Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's international advocacy for democratic values sharply contrasts with his policies in India and Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). While promoting democracy and condemning terrorism on the world stage, Narendra Modi has been criticized for suppressing dissent and employing authoritarian measures within India and IIOJK. Political experts and critics, in their interviews and statements in Islamabad have highlighted that the Modi government is stifling critical voices through the arrest of activists, journalists, and political opponents under stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA). They also pointed to the illegal abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked the special status of IIOJK, leading to widespread detentions and a communication blackout in the occupied territory.

"His silence on hate speech and genocide calls against Muslims suggests tacit support, further contradicting his global rhetoric," they maintained. "Incidents like the Delhi riots of 2020, where Muslims were disproportionately targeted, and the increasing instances of mob lynchings in the name of cow protection have exacerbated fears of rising intolerance under Modi’s rule," they added. Furthermore, they noted that Modi-led Indian government's state terrorism in Kashmir stands in stark opposition to his anti-terrorism stance abroad. "Reports of excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and torture in Kashmir highlight the severe measures employed by his government." They pointed out that the international community has repeatedly expressed concern over the human rights situation in IIOJK. Political experts and critics argue that Modi's government employs a dual strategy: projecting an image of democratic leadership on the global stage while systematically dismantling democratic institutions and norms at home.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan