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Four days after the authoritarian abrogation of Kashmir's autonomy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke for the first time on Thursday (August 8th). He sought to reassure the Indian population, especially the residents of Kashmir and Ladakh, whose status has changed dramatically through the adoption of this reform. But it is not sure that these beautiful words are enough to convince a population in shock.
Narendra Modi began by painting a very dark picture of the life of the Kashmiris under this autonomy. This status, he said, prevented the laws passed in New Delhi from directly applying in the region, reports our correspondent in New Delhi, Sébastien Farcis .
" The people of Kashmir have not been able to benefit from India's progress, there was no minimum wage, no positive discrimination for minorities, women did not have the same rights as other Indians. And Pakistan has used this autonomy to promote terrorism, "said Narendra Modi.
This is the beginning of a new era in Kashmir and Ladakh
Narendra Modi speaks to Indians 08/08/2019 - by Sébastien Farcis Play
The Prime Minister then goes on, in a very binary way, that this situation may change now. " We will build new roads, train lines, modernize airports, promote the cashmere trade. Thanks to that, we will be able to eradicate terrorism, and cashmere will shine again . "
This optimism is to be tempered, however, because the inhabitants of Kashmir have never given their agreement for this connection to New Delhi. They even wanted more autonomy. And this frustration could be expressed in a violent way.
Pakistan appeals to the UN
For its part, Pakistan will not send the army to face India over Kashmir, but the tone is virulent, reports our correspondent in Islamabad, Sonia Ghezali .
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced this Thursday at a press conference. Islamabad said it wants to find " political, diplomatic and legal " solutions. Shah Mehmood Qureshi also confirmed the seizure of the UN Security Council. " We decided to go back to the UN Security Council again. India wants to give the impression that this is an internal matter. This perception is historically, morally and legally wrong. Pakistan rejects the Indian version. In Kashmir, there is practically a soldier in front of each house. This situation proves that the region has been transformed into a real prison. Pakistan has not closed its airspace, it is false information. But we decided to suspend the express Samjhauta - the "friendship train" that connects our two countries. "
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan reacted fiercely, in a parliamentary session, " What do you want me to do? That I attack India? He said. It's a war of public opinion and Pakistan has to defeat it, says Imran Khan. " Does the BJP government of Narendra Modi think that using force against the Kashmiris puts an end to the separatist movement? It will strengthen it, "he wrote on Twitter.
The whole world is waiting to see what happens to oppressed Kashmiris in IOK when curfew is lifted. Does the BJP govt think by using greater force against Kashmiris in IOK, it will stop the freedom movement? Chances are it will gain momentum.
Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 8, 2019The Pakistani government is now waiting to see how the situation in the cashmere part of India will change once the curfew is lifted. While public opinion unanimously condemns the revocation of India's special status of Kashmir, protest movements initiated in recent days in a few cities in the country have been little followed. Some expect, however, that the gatherings scheduled for August 15, on the occasion of the national day of the country, turn into demonstrations in support of the Kashmiri.
UN chief urges " maximum restraint "
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday urged " maximum restraint " in the India-Pakistan crisis around Kashmir, calling on " all parties " to " take any decision that may affect the status " of this disputed region. In a statement, Antonio Guterres said his " concern " about the " restrictions " imposed in the Indian part of Kashmir, " which may aggravate the situation in human rights .