#kashmir issue

[pro-urdu]

why UN failed to resolve Kashmir issue. 

this question is asked every Foram and his answer was not given till today. united nation totally failed to resolve this dispute between Pakistan and India. about Kashmir I describe here some issue that is totally based on reality. readmore

[mzemo0]

The Forgotten Jammu Massacre

In November 1947, thousands of Muslims were murdered in Jammu by paramilitaries under the command of Maharaja Hari Singh’s army, the Hindu Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. Although the precise number of victims in the killings that lasted for two months is unknown, estimates range from 20,000 to 237,000. Nearly half a million Muslims were compelled to flee across the border into the recently formed country of Pakistan. These Muslims had to settle in the part of Kashmir that is under Pakistan’s administration. The massacre of Muslims in Jammu and the forced migration of others set off a chain of events that included a war between India and Pakistan, two newly independent countries. These incidents also gave rise to theKashmir issue. The massacres occurred as part of a British-designed strategy to divide the subcontinent into India and Pakistan, as millions of Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs crossed the border from one side to the other.

An Orchestrated Massacre

Before the two-decade-long massacre against Jammu’s Muslim majority really began, The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders from Amritsar met in secret with the Maharaja and his officials. They chose Poonch as the beginning place for the massacre of Muslims because of its record for fierce resistance. A two decade long and horrifying anti-Muslim pogrom began with the murder of a herdsman in the Panj Peer shrine and a Muslim labourer in the centre of Jammu city in the first week of September. Extremist Hindus and Sikhs committed the murders with the help and complicity of the Maharaja Hari Singh-led armies of the Dogra State. The RSS leaders and workers were complicit in organising and carrying out the atrocities.

Idrees Kanth, a fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam who studied the history of Kashmir in the 1940s, told Al Jazeera that the immediate impact (of partition) was seen in Jammu. “The Muslim subjects from different parts of Jammu province were forcibly displaced by the Dogra Army in a programme of expulsion and murder carried out over three weeks between October-November 1947,”.

The Dogra Army personnel started evicting Muslim peasants from Jammu province in the middle of October. The majority of the refugees were housed in refugee camps in the districts of Sialkot, Jhelum, Gujrat, and Rawalpindi after being directed on foot toward West Punjab, which would eventually become a part of Pakistan.

On November 5, Kanth claimed about the Dogra Army forces’ planned evacuation of Muslims that  “Instead of sending them to Sialkot, as they had been promised, the trucks drove them to wooded hills of Rajouri districts of Jammu, where they were executed.”

Demographic Changes

After the deaths and expulsion, the Muslims, who made up more than 60% of the population in the Jammu region, became a minority. According to a story from The Times, London, dated August 10, 1948: “2,37,000 Muslims were systematically exterminated – unless they escaped to Pakistan along the border – by the forces of the Dogra State headed by the Maharaja in person and aided by Hindus and Sikhs. This happened in October 1947, five days before the Pathan invasion and nine days before the Maharaja’s accession to India.”.

According to historians, the executions carried out by the Sikh and Hindu ruler’s armies were part of a “state sponsored genocide” to alter Jammu’s demographics, which had a predominately Muslim population.

Reports mention that Muslims who earlier were the majority (61 percent) in the Jammu region became a minority as a result of the Jammu massacre and subsequent migration.

According to PG Rasool, the author of a book The Historical Reality of Kashmir Dispute “The massacre of more than two lakh (two hundred thousands) Muslims was state-sponsored and state supported. The forces from Patiala Punjab were called in, RSS was brought to communalise the whole scenario and kill Muslims.”

Covering up of the Jammu Massacre

While it is unknown how many people were killed during the two-month-long killing spree, Horace Alexander’s report from The Spectator on January 16, 1948, is frequently cited. Alexander claimed that 200,000 people had died and that nearly 500,000 people had been displaced across the border into the recently formed country of Pakistan and the region of Kashmir that it controls.

India has ever since tried to free itself from the accountability of the past. The Jammu massacre has not only been left out of J&K’s historical narratives by the Indian state, but it has also been openly denied in its entirety.

