(IPT) American Islamists pushed alarmist rhetoric and double standards following the Indian ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)’s recent action ending autonomy for the Indian portion of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Himalayan Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan since the two countries gained independence from British rule in 1947. The state is not just divided between India and Pakistan, but China still controls a fifth of the territory. Both India and Pakistan claim the state in its entirety and have fought multiple wars over it.
The tension reignited Aug. 5 after India repealed a “temporary” constitutional provision giving Jammu and Kashmir autonomy over laws outside of defense, foreign affairs, finance and communications. The latter remain controlled by the central government in New Delhi. Now the Indian portion of Jammu and Kashmir is divided into two federally administered territories governed by New Delhi.
