Abdul Basit Alvi
Civilization, a hallmark of human progress, takes various forms across nations. Advanced societies exhibit distinct traits that reflect their societal, political, and cultural achievements. These characteristics not only define their global stature but also influence their interactions with the international community.
At the core of advanced societies lies a strong commitment to the rule of law. These nations emphasize justice, equality, and transparency in their legal systems and governance. They uphold human rights, safeguard civil liberties, and ensure mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution. Accountable institutions, checks and balances, and effective law enforcement agencies are crucial for maintaining social order and fostering trust among citizens.
Advanced societies are often distinguished by thriving economies and sustainable development practices. They prioritize innovation, entrepreneurship, and investments in education and infrastructure. Economic stability, a robust middle class, and fair wealth distribution contribute to a high quality of life for their people. These nations also play pivotal roles in global trade and finance, promoting prosperity both domestically and abroad.
Cultural diversity is cherished and preserved in advanced societies, promoting tolerance, understanding, and social unity. They embrace multiculturalism, support artistic expression, conserve heritage, and celebrate linguistic diversity. Cultural diplomacy is recognized as vital for fostering international cooperation and mutual respect.
Education serves as a cornerstone of advanced societies, empowering individuals and driving
intellectual progress. These nations prioritize quality education at all levels and invest in research and development across various fields. A knowledgeable workforce fuels innovation and enhances competitiveness in the global economy.
Environmental stewardship and sustainability are priorities for advanced societies. They enact policies to address climate change, conserve natural resources, and promote clean energy solutions. Conservation efforts, efficient waste management, and eco-friendly initiatives are integral parts of their developmental strategies, ensuring a sustainable planet for future generations.
On the global stage, advanced societies actively participate in international affairs, advocating for peace, security, and cooperation. They engage in diplomacy, uphold international law, and collaborate in multinational organizations to tackle global challenges such as poverty, disease, and humanitarian crises. These nations prioritize dialogue and negotiation to foster global stability.
Advanced societies prioritize the well-being of their citizens, ensuring access to quality healthcare, social safety nets, and support systems for vulnerable populations. They invest in public health initiatives, disease prevention, and healthcare infrastructure to enhance life expectancy and reduce healthcare disparities.
Human rights serve as the foundation of advanced societies, reflecting a commitment to dignity, equality, and justice for all individuals. In these countries, the respect for human rights is not merely a legal or political obligation but a moral imperative that shapes governance, societal norms, and international relations. Advanced societies uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every human being as fundamental principles. Civilized countries acknowledge and protect essential rights such as the right to life, freedom from torture and slavery, freedom of expression, and the right to a fair trial. Upholding these rights guarantees that all individuals are treated with dignity and fairness under the law, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or social status.
Respect for human rights enhances social unity by fostering inclusivity and tolerance within societies. Advanced nations strive to eradicate discrimination and bias, cultivating environments where diversity is both valued and safeguarded. By ensuring equal opportunities and legal protections for everyone, these countries mitigate social tensions and cultivate a sense of community among their citizens.
Human rights form the bedrock of effective governance and the rule of law in civilized societies. Governments uphold accountability, transparency, and the safeguarding of civil liberties by adhering to international human rights standards and principles. Independent judiciary systems, effective law enforcement agencies, and robust legal frameworks ensure swift redress for human rights abuses and hold perpetrators accountable.
Promoting human rights is integral to advancing sustainable economic and social development. Civilized nations recognize that providing access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities empowers individuals to actively contribute to society. By investing in human potential and reducing disparities, these nations create conditions that foster long-term prosperity and societal advancement. On the global stage, advanced nations play a pivotal role in advocating for human rights and advancing democratic principles. They engage in diplomatic initiatives, uphold international human rights treaties, and condemn violations of human rights worldwide. Through leading by example and collaborating with other nations, these countries contribute significantly to global efforts aimed at safeguarding and promoting human rights universally.