Khurram Parvez, a noted human rights defender in Kashmir, told Al Jazeera that the ongoing conflict in Kashmir has its roots in 1947 massacre. “It is deliberately forgotten. Actually, the violence of that massacre in 1947 continues. Those who were forced to migrate to Pakistan have never been allowed to return,” he said.

What Does the Jammu Massacre mean for Kashmir today?

TheJammu massacregave India the opportunity to rewrite history, therefore relieving the Indian government from owning up to any responsibility for the atrocity. The Indian government is attempting to replicate this pattern in the Kashmir valley by systematically killing and exterminating Muslims and then covering it up. As more and more Indians obtain Kashmiri citizenship and are granted the ability to vote in state elections, this provides the necessary motive and encouragement for non-Kashmiris to relocate to Kashmir. While the right-wing BJP government has been milking the targeted killings of Kashmiri pandits in Kashmir. The communal violence against Muslims and the Jammu Massacre is the least talked about and written about in the history of the region.

[mohabbaat]

this is so funny you and everyone is talking about 500 years of suffering like babar made masjid on temple that has no proof was there toh aise toh aadhe hindu temple medieval age aur stone age mein stupas ko tod ke bane hai. literally what was happening before the delhi sultanate came in to existence. the temple of kalapriya destroyed by indra III for example. temple desecration was a pretty common affair. if the supreme court of india was any good (or let's be real not dominated by upper caste hindu who perpetuate brahman hindutva) the decision would have been babri masjid not mandir. india as it was made in 1947 died today.

there is nothing I can say which will change you point of view so 🤷🏻‍♀️.

[kashmir-smoke]

Harlem moment

[theinfinitedivides]

Sid. Sid ily ty for Pathaan and War and sh*t but we were doing so well until the 'POK will turn into IOP if you f*ck around and find out' line in the Fighter trailer like what are we doing. what are we trying to achieve pls help me out here

[toomuchsky]

just saw one of those long posts of resources but it was trying to provide resources for like. so many different world issues. and anyway what i’m trying to say is that the only news article it had for kashmir was about how kashmiri hindus are being targeted or whatever and it truly makes me scream and also like? maybe we shouldn’t be creating long ass posts like this for every single issue in the world. maybe we should recognize that there might be nuance and history that’s hard to parse out if you’re not familiar with that area.

[shahzadtravellingblogs]

Top 6 Places in Pakistan for Family Vacations

Introduction: Planning a family vacation in Pakistan? This beautiful country offers a plethora of destinations perfect for family trips, from stunning valleys to vibrant cities. Here are the top six places you should consider.

1. Murree:

Murree, often called the "Queen of Hills," is a popular hill station just a few hours from Islamabad. This destination is perfect for a family vacation with its cool weather, lush green hills, and scenic views. Visit Mall Road for shopping and dining, and take a ride on the Patriata chairlift for breathtaking views. Don't miss Pindi Point and Kashmir Point for some memorable family photos.

2. Hunza Valley:

Hunza Valley is a paradise on earth with its stunning landscapes and rich culture. The valley offers something for everyone in the family. Take a stroll through Karimabad Bazaar, visit the historic Baltit and Altit forts, and marvel at the majestic Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar peaks. The cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn colors are particularly spectacular.

3. Swat Valley:

Swat Valley, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Pakistan," is perfect for a family getaway. The valley is known for its beautiful rivers, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains. Mingora, the main town, offers comfortable accommodations and a variety of dining options. Visit Malam Jabba for skiing and trekking, and explore the historical sites in Saidu Sharif.

4. Skardu:

Skardu, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, is a haven for nature lovers. The serene Shangrila Resort, also known as "Heaven on Earth," offers stunning views and a peaceful environment. Take a boat ride on the clear waters of Upper Kachura Lake, and explore the historical Skardu Fort. For adventure seekers, a trip to Deosai National Park, known for its unique wildlife and flora, is a must.

