IMRAN KHAN VS. NARENDRA MODI
| Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan addressed the 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, 2019. |
PM Narendra Modi had spoken first. He emerged out as a Statesman with his speech at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Modi’s speech is all about supporting India’s initiatives in the last 5 years. He stressed on the actions and initiatives undertaken in the last five years towards development, peace, and security worldwide. He concluded his speech by giving a message of “peace and harmony”.
PM Modi talked about various Government initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Financial Inclusion, India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping Missions and so on.
Mr. Modi and his subordinates have described their move as an internal domestic matter aimed at making the region more prosperous.
His only reference to Pakistan and Kashmir was oblique, saying India had long been a victim of terrorism. He stated;
“Our voice against terrorism, to alert the world about this evil, rings with seriousness and the outrage. It is absolutely imperative that the world unites against terrorism.”
Mr. Modi, in his speech, sought to portray India as a peace-loving nation.
About an hour later, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan responded with passion. He criticized India over its Kashmir crackdown and warned of a “blood bath” if Indian authorities lift a curfew over the disputed territory, Kashmir. The actions of the Indian government provoke a war between the two nuclear-armed countries. The Indian authorities revoked the constitutional provision which stated the autonomy of Kashmir. Indian government stripped Kashmir of its special status and since August, they arrested thousands of Kashmiris, mobile and internet services remain suspended in the territory and imposed a curfew on the entire population of about 8 million.
PM Imran Khan has frequently reminded the world that Pakistan and India are both nuclear powers. He has used terms like genocide to describe India’s intentions for the disputed Kashmir region and has complained that Mr. Modi has ignored his plea for dialogue.
Mr. Khan said;
“ Is it arrogance that has blinded him from what is going to happen when the curfew is lifted? Does he think the people of Kashmir will quietly accept the status quo? ”
PM Imran Khan has frequently reminded the world that Pakistan and India are both nuclear powers. He has used terms like genocide to describe India’s intentions for the disputed
Kashmir region and has complained that Mr. Modi has ignored his plea for dialogue.
After the aforementioned speech of two leaders, a large number of people staged protests supporting and opposing India’s action in Kashmir took place across the street from UN headquarters in New York.
