Jayapal, who in 2016, became the first Indian-American woman elected to Congress, knows a thing or two about human rights. After immigrating to the US as a teenager, she spent much of her life as a rights activist. Just last year, she was arrested while participating in a protest against the Trump immigration’s policies. She is also no friend of Pakistan, having criticised alleged rights violations here. But that has not stopped Indian trolls and armchair experts from attacking her. While some attacks are frivolous and benign, racist comments were also directed at her, and some even questioned the veracity of her accusations, citing the fact that the Indian media says all is well in Kashmir. You know, the same Indian media that still claims India successfully attacked Balakot when every single foreign news outlet and a few smaller Indian ones agree that India only killed a few trees. Even Congressman Watkins, an Afghan war veteran, is not considered pro-Pakistan. But like his colleague, he is troubled by the events in IOK.
The resolution actually does make explicit mention of the threat of “cross-border terrorism”, but rejects India’s arbitrary detention, use of excessive force against civilians, and suppression of peaceful protest. Yet, it is likely that the authors themselves know India will disregard the resolution if it passes. Why else would it contain a sentence calling for New Delhi to condemn religiously-motivated violence, which has provided the entire foundation of Modi’s political career.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2019.
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