5. Karachi:

Karachi, the bustling metropolis, offers a mix of cultural, historical, and recreational activities for families. Visit Clifton Beach for a fun day by the sea, explore the Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum to learn about Pakistan's history, and spend a day at the Karachi Zoo. The city also boasts numerous parks, museums, and shopping malls to keep everyone entertained.

6. Naran and Kaghan Valley:

Naran and Kaghan Valley are famous for their stunning landscapes and pleasant weather. Lake Saif-ul-Malook, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, is a must-visit. Enjoy trout fishing in the Kunhar River, and take a jeep ride to Babura Top for breathtaking views. The valleys are perfect for family pic

[digitalanivipracticeb]

6 Nehru's Controversial Decisions

Nehru's Controversial Decisions. Assessing Jawaharlal Nehru's impact as Prime Minister is subject to varied perspectives.

Accusations against Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, often center around six controversial decisions or actions. While interpretations vary, critics commonly point to the following aspects 6 Nehru's Controversial Decisions:

1. Kashmir Issue:

Nehru's handling of the Kashmir issue, especially his decision to seek the intervention of the United Nations, is criticized. Some argue that it led to a prolonged and complex dispute. Jawaharlal Nehru faced a highly controversial situation with the accession of Kashmir to India in 1947, amidst an invasion by Pakistani-backed tribal raiders. Despite a personal attachment to Kashmir, following Lord Mountbatten's suggestion, Nehru opted to involve the United Nations rather than take immediate military action. He pledged a plebiscite for Kashmir's people, a promise that was never fulfilled. This decision led to the division of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, sparking a long-standing conflict with significant human and diplomatic costs. Critics argue for a more decisive stance to secure the entire region, while supporters maintain that Nehru prioritized peace and democracy.

2. The Socialist Path:

Socialist ideals and a fondness for the Soviet model shaped Nehru's economic strategies. He prioritized state control and planning, imposing strict regulations on the private sector, and neglecting agriculture and social sectors. His import-substitution policy hindered foreign trade. These measures resulted in low growth, high inflation, persistent poverty, and corruption. Critics argue he stifled entrepreneurial spirit, while supporters maintain he aimed for a self-reliant and egalitarian society.

3. China Policy:

The border dispute with China and the war of 1962 are seen by critics as a failure of Nehru's foreign policy. Accusations range from diplomatic miscalculations to inadequate military preparedness. Nehru's foreign policy centered on non-alignment, fostering friendly ties, especially with newly independent nations in Asia and Africa. He aimed for a special bond with China, as seen in the slogan "Hindi-Chini bhai bhai" (Indians and Chinese are brothers). Despite warnings about China's expansionist agenda, he did not respond effectively to their actions, leading to the 1962 war and India's defeat. Critics argue he was naive, while supporters view him as a visionary peacemaker.

4. Political Approach:

Nehru's political approach, including his management of political dissent and handling of internal conflicts, has been questioned. The declaration of Emergency in 1975 during the tenure of his daughter, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is also linked to the political legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Nehru faces accusations of fostering dynastic politics and nepotism in India. He prepared his daughter, Indira Gandhi, as his successor, appointing her as the president of the Congress party in 1959. He prioritized loyalists and relatives over merit in key positions, sidelining figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, and Subhas Chandra Bose. The absence of a robust second line of leadership in both party and government is also noted. Critics argue that this undermined democratic and meritocratic values, while supporters assert it was a matter of trust and empowerment within his circle.

Nehru faces criticism for his policy of prioritizing minorities, especially Muslims, potentially at the expense of the Hindu majority. He backed separate electorates and reservations for Muslims pre-independence, contributing to India's partition. His opposition to a uniform civil code, aimed at ensuring equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion, and his support for the Muslim Personal Law, perceived as discriminatory against Muslim women, are notable points of contention. Critics argue bias against Hindus, while supporters maintain his stance was rooted in secularism and tolerance.

