Kashmir: tormented state and global flashpoint

Mon, 02/12/2019 - 18:45
Regular event?: 
This is not a regular event
Town/City: 
London
Postcode: 
EC1M 6EL.

With Dr Nitasha Kaul, Kashmiri academic, economist, novelist and poet, and has spoken and published widely on varied themes including social theory, democracy, and postcolonial critique

Until this year, the state of Jammu and Kashmir nominally enjoyed special autonomy under the Indian Constitution. However, as the only state in India with a Muslim-majority population, it has nonetheless been the subject of constant friction amongst India, Pakistan, and China. Following the Indo-Pakistani war of 1947-48, India administered major parts the disputed territory, but turbulent relations between India and Pakistan have resulted in intermittent conflict, and the area has seen prolonged and bloody strife between India and many Kashmiris resisting Indian rule, resulting in horrific human rights abuses, including torture, enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings, rape, massacre, and pillage. In early August 2019, the Indian Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government passed resolutions to bifurcate the territory, and bring Jammu and Kashmir under direct rule of Delhi. A lockdown has been imposed in the region, with internet and phone services blocked, and political leaders put under house arrest. This has gravely escalated tension, both in Kashmir, and between the two nuclear powers of Pakistan and India, with serious international implications. Nitasha Kaul will discuss this alarming situation with us. She is a K, with particular focus on Bhutan and Kashmir. She has held teaching posts in many international universities, and is currently Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster.

Organised by: 
Friends of Le Monde Diplomatique
Member: 
Organiser is an NFP member
Price: 
£3, concessions £2, tickets on door.
Venue: 
Café Diplo at The Gallery, 70/77 Cowcross Street
Contact: 
Nearest tube station Farringdon. 6.45pm (doors open 6.30). Info 07435 844 130 or see our website
Wheelchair Accessibility: 
Yes