UNSC meeting on Kashmir

The UN Security Council has held a rare discussion on the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir for the second time in six months. The restive valley remains a flash point but the situation has flared up ever since India scrapped special provisions and annexed the region.

According to reports emerging from the closed-door meeting in New York, Pakistan had the support only of China, while an overwhelming number of the fifteen UNSC member states considered Kashmir as a bilateral issue that must be resolved amicably between India and Pakistan.

The Chinese ambassador to UN confirmed that the council reviewed the situation on the ground, but did not explain if the situation over the Line of Control- particularly the repeated ceasefire violations by India- had been discussed. In fact, the UNSC meeting was called to discuss the situation in West Africa but China made a request to add the Kashmir issue on the agenda.

Once again, Pakistan relied on its all-weather friend to push forward the discussion on blatant human rights violations in Kashmir. According to reports, France, an ally of India opposed China’s request to hold closed-door talks on the issue. Last month, the US, Britain, and France had blocked an attempt by China to hold discussions on Kashmir. China has long voiced concern on the situation and supported Pakistan in its fight for Kashmir.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is currently in New York where he held meetings with UN officials. He said the consideration of the situation by the UNSC reflects recognition of the prevailing situation in occupied Kashmir. Qureshi is expected to meet US Secretary of State Pompeo to diffuse regional tensions with Iran and the meeting might undermine the Kashmir issue.

The only solace for Pakistan is that the issue is being internationally recognized and discussed at global forums. India’s decision to strip the region of its autonomy on August 5 last year has altered the fated of the disputed region forever. A harsh communication blockade has been imposed ever since. The issue had remained dormant since 1971 when the UN sent military observers and is now being discussed once again.

The international community is finally, albeit slowly, waking up from its deep slumber to criticize India for its divisive policies. The US had earlier expressed concern over the detention of political leaders in Indian-held Kashmir. This is where Pakistan claims victory, despite Indian attempts to spur the issue and portray a different outcome of UN meetings. India must confront the conflict rather than dismissing the situation on false pretences against Pakistan.