5. Defense Policy:

The perception that Nehru's defense policies were inadequate, especially during the Indo-China war, has been criticized. Some claim that stronger military preparedness could have averted the conflict. Nehru is criticized for neglecting the defense and security of the nation. His lack of emphasis on modernizing and expanding the armed forces, insufficient investment in nuclear and missile technology, and inadequate attention to security threats from neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan, are pointed out. The absence of a robust intelligence network and a clear security doctrine, coupled with neglecting separatist and extremist movements, like the Naga insurgency, Dravidian movement, and Naxalite uprising, is also cited. Critics argue he was weak in protecting the country, while supporters maintain his approach was progressive and peace-oriented.

6. Language Policy:

The decision on the choice of Hindi as the sole official language faced strong opposition, particularly in the southern states, leading to tensions and protests. Eventually, a more inclusive language policy was adopted. 6 Nehru's Controversial Decisions

[morningmantra]

Repeal of Article 370.. 'Pakistan' upset over the verdict

Repeal of Article 370.. Pakistan has gone ahead with the key judgment given by the Supreme Court of India stating that the abrogation of Article 370 is constitutional.

Pakistan has gone ahead with the key judgment given by the Supreme Court of India stating that the abrogation of Article 370 is constitutional. Islamabad: It is known that the Supreme Court has issued a key judgment that the repeal of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is constitutional. Pakistan has protested against this verdict. The judgment given…

[fairuzfan]

Thinking you can "help" by donating to NGOs as the end all be all is particularly insulting because:

1) my family, and many Palestinian diaspora families, have been donating to Palestinian charities for years and look at where we are at now (ie, the systematic violence has not been addressed AND we already have been consistently donating to make a difference, contrary to what people on here claim we aren't doing)

2) reframing this as a humanitarian issue rather than a systematic violence where a people are occupied by a colonial force

By all means, donate to charities I'm not going to say they're not necessary. They absolutely are. I donate to Palestinian Children's Relief Fund myself. It's a cause near and dear to my heart. However, monetary support and a hands off approach only goes so far and does not address systematic issues that communities face. If all we do is donate, we succumb to an endless spiral of reactive responses to violence rather than preventative.

NGOs are great but to say "just donate" and then ignore the issue completely is incredibly harmful. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are PLEADING for you to take action, get involved, spread information. So find your niche and please help! Make art! Attend protests! Hell, even reblogging posts with the intent to educate is useful.

Remember, our goal is short term AND long term liberation! So keep Palestine on your mind! Keep Tigray on your mind! Congo! Kashmir! We need to remember that the world we live in is not ok but it could be BETTER!!!

[timetravellingkitty]

KASHMIR MASTERLIST

Background

History of Kashmir from 250 BC to 1947 [to understand Kashmir's multi religious history and how we got to 1947]

Broad timeline of events from 1947 to the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in 2019 (BBC) [yes, BBC. hang on just this once]

Human Rights Watch report based on a visit to Indian controlled Kashmir in 1998 [has a summary, background, human rights abuses and recommendations]

Another concise summary of the issue

Sites to check out

Kashmir Action - news and readings

The Kashmiriyat - independent news site about ongoings in Kashmir

FreePressKashmir - same thing as previous

Kashmir Law and Justice Project - analysis of international law as it applies to Kashmir

Stand with Kashmir - awareness, run by diaspora Kashmiris (both Pandit and Muslim)

These two for more readings and resources on Kashmir: note that the petitions and donation links are from 2019 and also has explainers on the background (x) (x)

To read

Do You Remember Kunan Poshpora? - about women in the Kashmiri resistance movement and the 1991 mass rape of Kashmiri women in the twin villages of Kunan and Poshpora by Indian armed forces

Until My Freedom Has Come: The New Intifada in Kashmir - a compliation of writings about the lives of Kashmiris under Indian domination

Colonizing Kashmir: State Building under Indian Occupation - how Kashmir was made "integral" to the Indian state and examines state-building policies (excerpt)

Resisting Occupation in Kashmir - about the social and legal dimensions of India's occupation

On India's scapegoating of Kashmiri Pandits, both by Kashmiri Pandits (x) (x)

