence.47 Russia and China, who are allies of the communists.42 Coalitions The All India Anna Dravida India’s many political parties work Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is a in coalitions to form majority governments. regional political party principally in Tamil Generally, there is a majority coalition and Nadu state. The AIADMK and its regional an opposition coalition. There may also be rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) a third coalition representing a smaller, frequently form and then break alliances more outspoken group of political views. with Congress and non­Congress parties 43 Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, "All India Davidian Progressive Federation" in Encyclopædia Britannica, (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2016). 39 Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Bharatiya Janata Party," 44 Aseema Sinha, The regional roots of developmental politics in India: Encyclopædia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014). a divided leviathan, (IN, USA: Indiana University Press, 2005). 40 Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Indian National 45 "About The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)," Bahujan Samaj Party, Congress," E ncyclopædia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, (bspindia.org, 2013). 2018). 46 Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Samajwadi Party," 41 Bibhu Prasad Routray, "Janata Dal (Secular)," Encyclopædia Encyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014). Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014). 47 "All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)," Elections.in, (Infobase, 42 "Party Programme," C ommunist Party of India (Marxist), (2018). 2015).

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Prior to the dissolution of by the established INC for decades. Parliament, the major coalition was the However, the UF lasted less than a year. National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Internal differences and arguments with the politically center­right and headed by the INC eventually caused the collapse of the BJP. This was the first time the BJP held the alliance, leading to the BJP’s subsequent position as majority leader. They tout their victory.50 peace attempts with Pakistan and the decision to conduct nuclear weapons tests as successes of their administration. Critics Recent Events have pointed to the uptick in The parliament has not reconvened religiously­motivated hate crimes, which since its dissolution in April. The INC has are seen as being caused by the Hindu been attempting to create a majority nationalist policies of the BJP. The coalition coalition after the collapse of the NDA, but was brought down by the withdrawal of they have not yet been successful.51 One of the AIADMK from the coalition during the the major concerns has been the allegiance vote of no confidence. Subsequently, a of Jayaram Jayalalitha, the leader of the midterm election was called since no AIADMK. She has made several demands coalition was in a position to form a of the current government, including the majority alternative government.48 removal of Defense Minister George The most recent opposition coalition Fernandes. She has accused him of was the Indian National Congress, led by corruption and involvement of foreign the party of the same name. The INC terrorists.52 Given the major divisions in successfully implemented its center­left the government, her support will likely be economic reforms and globalization needed for a new coalition to emerge. endeavors to prevent India’s impending However, parties other than the AIADMK economic collapse. However, they failed to will be needed to create a long­lasting create a majority coalition after the vote of government. no confidence due to allegations of Many politicians are also displeased corruption in 1996. The leader of the INC, with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Sonia Gandhi, has created some leadership under the BJP government. This controversy because she was born in Italy has been especially true with his foreign rather than India. However, she has also policy decisions, as he has made been able to regain supporters after the controversial choices about India’s corruption­laden era of the early 1990s.49 relationship with Pakistan. He will remain The United Front (UF) was briefly in the acting prime minister until the next power before the 1998 election of the BJP’s election, at which point he will either be coalition. It was comprised of several reelected or replaced. The committee regional parties and left­leaning parties should consider his reputation when including Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, and forming a new coalition, as it may be DMK. The INC provided support but was beneficial to put forth a new candidate for not an official member of the coalition. This prime minister.53 government was seen as a major change in Indian politics, which had been dominated 50 Saubhadra Chatterji, "Looking Back: When United Front Put up a Fight against the BJP," H industan Times, (HT Media Ltd, 2018). 51 Dugger, T he New York Times. 48 Celia W. Dugger, "Coalition Topples in India, Defeated By Just 52 Pamela Constable, “Indian Government Loses Its Majority," The One Vote" in T he New York Times, (New York: The New York Washington Post, (Washington, D.C.: The Washington Post Times Company, 1999). Company, 1999). 49 Ibid. 53 Ibid.

