10th Feb

Faez Esa Judgement Reflections

Few days ago, SC bench headed by Justice Faez Esa announced the much awaited judgement of the Faizabad Dharna case. The preamble is rife with searing criticism on institutions, political parties and individuals for their role in the dharna saga, directly or indirectly. The judgement had the following important characteristics, such as:

• The Dharna was termed as illegal and an infringement on the basic rights of the common citizens
• Intelligence agencies had passive role in inciting the problem and provided the example of  high ranking member of armed forces distributing money to the protesters. These institutions were reminded not to exceed their constitutional role 
• Media played an irresponsible role and provided air time to the hate speech. Some anchors and politicians were also criticized on the same charge

India-Pakistan Talks - Long wait till Indian elections

The recent opening of Kartarpur border opening was globally hailed as a positive step between India and Pakistan. Both having nuclear armed states, increases the stakes for peace in the region. However, the Kartarpur opportunity and Pakistan's overtures have been sidelined by New Delhi. These are the  probable reasons, such  as:

• Indian state elections are approaching near and Modi led BJP wants to brand themselves as tough in dealing with Pakistan
• The Kartarpur opening has reignited the Indian anxiety about its fall out on the peace on the Indian Punjab. Referendum2020 is  a symbolic campaign which can be reinvigorated  with the exchange of Indian Sikhs with its brethren in Pakistan. 

Why Bangladesh Excelled and Pakistan did not?

Bangladesh and Pakistan separated in 1971 after the civil war and India's intervention in the conflict. That being a huge blow to the western wing was deemed as a sign by the optimistic intelligentsia to correct the course. However, Pakistan erred again and again, the same mistakes made earlier. Today Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economy with 7.8 percent growth rate against Pakistan's 5.6 percent last year. Some of the reasons for Bangladesh's phenomenal rise are:

• Bangladesh invests in poverty alleviation, health and human development
• Constant military interventions are stalled and institutions work within their ambit
• Ties with India is tense at times but the priorities of the nations does not waver
• effective population control policies