THE killings of Kashmiris continue unabated in India-occupied Kashmir. Recent human rights violations in held-Kashmir by Indian forces have shaken world conscience.

This is the new phase of aggressive and hegemonic Hindu nationalism. Indian secularism that earned India a place in the comity of nations as a relatively soft and responsible country seems to be over now.

The world is now witnessing a majoritarian reactionary and exclusive India. The very foundations of nationhood are being redefined. The situation looks complex not only for a pluralist country like India but for the whole region where concepts of the state and nation are being challenged by the rise of the far-right.

Indian state has survived the past 72 years as one geographical entity owing to its inclusive constitution even though many new units have been created on the demand of local movements.

The state crushed many separatist movements. In 1984 India obliterated Sikh separatists inside their most sacred temple. By doing so it conveyed a clear message that its secularism is supreme.

The real test of the tenacity of the Indian state is yet to come. This rise of Hindu nationalism is an outcome of free and fair elections.

It is a conscious decision by millions of Indian voters.

Malik Atif Mahmood Majoka

Melbourne, Australia

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2019