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Overall, the committee should be scale. However, India must first prove that wary of the international view of India’s it can maintain itself as an independent and political instability. India is one of the most prosperous nation. This will require a highly populated countries in the world, stable long­term government with goals and the right government could increase its that will benefit the people of India. economic and political power on a global

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Questions to Consider

1. Which political party should lead a new 2. How can the committee prevent corruption coalition government? while forming the new coalition? Typically, the ruling coalition is led by the Accusations of corruption by high­level party with the most elected seats. However, officials helped to damage the previous recent events may point to the need for a new coalition. The committee must investigate the form of coalition leadership that increases problems that lead to this corruption and stability. implement new rules to combat future issues.

3. What agreements can the committee make to 4. How can India best present itself as a major reduce the extreme poverty in India? international power? One of the main issues with the current As India’s independence is still fairly recent, electoral system is that politicians often take the country must prove that it has a stable advantage of the large low­income government and can influence major foreign populations in the country. If the country policy decisions. wants a truly fair election, the committee must work to improve overall equality.

5. How can the committee ensure more 6. Should a new candidate for Prime Minister be government stability in the future? considered in the next election? Governments should change with the will of Prime Minister Vajpayee has courted a fair the people, but committee turnover has been amount of controversy over the past year. The extremely high in the past decade. The committee should decide whether his committee should consider solutions that experience makes him the best candidate or would create a stable and long­lasting his reputation causes too many international government leadership while still serving the issues. population faithfully.

7. How can the committee avoid igniting 8. Should a politician’s nationality matter when religious tensions with their decisions? running for office? The BJP, though not officially a Hindu Sonia Gandhi has been criticized for her nationalist party, has been accused of Italian background, despite being involved activities that suppress other religions. with Indian politicians for years. The Considering the possibility of violence committee must discuss whether or not her between religious groups at any time, the birthplace affects her eligibility for prime committee should discuss ways to maintain minister, and what that decision means for peace between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and the strong British presence that remains in other religious minorities. India.

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Conclusion

India may be facing the most trying political period in its brief history as the committee works to establish a majority coalition in an extremely divided nation. The impacts of the decisions made in this committee may aggravate tensions in India’s religious, economic, and social structures. It is in the best interest of all parties to come to a peaceful solution, which will also project strength and unity to the rest of the world. This is especially important as we face down the possibility of conflict with Pakistan and need international support. A successful arrival at a solution will require compromise from all sides despite their political differences. ∎

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Topic B : Struggle for Control of the Kashmir Region

Introduction Historically, India has gained the upper hand in most of the wars and conflicts.54 When British rule over the Indian subcontinent ended in the 1940s, the region was divided into the independent nations Independence and of India and Pakistan. Tensions have been Indo­Pak War of 1947 high between the two since their formation. British India was partitioned into Territorial conflicts have occurred multiple Hindu­dominated but nominally secular times over the past half­century, especially India and the newly created Muslim state of regarding the Indian state of Jammu and Pakistan after India’s independence from Kashmir. The unique ethnic and religious British India on August 15, 1947.55 As population of this area has lead to disputes Hindu and Muslim populations were about which country should govern the scattered unevenly in British India, the region and a possible independence partition led to one of the largest human movement. Given the recent development migrations ever seen, sparking riots and of nuclear weapons by India and Pakistan, violence across the region.56 Princely­rule the prospect of war over this dispute has states, territories left behind after become dramatically more concerning. independence and still under the rule of With the Indian government at its weakest Indian monarchy had the choice of joining point in decades, the committee must be either India or Pakistan.57 Jammu and concerned about political and military Kashmir was one such state, and this was moves from Pakistan that increase the risk where the conflicts of Jammu and Kashmir of losing Jammu and Kashmir. turned into the First Kashmir war between India and Pakistan. After the independence, the majority Historical Background Muslim population in the region of Since the partition of British India in Kashmir and Jammu violently rebelled and 1947, the modern states of India and demanded to join Pakistan. In October of Pakistan have had a deadly rivalry. As of 1947, tribal forces with support from the early 1999, the two countries have engaged army of Pakistan attacked the area in an in three wars and many border skirmishes attempt to gain control of the state. In order and military standoffs. The animosity has to combat the violence, the King of the state roots in religion, history, and border disputes, especially conflict over the 54 Stephen P. Cohen, Shooting for a Century: The India­Pakistan Conundrum, (Washington, D.C.: Br ookings Institution Press, 2013), sovereignty of Jammu and Kashmir. 129. 55 "India­Pakistan: Troubled Relations," BBC News, (London: BBC, 2002). 56 Asad Hashim. "Timeline: India­Pakistan Relations" in Al Jazeera, (Doha, Qatar: Al Jazeera, 2014). 57 Amber Pariona. "Indo­Pakistan Wars ­ 1947, 1965, 1971, And 1999," W orldAtlas, (2016).

