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Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India surprised the world by unilaterally withdrawing the constitutional arrangement that gave Jammu and Kashmir a special autonomous status. Not dissimilar to the Chinese province of Xinjiang, a matter we looked at last week, this autonomy was more symbolic than real with Indian governments of all hues dictating the terms of administrative power and heavily securitising the region, subjecting ordinary Kashmiris to a life of harassment, arbitrary arrest, imprisonment and worse. Nevertheless, the move is unprecedented and paves the way to changing the demographic realities on the ground and ultimately absorbing Kashmir into India.

The repeal of Articles 370 and 35A by the BJP government, despite the consternation of the opposition in Parliament, preceded a lockdown in occupied Kashmir, restricting the movement of its population, the closure of public institutions including mosques and the total suspension of all forms of communications, to prevent coordinated protest. Members of the pro-New Delhi government in Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital were placed under house arrest and a heavy Indian army presence reinforced Modi’s commitment to carry through on what most felt until then was a mere empty manifesto slogan.

This week on The Thinking Muslim we look at why Modi decided to take this step now. In the first in a two-part programme, we take a look at the politics behind the decision. It is often the case that the worldwide Muslim community is expected to move from one crisis to another, numbed by the intensity of shocks we face the world over at the hands of dictators and democratic demagogues, of which Modi is just one variety. We often jump to action by way of collecting charity or chanting at protests, all of which may have a place and for sure help to reinforce our sense of commitment to our ummah. Without a clear understanding of the political realities, we can often be overtaken by superficial emotions and empty sloganeering.

However, from the very first days of the message of Muhammad (saw), Islam taught the believers to be fully aware of the world around us and to be cognisant of the plans of the world powers, both regional and global. The Messenger of Allah (saw) nurtured a deep understanding within the Sahabah, the majority of whom were young, this manifested in a profound belief in Allah (swt) the Creator and sustainer of all; an understanding of Islam that produced a unique way of thinking and a reading of international relations that enabled these companions to formulate deliberate stratagems to create opportunities for the fledgling community, rather than to just respond to the plans of others. Within time, these companions became world statesmen, politicians and diplomats, representing Islam on the world stage with awareness and foresight.

In our contemporary world, there is a need to develop such breath of understanding so we don’t merely respond to events in a way that consumes our energies but rather by realising how this ummah has become the subject of one political scheme or another and then to act in a way to reverse this wretched state of affairs. As I stated last week, this podcast aims to frame Islam as it should be, a universal faith that has a universal spirit.

Next week, in the second part dedicated to Kashmir, the show will take a look at events from those in Kashmir and India, evaluating the Hindutva doctrine that drives Modi and large numbers of Indians and how this impacts upon the Muslim community.

This week I am pleased to have Dr. Omar Khan to talk us through the emerging crisis. Dr. Omar is a risk analyst working in London, formerly of the University of London’s Royal Holloway College Politics and International Relations department. His research focus primarily concerns South Asia and I am sure you will find his perspective refreshing. We are going to take a deep dive into the motivations surrounding Modi’s decision, Pakistan’s response, why current US negotiations with the Taliban is key to understanding the timing of the decision and China’s muted role in responding to the crisis. I would advise, if you are not familiar with the geography, to take a look at the maps below.

I invite you as always to join the discussion, you may contact the programme either through Twitter @thinking_muslim or below. Please do subscribe so you do not miss a show and if you find today’s content useful please remember to share it with others.

The current political reality — and demographic makeup

Pakistan currently holds

Azad Kashmir (occupied by Pakistan in 1947 in 1st Indo-Pak War)

Gilgit Agency (occupied by Gilgit Scouts in 1947–1948. Later controlled by Pakistan)

Baltistan (occupied by Gilgit Scouts in 1947–1948. Later controlled by Pakistan)

Part of Siachen Glacier

India occupies

Jammu

Kashmir (excluding Azad Kashmir)

Ladakh

Part of Siachen Glacier

China holds

Aksai Chin (controlled by China since 1940s)

Shaksgam + part of Baltistan (ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963)