As it was February yesterday, a holiday in Pakistan to mark the Kashmir Day, I saw many families celebrating it a part of a long weekend. Come on!
AS it is about Kashmir, I am putting elections behind and devoting this piece to recall Kashmir.
On August 5, 2019, the Modi government dealt a severe blow to the Kashmiri people by revoking the special constitutional status of India-held Kashmir and annexing it to India. This move, accompanied by the deployment of the Indian army, imposed a lockdown, confining Kashmiris to their homes. Yesterday marked 1,644 days and today (Tuesday) 1,645 days since the inception of the Indian siege in the occupied valley, and the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen.
Despite facing cruelty, barbarity, and brutality, the Kashmiri people have not wavered in their pursuit of freedom. It is easy to celebrate the sacrifices of the Kashmiris calling them an example of resilience. The Indian government’s expansionist ambitions have cast a shadow over the last 76 years in Occupied Kashmir, exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents. The oppressive measures imposed by the Indian authorities have led to escalating human suffering, making daily life increasingly difficult for the Kashmiri population.
The prolonged siege has not extinguished the spirit of the Kashmiri people, who persistently hold onto their right to freedom. Again, I am using cliché statements. The resilience and determination exhibited by the Kashmiris in the face of adversity speak volumes about their unwavering commitment to their cause. As the international community observes these trying times, it becomes crucial to shed light on the plight of the Kashmiri people and advocate for a just and peaceful resolution to the longstanding Kashmir issue.
In the face of continued hardships, the indomitable spirit of the Kashmiri people remains a symbol of hope and resilience. It serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of justice and freedom is an enduring journey, and the global community must stand in solidarity with those who strive for their basic human rights.
I have seen determined Kashmiris and Pakistanis marking the Kashmir Day in London several times. Here in Pakistan, on this day, Kashmiris, along with Pakistan, India, and occupied Kashmir, join hands to observe Kashmir Unity Day. This day holds significance as a collective voice against the longstanding oppression and dominance that has persisted for over a century in India-held Kashmir. In Pakistan, this day is marked with special arrangements at public and private levels, aiming to express unwavering solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters striving for freedom from Indian rule. The objective is to draw the attention of the United Nations towards the atrocities inflicted by India.
The roots of Kashmir Solidarity Day trace back to 1975 when former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto initiated a nationwide strike to protest the so-called Muaahdeh Kashmir. This agreement, presented by the then puppet chief minister Sheikh Abdullah in the Assembly of India-held Kashmir, was formed in collaboration with Indira Gandhi. Officially recognized as Youm-i- İkjehti Kashmir by Benazir Bhutto’s government on February 5, 1990, this day of protest was embraced by Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmed. Over time, the government incorporated it into its Kashmir policy, and now, every year, Kashmir Solidarity Day is celebrated nationwide, delivering a resounding message to India that force cannot subjugate the will of the Kashmiri people, who must determine their own future through elections in line with UN resolutions.
For the past 76 years, the people of Kashmir have endured the oppression and violence of the Indian army and security forces, facing state terrorism and resisting the deceit of bigoted Indian leaders. The Kashmiri freedom movement stands unparalleled in human history, marked by a level of patience, persistence, and sacrifice that is unmatched. Countless have sacrificed their lives, and Kashmiri women, in particular, have borne the brunt of cruelty, offering sacrifices of innocence at the hands of the oppressive Indian forces.
This struggle for freedom holds a significant place in the completion and stability of Pakistan. The founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam, recognized the geographical importance of Kashmir, declaring it the artery of Pakistan. In 1948, when India forcibly entered its forces into Kashmir, Quaid-e-Azam directed the Pakistan Army to march on Kashmir to free Pakistan from the enemy. Unfortunately, this order was not executed, leading to the prolonged and contentious issue of Kashmir. India’s tactics, including forcibly occupying the region and then approaching the United Nations, fueled the Kashmiri Azadi movement.