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Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh requested results.62 This decision led to the eruption of military aid from India.58 He was then the Bangladesh Liberation War. forced to sign the Instrument of Accession, The civil war forced an estimated 10 handing over the state’s control to the million East Pakistani civilians to flee to Union of India. However, the status of the India.63 In December, India launched a territory remained controversial because a coordinated land, air and sea assault on planned referendum to confirm the East Pakistan in support of its accession was never held.59 East­Pakistani people. The Pakistani army soon surrendered at Dhaka. East Pakistan became the independent country of Indo­Pak War of 1965 64 In April 1965, a clash between border Bangladesh on December 6, 1971. patrols erupted into fighting in the Rann of Kutch (in the Indian state of Gujarat). Later, Religious Tensions in August, the government of Pakistan India’s religious tension between launched a covert offensive, Operation Hindus and Muslims has raged since Islam Gibraltar, across the ceasefire line into the spread into the Indian Peninsula in the Indian­administered Jammu and Kashmir. early 700s.65 The two religions are India retaliated with a full military attack in fundamentally contradictory. Islam is West Pakistan. As the war expanded, monotheistic, proselytizing, anti­idolatrous, Indian troops crossed the international fiercely doctrinal, and has strong ideas border at Lahore on September 6. The about heresy. It is based on the teachings of 17­day war resulted in thousands of Muhammad, who lived between 570­632 casualties on both sides and witnessed the BCE. Muslims worship the Supreme Being, largest tank battle since World War II.60 The Allah, and follow his revelations contained United Nations mandated an end to the in their sacred text, the Quran.66 On the war after the U.S. and the Soviet Union other hand, Hinduism is pantheistic, initiated peace talks. In January 1966, India uninterested in converting unbelievers, and and Pakistan signed the Tashkent is an immense aggregation of different Declaration, a peace treaty, agreeing to gods, rites, superstitions, and beliefs.67 withdraw to pre­August lines and restore Predating Christianity and Islam by economic and diplomatic relations.61 centuries, Hinduism is often considered more of a way of life or a philosophical Indo­Pak War of 1971 framework rather than ‘religion’ in the The Indo­Pakistani War of 1971 was traditional sense. the first war between the countries that did For nearly one thousand years, Islam not involve the issue of Kashmir, instead has been the religion and the badge of the focusing on the states of East Pakistan. Indian subcontinent’s invaders. The first When an East Pakistan political party, wave of Muslim invasions began in 1000 Awami League, won the election in March A.D., when Mahmud of Ghazni plundered of 1971, the central Pakistani government in 62 Ibid. West Pakistan refused to recognize the 63 "India­Pakistan: Troubled Relations," B BC News. 64 Hashim, A l Jazeera. 65 Nate Sullivan, “Muslim and Hindu Conflict in India and the Partition of India and Pakistan," S tudy.com. 58 Ibid. 66 Ibid. 59 "India­Pakistan: Troubled Relations," B BC News. 67 Peter Popham. "Why Can't Hindus and Muslims Get along 60 Hashim, A l Jazeera. Together? It's a Long Story," The Independent, (London: 61 Pariona, W orldAtlas. Independent Print Ltd, 2011).

