Indian Nobel laureate criticises Indian govt’s move on occupied Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Indian Nobel laureate Dr. Amartya Sen vehemently has criticised the government’s move on occupied Kashmir.

He said in an interview, “I don’t think ultimately you will have any resolution in Kashmir without democracy.”

Pointing out the loopholes in the government’s decision on multiple levels, the 85-year-old said: “As an Indian, I am not proud of the fact that India, after having done so much to achieve a democratic norm in the world.”

He added that India was the first non-Western country to go for democracy that we lost that reputation on the grounds of actions that have been taken against occupied Kashmir.

In the midst of expectation about the possibility of purchasing land in Jammu and Kashmir by individuals from different states, Dr. Sen said that it ought to have been something for the individuals of occupied Kashmir to choose.

He said, “This is something in which Kashmiris have a legitimate point of view because it is their land.”

He was also critical of the government’s decision to keep the mainstream political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir under arrest. He said, “I don’t think you will ever have fairness and justice without hearing the voices of the leaders of the people.”

He further added, “If you keep thousands of leaders under restraint and many of them in jail, including big leaders who have led the country and formed governments in the past, you are stifling the channel of democracy that makes democracy a success.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephone conversation with Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz over occupied Kashmir issue.