Introduction

The ongoing debate surrounding the issue of human rights abuses in Kashmir centers around the persistent belief that India is violating fundamental rights in the region. However, this narrative is often clouded by a broader scrutiny of Pakistan's own human rights record and the deep-rooted nationalism that permeates both countries.

Perceptions from Pakistan

In Pakistan, there is a prevalent notion that India is systematically and adversely violating human rights in Kashmir. This perception is fueled by years of political rhetoric and media portrayals that have deemed India the antagonistic party in the Kashmir conflict.

Historical Context

Historically, Pakistan's stance on human rights has often been questionable. The country's military interventions, particularly in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), have been marked by widespread human rights abuses. Furthermore, Pakistan's treatment of minorities, like the Ahmadi community and women, has been concerning.

Defunct Narrative of Two Rights

The argument that 'two wrongs make a right' is often invoked when discussing India's actions in Kashmir. Pakistan's own history of human rights violations makes it peculiar to hold India to the same standard. While Pakistan questions India's actions under exceptional laws like the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), it frequently overlooks its own grim record.

On platforms like Quora, the debate is often stunted by nationalist sentiment. Indians often avoid discussing the human rights abuses by their own army, instead focusing on the challenges faced by marginalized groups like Dalits. Similarly, Pakistanis are reluctant to question their own military's conduct, deflecting attention to other countries' perceived abuses.

Living Rooms and Media

In both Pakistan and India, the home sphere is often shielded from the discourse of human rights. The reality of human rights violations, whether by one's own government or external forces, does not find frequent discussion in middle-class living rooms. This is not due to a lack of awareness but rather, a deep-seated adherence to nationalistic sentiments.

Nationalism vs Human Rights

For most Indians, the romanticization of the Indian Army overshadows the actual issues on the ground. Rather than engaging with human rights violations, there is a tendency to cast them under the mantle of national security. Intellectuals and activists, like Arundhati Roy, who highlight the extent of violence by the Indian army, are often labeled as anti-nationals or accused of promoting Western agendas.

Similar Tendencies in Pakistan

Similarly, in Pakistan, any attempt to discuss human rights abuses, especially against minorities, is met with a backlash. Fundamentalist groups often label the critics of human rights as enemies of Islam, thereby stifling any meaningful discourse.

Both countries grapple with the challenge of reconciling their nationalistic aspirations with the imperative of upholding human rights. While the reality of human rights violations exists, the discourse is often marred by nationalistic biases and historical narratives. It is crucial for both nations to engage honestly and critically with their own records to foster a more humane and just future.