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the Hindu temples of their vast wealth of ultimately decided to remain neutral after jewelry, money and golden images. 50,000 failing to come to a decision. However, Hindus were killed in the ensuing Pakistan would send Muslim tribesmen to massacre, and the temple was razed to the Kashmir in October of 1947, forcing the ground.68 This ritual of invasion, Maharaja to appeal to India for military depredation, and humiliation continued assistance. On October 26th, 1947, Kashmir throughout the millennium. By the time signed the Instrument of Accession and British India was established, the invasions formally ceded the territory to India.71 had resulted in a huge population of Through the Instrument of converted Muslims alongside the Hindus. Accession, the state designated powers Although they were ethnically identical and relating to foreign affairs, defense, spoke essentially the same language, their currency, and communication to India, with religious practices are fiercely different – the remainder of powers staying with Hindus revering the cows, which Muslims Kashmir. The state would have a liked to eat.69 sadr­e­riysat, or a president, and a prime The secularists saw it as the India minister, rather than the traditional chief rulers’ solemn duty to not prefer one minister. The only possible way to draft religion or one group of believers over amendments to the previously mentioned another. The Hindu nationalists, in clauses was through amendments to the contrast, believed that Islam’s intolerance constitution of India. Toward the end of the and assertion to exclusive truth had led to Indo­Pak War of 1947, the Indian the invasions into India, and that India’s government approached the United fundamental problem had been the failure Nations to negotiate a ceasefire between the of Hindus to stand up and fight.70 This two warring countries. A resolution was issue continues today as disputes between then passed in the United Nations Security political parties. Council. The resolution asked both Pakistan and India to withdraw their troops and to grant the people of Jammu and Kashmir the Jammu & Kashmir right of self­determination. However, Pakistan would ultimately ignore the Special Autonomy and Struggles mandate and continue fighting in the The dispute over the Jammu and conflict. A ceasefire was finally agreed Kashmir territory has been an ongoing upon on January 1, 1949, with India source of tension and a reason for conflict controlling 65% of the territory and between India and Pakistan even before Pakistan controlling the remainder. Sheikh 1947. Following the partition of the Indian Abdullah, a National Conference patron subcontinent, the nations of India and and the first prime minister of Kashmir, Pakistan were formed along religious lines. would be responsible for affecting Under the partition plan of the Indian Kashmir’s relations with New Delhi, Independence Act, the state of Kashmir was through the creation of Article 370 in the given the freedom to join either India or Constitution of India. Article 370 was Pakistan due to its location. Hari Singh, the drafted by Abdullah in 1947 and provides Maharaja (local ruler) of Kashmir, temporary provisions to Jammu and Kashmir, therefore granting the state 68 "Islamic Invasion Of India: The Greatest Genocide In History," The Muslim Issue, (2016). 69 Popham, T he Independent. 71 “A Brief History of the Kashmir Conflict," T he Telegraph, 70 Ibid. (London: Telegraph Media Group, 2001).