Of Gardens and Graves - translations of Kashmiri poems

Social media

kashiirkoor

museumofkashmir

kashmirpopart

posh_baahar

readingkashmir

standwithkashmir and their backup account standwithkashmir2 (main account is banned in India wonder why)

kashmirlawjustice

kashmirawareness

jammugenocide (awareness about the 1947 genocide abetted by Maharaja Hari Singh and the RSS)

To watch

Jashn-e-Azadi: How We Celebrate Freedom parts 1 and 2 - a documentary about the Kashmiri freedom struggle (filmed by a Kashmiri Pandit)

Paradise Lost - BBC documentary about how India and Pakistan's dispute over the valley has affected the people

Kashmir - Valley of Tears - the exhaustion with the conflict in the post nineties

In the Shade of Fallen Chinar - art as a form of Kashmiri resistance

Human rights violations (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

Land theft and dispossession (x) (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)

A note: I know annoying Desis are going to see this and go "Oh but Kashmir is Pakistan's because-" and "Kashmir is an integral part of India because-". I must make my stance clear: Kashmir belongs to the Kashmiris, the natives, no matter what religion they belong to. Neither Pakistan nor India get to decide the matter of Kashmiri sovereignty. The reasons given by both parties as to why Kashmir should be a part of either nation are bullshit. The United Nations itself recognises Kashmir as a disputed region, so I will not entertain dumbfuckery. I highly encourage fellow Indians especially to take the time to go through and properly understand the violence the government enacts on Kashmiris. I've also included links to learn more about Kashmiri culture because really, what do the rest of us know about it? Culturally and linguistically Kashmir differs so much from the rest of India and Pakistan (also the amount of fetishization of Kashmiri women...yikes). This is not just a bilateral issue between these two nations over land, this actually affects the people of Kashmir. And if you're still here, thank you for reading

[mzemo0]

The Case Of The Gyanvapi Mosque Explained

The Gyanvapi mosque complex is embroiled in a conflict that has yet again fuelled communal tensions in India. On Monday, September 12, the Varanasi District and Sessions Court rejected The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee’s appeal evoking the 1991 Places of Worship Act against the civil petition filed by a group of five Hindu women.

This civil petition by these women sought permission to worship Hindu deities inside the grounds of the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The “Anjuman Intezamia Masajid” is the Muslim committee that manages the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Brief History of the Gyanvapi Mosque Conflict

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque conflict began last year. In August 2021 a case was first registered and presented to the local court by five Hindu women. Then, in April 2022 the district court in Varanasi appointed an advocate commissioner namely Ajay Kumar Mishra to this case. In the same month, an important announcement was made by a civil court that affected the Hindu-Muslim tensions significantly. The announcement was a verdict that ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that inspection be done in the mosque. This inspection demanded a video survey of the Gyanvapi mosque be done.

One significant development happened on May 19 when this video survey was apparently “leaked” by the Hindu group. The controversial video apparently revealed a stone shaft that allegedly is a symbol of a Hindu deity, inside the mosque. However, even this claim has been refuted by many people. After that, the court sealed off a portion of the mosque without allowing the Intizamia committee to argue their case.

The Hindu group claimed the presence of a “shivling”, the holy Hindu artifact, inside the mosque. Simultaneously, after a petition by the Anjuman Iztizamiya Masajid, the supreme court was also looking into this case. The petition by the Intizamiya committee sought the intervention of the supreme court. The committee doubted the nature of the investigation being carried out by the district and civil court. The committee questioned the very basis of the petition.

The supreme court at that point in time didn’t comment much on the presence of a shivling inside the mosque. However, it did order that security is provided to the Indian Muslims worshippers in the Gyanvapi mosque. At the same time, the supreme court also said that the district court may continue to address this issue. The case will now be heard on September 22.

Historical claims at the Gyanvapi Mosque Complex

Many Hindu petitioners claim that the Gyanvapi Mosque was made after Muslims demolished the historic Hindu temple Kashi Vishwanath. They also claim that it was under the orders of the Muslim Mughal emperor Aurangzeb that the temple was razed. Many Hindus still ascertain that the mosque is still the original sacred site of Hindu worship.

