Matrix Report
According to various diplomats based at the UN HQ, China, after backing Pakistan’s request, has asked for a special United Nations Security Council session to discuss India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. However, it was also requested that the meeting should be held behind closed doors either on Thursday or Friday.
On the other hand, France, which is India’s strong ally, has also requested that the session should be more of an informal meeting, known as “any other business” meeting, next week. This request also suggests that France is more likely to side with India on the matter. It is now up to the UNSC’s current president, Poland, to mediate a time and format for the 15-member session.
The latest unilateral decision by India in Kashmir, on August 5, takes away from the powers of the “state” of Jammu and Kashmir to make its own laws and also allows Indians to buy property there. Since the decision, there is a curfew-like situation in the whole valley, with over 12 million residents, with Telephone lines, internet and television networks also blocked.
In his official comments on the issue, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint on the matter. He further said that the reports of restrictions in the valley were also of concern.
The latest development of a special session on Kashmir is being seen by many as a diplomatic success by Pakistan, with many hoping that India’s rights violations in the valley will finally come under global attention.