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special autonomy. Although Abdullah Constitution being applicable to Jammu succeeded in granting Kashmir autonomy, and Kashmir. Some have argued these those in power did not comply with every presidential orders have nullified the aspect of his request for autonomy. original agreement that existed between the Abdullah’s request to not place Article 370 state and India. One order included the under temporary provisions of the replacing of the sadr­e­riyasat, the head of Constitution was not granted, as he had state, with a union­appointed governor. hoped to secure “iron­clad autonomy” for the state.72 Political History With the exception of defense, The history of political movements foreign affairs, finance, and and groups within Jammu and Kashmir is communications, Parliament is required to complex. In 1953 the prime minister of have the consent of the Kashmiri Kashmir, Sheikh Abdullah, was dismissed government in order to apply all other from his position by the head of state, laws, under Article 370 of the Constitution. Karan Singh. Abdullah was removed from Therefore, the people of Jammu and office following accusations of conspiring Kashmir essentially live under a different with Pakistan, in an attempt to overthrow set of laws. Laws relating to citizenship, the government of Kashmir. The first property, and fundamental rights are not assembly elections held in Jammu and the same for those in Kashmir as they are Kashmir took place in March of 1957, where for those living in India. Indian citizens are the National Conference party (founded by also forbidden from purchasing land or Sheikh Abdullah) would go on to win 68 of property within Jammu and Kashmir. 75 seats. The National Conference party has Article 370 also prevents the Centre, the maintained unequivocally that the state of federal government, from declaring a Jammu and Kashmir is a crucial part of financial emergency in the state, and the India, but has advocated for the autonomy Centre is only allowed to declare a state of of the state.74 In the second assembly emergency in the case of war or other forms 73 elections, held in 1962, the National of external aggression. Conference party won 70 of the 75 seats. In In 1956, the Constitution of Jammu January of 1965, the prime minister of and Kashmir was framed. It upheld the Kashmir announced the formation of the provisions the Maharaja made in 1927, as Congress Party, which would go on to well as the Constitution Order of 1954 that merge with the National Conference party was responsible for extending Indian officially in June of 1965. The elections held citizenship to residents of Kashmir. During in 1967 saw the newly combined Congress the same time period, Article 35A was party earning 61 seats. The fourth election, implemented into the Constitution. Article held in 1972, was significant because of the 35A specified that Kashmir would be Jamaat­e­Islami party contesting elections allowed to legislate over the privileges and for the first time, winning 5 seats to the 58 rights of state residents, referred to as seats won by Congress.75 permanent residents from that point on. Sheikh Abdullah made a return to Forty­seven presidential orders have since the political scene, following the dropping been issued, resulting in other parts of the 74 Bibhu Prasad Routray, “Jammu and Kashmir National Conference," E ncyclopedia Britannica, (Encyclopedia Britannica, 72 TNN, “What is Article 370? Three Key Points," T he Times of 2017). India, (Mumbai: The Times Group, 2018). 75 “Jammu and Kashmir Politics: A Troubled History," E lections.in, 73 Ibid. (Infobase, 2014).

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of the Kashmir Conspiracy Case, in 1964. Conference winning 46 seats, to the 26 won Abdullah would go on to restore the by Congress, in the 1983 election.77 National Conference party to its former self Although the National Conference in 1974, after signing the Kashmir Accord gained momentum from its with Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi. nationalism­based platform, the party was Congress was forced to abdicate power due unable to sustain it for an extended period to the accord and Abdullah took over the of time. In July of 1984, Farooq Abdullah position of Chief Minister of Jammu and was dismissed from his role as Chief Kashmir, with Congress providing support Minister and G.M. Shah was sworn in as to the National Conference government the Chief Minister. The popularity of the reestablished by Abdullah. However, the policies based on anti­Congress and arrangement between Abdullah and nationalist sentiments declined rather Congress would not last as Congress quickly, with a major turning point withdrew its support for the National occurring in 1984. Twelve members of the Conference in March of 1977, leading to the National Conference party defected to the imposition of the Governor’s rule in Jammu Awami National Conference, a newly and Kashmir. Nonetheless, Sheikh formed party. The Awami National Abdullah would return to power in July of Conference, spearheaded by G.M Shah, 1977 following the results of the fifth formed the new government with the election. The National Conference party support of Congress. However, the G.M secured 44 seats, with the Congress Shah government era did not last very long. winning 11 seats and the Janta party Following an era of unprecedented winning 13 seats.76 communal disturbances in the Valley, the The death of Sheikh Abdullah in government and Shah were dismissed on 1982 had a massive impact on the political March 7th, 1986. As a result, the Governor’s system of Jammu and Kashmir, with his rule was once again implemented into son Farooq Abdullah being sworn in as the Kashmir. 78 new Chief Minister. Congress would apply The dismissal of the Shah pressure to the new leader, urging him to government would lead to the dawning of enter the National Conference into an a drastic political upheaval in the state. The alliance with Congress once again. Jamat­e­Islami, a political party that had However, he resisted the pressure, turned remained fairly insignificant for a time, down the offer, and would use the emerged as a force in the post­Shah era. “anti­Congress” feelings in Jammu and Merging with a number of political and Kashmir to his advantage in the next religious organizations, including the election. The National Conference would People’s Conference, the Umat­e­Islamia, use Kashmir identity as a political tool, and the Ittehad­ul­Musalmeen, the groups invoking “Kashmiri nationalism” and would form the Muslim United Front running on a platform that led to demands (MUF) in 1986. The purpose of the MUF for the return of the autonomy Kashmir was to contest the National Conference’s possessed before its rights were slowly dominance over the political system in eroded and revoked. Abdullah’s efforts Kashmir. The policies of the MUF included paid off, for a short time, with the National calling on the people of Kashmir to assert their right to self­determination, and