Along with the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple- Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Ram Temple movement also sought to “liberate” the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque site and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. The Gyanvapi mosque is one of the three mosques that make up some catchphrases of the Hindutva. One of the popular ones is “Ayodhya toh jhaanki hai, Kashi-Mathura baaki hai,“. The BJP and other Hindutva organizations in the 1980s popularised this slogan. The slogan reads, “Ayodhya is just a trailer; Kashi and Mathura are next.”

The Intizamiya Committee approached the court claiming the nature of the petition of the Hindu group is in itself questionable. The mosque’s management committee claimed that the mosque next was Waqf property. What serves as the foundation for the defense of the Muslim committee is the Places of Worship Act of 1991.

Places of Worship Act of 1991

The long title describes it as “An Act to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August 1947, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”

A place of worship belonging to any religious tradition cannot be converted entirely—or even partially—into a place of worship belonging to another tradition, or even into a different branch of the same tradition, as stated in Section 3 of the Act.

According to Section 4(1), a place of worship “must continue to have the same character as it was on August 15, 1947” in terms of its religious affiliation.

As per Section 4(2), any lawsuit or legal action related to the conversion of a place of worship that existed on August 15, 1947, and was pending before any court, shall be dropped, and no new lawsuit or legal action shall be brought.

Section 5 states that the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case and any related lawsuit, appeal, or action are exempt from the Act’s application. Islamophobia

The Ram Temple movement was at its height when the then Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao introduced the Places of Worship Act. L. K. Advani’s rath yatra had increased communal tensions even before the extremist Hindutva mobs demolished the mosque. Attempting to avoid any further communal violence, the congress government passed the bill in the parliament.  

What did the Courts say about the Places of Worship Act in its Varanasi judgment?

District Judge A K Vishvesha noted in his ruling that one of the defendant’s “principal contentions” was that the plaintiff’s lawsuit was barred under Section 4 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The judgment did note that the plaintiffs claimed that “they were worshiping…at the disputed spot ceaselessly from a long time till 1993”. After 1993, they were only permitted to worship the aforementioned deities once a year under Uttar Pradesh’s regulated administration. Thus, according to the plaintiffs, they continued to frequently worship at the contested location even after 15 August 1947. “Therefore, The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, does not operate as a bar on the suit of plaintiffs, and the suit is not barred by…the Act”.

The constitutional validity of the 1991 Act was not under challenge. Nor had it been examined before the Supreme Court Bench that heard the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit. Even so, the court, while disagreeing with certain conclusions drawn by the Allahabad High Court, about the act made specific observations in its support.

Hindus and Muslims have prayed side by side in Varanasi. The heavily guarded structure serves as a reminder of this sight’s tense past. It is also a reminder of communal disputes and unrest in India. A country where Hindus make up the majority and Muslims constitute the largest religious minority.

[questlation]

The Jammu and Kashmir Issue

The Jammu and Kashmir Issue

Recent events have once again generated some curiosity and interest in the issue of Jammu & Kashmir. Basic facts pertaining to this issue are well established. However, there has been a concerted dis-information campaign that presents a distorted historical account of the developments that led to the irrevocable accession of the state of Jammu & Kashmir to India; the subsequent wars inflicted by…

[reportwire]

Assailants fatally shoot Hindu man in Kashmir

Assailants fatally shoot Hindu man in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India — Assailants on Saturday fatally shot a Kashmiri Hindu man in violence police blamed on militants fighting against Indian rule in the disputed region. Police said militants fired at Puran Krishan Bhat, who is from the minority community of Kashmiri Hindus, at his home in southern Shopian district. He was taken to a hospital where he died, police said in a statement. Police and…

[mikasasrippedtoenail]

Poor women in border areas are victims of mass rape. The soldiers posted there abuse their authority to violate women's bodies. Numerous women of Kashmir have come out against this gang rape yet the intellectuals of India remain silent. Women's issues are merely an afterthought to politicians.