Updated 22 Aug, 2019 11:57am

Did Chetan Bhagat just reduce mass detentions in occupied Kashmir to a math problem?

Bestselling Indian writer Chetan Bhagat, prone to opine on every topic under the sun, dipped his toes once again into the ongoing events in occupied Kashmir, with disappointing results.

On Twitter, Bhagat justified mass detentions in India-held Kashmir by claiming the move ensures peace in the region and, more implicitly, dehumanising Kashmiri protestors to a math problem.

His lack of empathy and context was pointed out on Twitter

Math isn't everyone strong subject but we sure don't publicise it...

The fiction writer also recommended economic policy for the occupied region — the most militarised in the world

He tweeted that "politics" should be sidelined in favour of measures like joint ventures, job creation and tax incentives for corporations and other businesses that choose to invest in the region

On that front, too, Bhagat was widely panned, with some pointing out that Indian economic policy geared towards the region already exists — and has achieved mixed results.

Others also pointed out that economic conditions in mainland India are not too rosy either.

Some people also highlighted that business is difficult to sustain in a context where curfew, cuts to power, internet and communications and closures are common, hinting that matters underlying those issues should be addressed first.

We're hoping you can do better, Chetan!

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