77 Ibid. 76 Ibid. 78 Ibid.

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pushed the topic of religion into the members from prominent parties: Syed Ali spotlight of Kashmiri politics.79 Shah Geelani (of the Jamat­e­Islami), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (of the Awami Separatist Movements Action Committee), Sheikh Abdul Aziz (of The new political field provided an the People’s League), Mouvli Abbas Ansari opportunity for Kashmiri insurgency (of the Ittehad­ul­Muslimeen), Prof Abdul movement, allowing for the separatists to Gani Bhat (of the Muslim Conference), apply pressure and for the state to fall into Yasin Malik (of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front), and Abdul Gani Lone (of a time of crisis. As a result of increasing 80 militancy, all political processes in Kashmir the People’s Conference). were suspended in 1990. In order to achieve The separatist leadership represents their goals, the separatists needed a voice a major political constituency that exists and a face within the political system. The within Jammu and Kashmir, as designated All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) by leaders that come across political divides formed on July 31st, 1993, as the political and various groups to join the cause. By party of the separatist movement within examining the agendas of two pro­India Kashmir. There had been controversy political groups, it becomes easier to surrounding the election results in 1987, understand the reality of the political where a group of parties had come together situation within Kashmir. The People’s in order to contest the Assembly polls Democratic Party (PDP) and the National against the alliance formed by the National Conference often receive the highest Conference and Congress, and the APHC is amount of votes within the electorate that thought to have been formed as an partakes in Assembly and Lok Sabha extension of the parties that contested the elections. The National Conference is election. The common belief held by all of interested in a return to the 1953 position these subgroups was that the region of where New Delhi controlled the Defense, Jammu & Kashmir was under the Communications, and Foreign Affairs of occupation of India, and that the wishes of Kashmir, while the rest was left to the state the people should be considered for a final itself through autonomy. The PDP desires resolution to address the matter once and self­rule for Kashmir, hoping for autonomy for all. During the peak of the and a joint mechanism to exist between two militancy period, the APHC and the groups parts of Jammu and Kashmir to turn the that inspired its creation were the face of state into a hybrid of India and Pakistan. the separatist movement. The groups With the agendas of both organizations successfully merged two political bordering on separatist ideologies, the movements ­ those seeking Kashmir’s separatist movement remains highly independence from both India and relevant within the state. Pakistan, and those seeking for Kashmir to join Pakistan. Past efforts to give the separatists a political platform fell flat when compared to the APHC, including the Tehreek­i­Hurriyat (THK) that was comprised of 10 groups. The APHC executive council consisted of seven

