How Inviolate Are Our Treaties?

According to many hawks - and not just in the BJP - adopting a soft approach towards Kashmir is a very bad idea. According to columnist Virendra Kapoor, "any suggestion that India should withdraw from all facets of policy making other than defence, currency and foreign affairs" is tantamount to handing over Kashmir to Pakistan on a platter. There is sound logic in this view. There is no doubt that Pakistan is fermenting unrest in the valley and needs to be dealt with a firm hand. However, it also raises the larger question of how we, as a sovereign nation, regard our treaty obligations. When the predominantly Muslim princely state of Kashmir acceded to Hindu India, it was under the stipulation that the state would have autonomy in all matters except defence, currency and foreign affairs. Successive governments have casually shrugged off that commitment, but does it behove us as a responsible sovereign nation? By all means, take strong actions to counter Pakistan's nefarious designs. Increase surveillance along our border to stop infiltration. Lock up those who are clearly working against India's integrity. (Incidentally, that is the true definition of sedition; not Ramya declaring that ordinary Pakistani's are just like us. Please stop making us a laughing stock in the international community.)

We cannot afford to so casually renege on our treaty obligations. A similar thing happened in the 1970s, when Indira Gandhi arbitrarily abolished the Privy Purses of the erstwhile Maharajas. When Sardar Patel persuaded the former princely states to join the Indian Union, it was with the commitment that the rulers and their descendants would receive a Privy Purse as compensation. One can argue that Maharajas have no place in a democratic society, but a commitment at a national level should be binding, irrespective of the government in power. It cannot be revoked without a public debate, or preferably an Amendment to the Constitution.

If we are to be seen as a responsible nation in the world community, we must be seen to honour our treaty obligations. We cannot junk them whenever they become inconvenient.

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