Advanced nations prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations, including women, children, minorities, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. They implement policies and initiatives to address systemic discrimination, violence, and marginalization, ensuring these groups receive adequate legal protections and support. By advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable, these nations uphold values of compassion and solidarity.
Respect for human rights necessitates a commitment to accountability and justice for violations. Advanced countries establish truth and reconciliation commissions, support independent human rights monitoring bodies, and prosecute perpetrators of atrocities. Through holding individuals and institutions accountable, these nations demonstrate their dedication to upholding human rights principles and ensuring justice for victims.
The protection and promotion of human rights for minorities are essential aspects of advanced societies. Safeguarding the rights of minorities—whether defined by ethnicity, religion, language, or other characteristics—is crucial for fostering inclusivity, diversity, and social harmony. Recognizing and respecting minority rights not only reinforces fundamental principles of equality and justice but also enhances the overall well-being and prosperity of societies.
Granting human rights to minorities upholds the principle of equal treatment under the law, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. By prohibiting discrimination and promoting equal opportunities, societies create environments where all members can contribute fully without fear of bias or exclusion. Respect for minority rights strengthens social cohesion by acknowledging and celebrating the diversity inherent within societies. When minorities are embraced and included, it builds trust and cooperation among diverse groups. This inclusiveness reduces social tensions and fosters a sense of belonging across the community, thereby promoting a more united and resilient society.
Minority rights encompass the preservation and promotion of cultural, linguistic, and religious identities. These rights acknowledge the diversity of cultures and traditions, safeguarding them from assimilation or marginalization. Preserving cultural heritage not only enriches societal diversity but also enhances broader cultural appreciation and tolerance.
In democratic societies, safeguarding minority rights is crucial for ensuring representative governance and accountability. It ensures that all voices, including those of minorities, are heard and taken into account in decision-making processes. By promoting political participation and representation, minority rights strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the principles of justice.
Granting human rights to minorities also contributes to economic development by unlocking the potential of all members of society. When minorities have equal opportunities in education, employment, and access to resources, they can contribute significantly to economic growth and innovation. Inclusive economic policies that empower minorities foster a more dynamic and competitive economy. Without safeguarding minority rights, there is a risk of exclusion and marginalization, which can exacerbate inequalities and divisions within society. Ensuring equal rights and opportunities helps mitigate these risks, promoting social mobility and reducing disparities in accessing essential services such as healthcare and housing. Respecting minority rights is not just a domestic responsibility but also an international commitment under various human rights treaties and conventions. Countries that uphold minority rights demonstrate their adherence to global human rights standards and contribute to collective efforts to advance human dignity and justice worldwide.
India, which asserts itself as a secular, democratic, and civilized nation, has faced challenges in substantiating these claims in practice. In recent years, concerns have intensified over human rights violations against minorities, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite its diversity and pluralistic ethos, India has faced scrutiny regarding its treatment of minority communities, including Muslims, Christians, Dalits (Scheduled Castes), and Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes).
Minority groups in India, especially Muslims and Christians, have reported instances of discrimination, harassment, and violence. Incidents such as mob lynching, often associated with cow vigilantism, where individuals accused of consuming beef or transporting cattle have been targeted by vigilante groups, have instilled fear and insecurity among minority communities. Such incidents undermine their right to practice their religion freely without fear of persecution.
The enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019 triggered widespread protests and criticism both domestically and internationally. The CAA offers a path to Indian citizenship for undocumented migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, or Christians, but excludes Muslims. This legislation has been criticized for discriminating against Muslims and contradicting India’s secular constitutional principles.