80 Muzamil Jaleel, “Hurriyat: Its History, Role and Relevance," T he 79 Ibid. Indian Express (2015).

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Nuclear Weapons 1998 Weapons Tests The Indian government once again Development brought up plans for weapons tests in 1996 The development of India’s nuclear after the election of the first BJP­led program began immediately after gaining coalition, but the tests were never independence in 1947. The first focus was completed. When the BJP again gained on energy production, as early leaders power in 1998, the government approved thought India needed to work towards the plans. Underground weapons tests self­reliance. However, the possibility of occurred on May 11 and 13 at the Pokharan nuclear weaponry quickly became the testing range, and India formally stated that target of heated debate. Some argued that it had the technology to weaponize its nuclear weapons were necessary as a nuclear capabilities for missile use.84 The deterrent, while others said they would not tests may have been prompted by the April make India any safer. Both sides agreed 6 Pakistani test of a non­nuclear missile not to sign the UN’s Treaty on the capable of reaching India, which was Non­Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons suspected to be part of the process to (NPT) of 1968 unless the treaty included develop nuclear warheads.85 global disarmament plans. Nuclear Backlash to the tests was swift. Most weapon development continued of the world was surprised by the move, as throughout this time, and the country’s first intelligence had not indicated India was nuclear explosion was conducted in May preparing for nuclear testing. Many 81 1974. nations saw India’s tests as violating the The 1974 test was not received well testing moratorium, despite the fact that by the international community, and the India did not sign the NPT or CTBT. The United States placed sanctions on India as a U.S. once again placed heavy sanctions on result. India did not further develop their India by cutting off aid and bank loans, weapons capability until 1986 when while also pressuring the International Pakistan’s own nuclear program began to Monetary Fund and the World Bank to do advance. India was further pushed the same.86 towards weaponization by the expansion of On May 29, Pakistan responded by nuclear non­proliferation, despite the risk conducting their own nuclear tests. Prime of more economic sanctions. Plans were Minister Sharif addressed India specifically made to conduct tests in 1995, but U.S. in his statements, setting off concerns about intelligence learned of the plans and a nuclear arms race and possible war 82 pressured India into cancelling the tests. between the two nations. The economic In 1996, many UN members approved the sanctions that had been placed on India Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), were also placed on Pakistan, which could which was a moratorium on all nuclear be devastating to Pakistan’s poor testing; India and Pakistan did not economy.87 83 participate in this agreement.

84 Ibid. 81 “Indian Nuclear Weapons Program," Nuclear Threat Initiative, 85 John F. Burns, “Nuclear Anxiety: The Overview; Pakistan, (Washington, D.C.: 2016). Answering India, Carries Out Nuclear Tests; Clinton’s Appeal 82 Ibid. Rejected," The New York Times, (New York: The New York Times 83 John F. Burns, “India Sets 3 Nuclear Blasts, Defying a Company, 1998). Worldwide Ban; Tests Bring a Sharp Outcry," T he New York Times, 86 Ibid. (New York: The New York Times Company, 1998). 87 Ibid.

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Peace Talks Recent Events Though May’s nuclear tests sparked On May 4, residents of Kargil in the worries about a devastating war, the past Kashmir region reported infiltration by few months have seen the leaders of both Pakistani individuals on the border. The India and Pakistan working towards better Indian government has sent an Army patrol relations. This led to the signing of the to survey the area.92 Given the recent Lahore Declaration on February 22, 1999. nuclear tensions between the two powers, One of the goals of the agreement is to any instances of violence could lead to minimize the risk of nuclear conflict by catastrophic consequences. The committee improving communication between the two must keep a close watch over this situation nations and announcing ballistic missile and gather intelligence on the true purpose tests prior to launch. Each country also of these Pakistani agents. agreed to continue their break from testing 88 Should conflict arise, the nuclear weapons. government of Prime Minister Vajpayee The Lahore Declaration was seen as will still be in control of the ministries. This a disappointment by some international includes Minister of Defense George powers because of the lack of detail in the Fernandes, who was central to the collapse agreement. Many were hoping that India of the coalition government. The outcome and Pakistan would sign the CTBT as a of this conflict could, therefore, be very more formal affirmation of the testing 89 consequential in the upcoming elections, moratorium. This would have been seen especially for the BJP. as a major step towards lifting sanctions, War in the Kashmir region will also which India has been discussing with the 90 affect India’s relationships with major United States for several months. world powers, particularly the United Additionally, neither nation was able to States. The 1998 nuclear tests have already push through their proposed peace policies. caused strain within the international India had put forth a “no first use” policy, community, and conflict with the only while Pakistan wanted a “no war” other nation not to sign the test ban treaty arrangement. Neither were mentioned in 91 could justify even more sanctions to be the declaration. Another complication is placed on India. The committee must work that all agreements were made under the to gain allies in this cause or risk BJP government. Since the collapse of the international alienation. coalition, the validity of the Lahore Declaration could be called into question.

