An imperfect peace: The success of Simla Agreement

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An imperfect peace: The success of Simla Agreement

By Sushant Singh

Deccan Herald

July 18, 2022

When exactly was the 50th anniversary of the Simla Agreement? Technically, it was signed at 12.40 am on July 3, 1972, but it carries the date July 2, 1972. This is because the talks had been announced as failed and the Doordarshan crew had packed up and gone. The Indian side wanted an Accord while the Pakistanis proposed a Joint Statement. Eventually, negotiations did lead to an Agreement, based on the third draft presented by India; the TV crew was called back to film the signing ceremony. The Simla Agreement has just six paras; the myths criticising it run into volumes.

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STATEMENT

January 17th, 2024

On 10th January 2024, CPR received a notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelling its FCRA status. The basis of this decision is incomprehensible and disproportionate, and some of the reasons given challenge the very basis of the functioning of a research institution. This includes the publication on our website of policy reports emanating from our research being equated with current affairs programming.

During the tenure of our suspension, we sought and obtained interim redress from the honourable Delhi High Court and will continue to seek recourse in all avenues possible.

This cancellation comes after a decision to suspend the FCRA status in February 2023. These actions followed an Income Tax “survey” that took place in September 2022. The actions have had a debilitating impact on the institution’s ability to function by choking all sources of funding. This has undermined the institution’s ability to pursue its well established objective of producing high quality, globally recognised research on policy matters, which it has been recognised for over its 50 years’ existence. During this time the institution has been home to some of the country’s most distinguished academics, diplomats and policymakers.

CPR firmly reiterates that it is in complete compliance with the law, and has been cooperating fully and exhaustively at every step of the process. We remain steadfast in our belief that this matter will be resolved in line with constitutional values and guarantees.

From the President, CPR

Opinion and commentary

An imperfect peace: The success of Simla Agreement

By Sushant Singh