Concerns have also been raised about laws and policies perceived as discriminatory, such as anti-conversion laws in several states, which are often used against religious minorities and accused of infringing on individuals’ freedom to choose and practice their religion. Furthermore, despite legal protections aimed at promoting equality and social justice, Dalits and Adivasis continue to confront systemic discrimination and marginalization.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, there has been a rise in Hindu nationalist rhetoric and policies promoting a vision of India as a Hindu-majority nation, which has further exacerbated concerns about minority rights and religious freedoms. These developments have sparked concerns among minority communities regarding their status, rights, and position within Indian society. Such ideologies and policies have contributed to an atmosphere of intolerance and exclusion, which undermines the secular foundations of India’s democratic framework. Under the Modi administration, India’s human rights record has faced criticism from international human rights organizations, foreign governments, and United Nations bodies. There have been widespread calls globally for upholding secularism, pluralism, and the rights of minorities, expressing concerns over the potential erosion of democratic values and constitutional protections for all citizens.
One of the most troubling trends observed during the Modi administration has been the increase in incidents of mob lynching targeting minorities, particularly Muslims and Dalits. These incidents frequently arise from allegations related to cow slaughter or consumption of beef, often fueled by cow protection laws and vigilante groups. In 2015, the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, based on rumors of storing beef in his home, provoked widespread outrage and underscored the risks of communal violence driven by religious tensions.
Several states in India have introduced anti-conversion laws ostensibly to prevent coerced religious conversions but which have been used to target religious minorities, particularly Christians. These laws have resulted in harassment, arrests, and violence against Christian communities, who encounter discrimination and intimidation for practicing and spreading their faith.
Despite legal protections, Dalits and Adivasis continue to confront systemic discrimination, social marginalization, and violence. Incidents of caste-based violence, including sexual assault and homicide, underscore deep-rooted social inequalities and the difficulties in achieving justice and equality for marginalized communities. Ineffective enforcement of laws and policies aimed at safeguarding Dalit and Adivasi rights exacerbates their susceptibility to exploitation and abuse.
Under the Modi administration, there has been a crackdown on dissenting voices, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates critical of governmental policies. Activists, journalists, and academics have encountered harassment, arbitrary detentions, and charges under stringent laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), often utilized to suppress freedom of expression and quell political opposition.
Development initiatives, particularly those related to infrastructure and resource extraction, have frequently disregarded the rights of indigenous communities, resulting in displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental harm. Despite legal safeguards, indigenous communities, including Adivasis, continue to confront challenges in asserting their land rights and preserving their cultural heritage.
The Kashmir conflict remains one of the most protracted disputes in modern history, significantly shaping the geopolitical landscape of South Asia for over seven decades. As the Indian subcontinent gained independence from British rule, princely states were given the choice to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. Kashmir, a princely state with a predominantly Muslim population ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, became a major point of contention. Despite the Kashmiri people’s preference to join Pakistan, Maharaja Hari Singh opted for accession to India against their wishes. This disputed accession triggered the First Indo-Pakistani War over Kashmir.
A part of Kashmir, known as AJK, was liberated through joint efforts by Kashmiris, Pakistan, and tribal groups from Pakistan. The United Nations intervened and brokered a ceasefire in January 1949, establishing a Line of Control (LoC) that demarcated areas administered by India (IIOJK) and Pakistan (AJK). In the decades that followed, Kashmir remained a persistent source of tension between India and Pakistan, marked by sporadic conflicts and periodic diplomatic efforts aimed at resolution. The special status of IIOJK within India was governed by Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted the region autonomy in internal affairs, excluding defense, foreign affairs, and communications. However, in August 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, sparking protests and inviting international scrutiny. Since the late 1980s, IIOJK has experienced an insurgency driven by human rights abuses, and aspirations for self-determination. Indian security forces have faced allegations of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions. This conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced numerous families, exacerbating humanitarian challenges in the region.
Efforts to resolve the Kashmir conflict have included diplomatic initiatives by the United Nations, bilateral talks between India and Pakistan (such as the Shimla Agreement in 1972 and the Lahore Declaration in 1999), and Track II dialogues involving civil society and academic institutions. However, sustained peace remains elusive, with periodic escalations in violence and diplomatic tensions impacting regional stability.