88 Barry Bearak, “India Promises, With Pakistan, To Seek Peace,” The New York Times, (New York: The New York Times Company, 1999). 89 Ibid. 90 Celia W. Dugger, “U.S.­India Talks Gain and Could Lead to Easing of Sanctions," The New York Times, (New York: The New York Times Company, 1999). 92 “Timeline: How the Kargil War panned out in 1999," Hindustan 91 Bearak, T he New York Times. Times, (HT Media Ltd, 2016).

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Questions to Consider

1. Should India continue to develop its nuclear 2. Should India pursue war with Pakistan? weapons program? Recent peace talks have seemed successful, India is facing a difficult decision about its but the border infiltration threatens the nuclear program. If the nation does not Lahore Declaration. The committee needs to develop weapons, it has no deterrent to decide whether to pursue a peaceful prevent an attack. However, development resolution with Pakistan or to engage in will also anger international powers. The military conflict over Kashmir. committee must decide the best path for this program.

3. Should India change the rules about Jammu 4. How can India best present itself to other and Kashmir’s autonomy? world powers? Special rules regarding the autonomy of If war breaks out, India will want the support Jammu and Kashmir have helped keep the of major international powers. The committee region under Indian control. However, the should discuss public relations plans to committee should reevaluate these rules present India in the best possible light to the given the increase in Pakistani aggression and rest of the world. strong separatist movements.

5. How can India relieve tensions between 6. Why did Pakistan violate the Lahore religious groups in the country? Declaration, and what does it mean for the Much of the violence in Kashmir began over future? religious conflict between Hindus and India and Pakistan had been on the most Muslims. The committee must evaluate how promising path to peace in decades prior to the country can best accommodate both the border infiltration. The committee must groups in a peaceful and productive manner. ask why Pakistan decided to take this action and what it means for future relations between the two countries.

7. What is the most important benefit of control 8. Is Indian control of Kashmir viable in the over Kashmir? long­term future? Before India can engage in a war over its The conflict over Kashmir has inflicted a territory, it must first consider why it wants heavy toll on the Indian people over the past to keep that territory in the first place. The half­century. The committee must, therefore, committee must examine why Kashmir so decide if long­term control over the region is valuable and what the country is willing to possible and reasonable. risk to maintain control.

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Conclusion

India is on the verge of a military crisis after Pakistani agents were found on the Indian side of the Kashmir border. Given the long history of violence between the two nations, many would not be surprised if war broke out in the coming weeks and months. This committee has the responsibility of deciding whether to declare war and, if they choose to do so, leading the fragile nation to victory over its aggressors. The committee therefore also has the choice of whether or not to use the country’s newly developed nuclear weapons, which could both bring worldwide condemnation and eliminate the threat of Pakistan. Additionally, the committee must also exercise its powers domestically to prevent the departure of Jammu and Kashmir from India. The recent rise in separatist movements shows that even without interference from other nations, the risk of losing Jammu and Kashmir either to independence or Pakistan is still high. The committee needs to investigate the means by which control of the region can be maintained in a peaceful and lawful manner. Should Jammu and Kashmir leave India, the threat of violence from surrounding nations, including China, could increase further. ∎

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