IIOJK remains heavily militarized, with periodic restrictions on communication and movement imposed. India maintains IIOJK as an integral part of its territory, while Pakistan advocates for the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. The conflict continues to affect millions, prompting global calls for dialogue, respect for human rights, and a peaceful resolution.
Numerous international human rights organizations, alongside local and international media outlets, have reported allegations of atrocities committed by Indian security forces in IIOJK. Reports indicate that security forces have been involved in extrajudicial killings of civilians and suspected militants under the guise of counterinsurgency operations. There are widespread allegations of torture and arbitrary detentions, with individuals reportedly subjected to physical and psychological abuse while in custody.
Frequent internet shutdowns and curfews have severely restricted freedom of movement and communication in Kashmir. Journalists and activists have faced intimidation and harassment for reporting on sensitive issues. The use of pellet guns by security forces during protests has resulted in severe injuries, including permanent blindness, among civilians, including children. Reports also document cases of enforced disappearances, where individuals have been detained without acknowledgment of their whereabouts or legal status. Forced displacements due to conflict and security operations have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
Allegations of atrocities in IIOJK have prompted international condemnation and scrutiny. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have extensively documented and reported on these violations, urging for accountability and justice. The United Nations has also expressed concerns about the situation and called for dialogue and respect for human rights. The human rights situation worsened following the abrogation of Article 370.
August 5, 2019, marks a significant and contentious milestone in the history of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). On this date, the Government of India undertook a controversial and far-reaching action that has had profound repercussions both domestically and internationally. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the government made the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian Constitution. The decision effectively annulled the special status previously granted to Jammu and Kashmir and divided the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Globally, this move has been condemned as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a violation of the rights and aspirations of the people of IIOJK.
Following August 5, 2019, Kashmir faced a severe crackdown on dissent and civil liberties. The region underwent a communications blackout, accompanied by restrictions on movement and a significant deployment of security forces. Reports surfaced detailing arrests, detentions, and alleged human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and constraints on freedom of expression.
The international community responded with concern and criticism regarding the situation in Kashmir post-August 5, 2019. The United Nations and various human rights organizations called for restraint, dialogue, and respect for human rights. Pakistan strongly opposed India’s actions, reducing diplomatic relations and raising the issue on international platforms.
Kashmir remains heavily militarized, with periodic internet shutdowns and ongoing restrictions on civil liberties. The region continues to experience intermittent violence and unrest, exacerbating humanitarian concerns and deepening political divisions. Efforts toward achieving peace and dialogue have remained elusive, leaving Kashmiris uncertain about their future and their aspirations for self-determination. Allegations of atrocities committed by Indian forces in IIOJK have escalated significantly since August 5, 2019. Reports indicate that over the past five years, more than 11,264 women have reportedly been subjected to rape, and more than 22,976 women have been widowed due to actions attributed to the Indian Army. Additionally, more than 15,000 Kashmiris have suffered injuries or blindness, while over 171,627 Kashmiris have been imprisoned during this period. Shockingly, reports also suggest the existence of more than 6,700 mass graves and over 96,320 cases of innocent Kashmiris being killed.
India’s involvement in what is described as demographic apartheid in IIOJK is equally concerning, with reports indicating that more than 2,175,185 hectares of land have been allegedly expropriated, and over 250,000 illegal domiciles have been reportedly issued within this five-year span.
The animosity towards India among Kashmiris has intensified significantly since August 5, 2019. This date serves as a stark reminder to India that its alleged atrocities and unilateral actions have not dampened the Kashmiri liberation movement or their demand for the right to self-determination. The international community should take note of what is described as Indian brutality, atrocities, and human rights violations in IIOJK, and advocate for India to respect the right to self-determination for Kashmiris as outlined in UN resolutions. Kashmiris express a desire to exercise their right to self-determination and align with their natural choice, which they perceive to be Pakistan, rather than continuing under Indian governance.
