Kashmir Day

Kashmir Solidarity Day or Kashmir Day is observed by entire Kashmiri people and diaspora on 5 February each year. It is in observance of Pakistan’s support of and unity with the people of Indian-Occupied Kashmir, the separatists’ efforts to secede from India, and to pay homage to the Kashmiris who have died while fighting with occupied Indian Armed forces. It is a display of unity and solidarity to reassure Kashmiris that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom. Solidarity rallies are held every year on this day not only in Pakistan but in other parts of the world as well to reiterate the right to self-determination.

As far as Indian brutalities are concerns, Pakistan stands with Kashmiris against India occupation and Human Rights Violations. In Modi’s India, the space for minorities is being diminished. Here, international community has an obligation to help Kashmiris get right of self-determination. In addition to this, Indian illegal actions are condemnable in every way. Indian Army personnel are carrying out humanitarian catastrophe in the valley by raping and killing women.

To expand its Hindutva empire and outreach, Indian government is now following Israeli model to convert Muslim majority Jammu and Kashmir into minority by allowing outsiders (non-resident of Kashmir) to buy land and residential certificate of Kashmir. People from other Indian states have now started purchasing the land in Jammu and Kashmir especially after the abrogation of Article 35A, which prohibits outsiders to get permanent land and domicile of Kashmir. Hindu fanatics are now being allowed to settle in the valley. The sole objective behind these illegal actions is to accomplish the idea of Akhand Bharat (United India) by increasing Hindu population in the valley. The nationalist Hindu leaders are the architecture of these actions.

Likewise, minorities in India are under severe stress of Modi government’s discriminatory policies, aimed at praising Hindus zealots. Muslims in India and Jammu and Kashmir are being portrayed as terrorists and outsiders. Hindu fanatics are making their lives miserable with every passing day. Whenever any terrorist incident happens in India or Kashmir, Indian nationalist establishment accused Muslims of orchestrating that incident. This has become anomaly in Modi’s India as liberal voices within the country are being suppressed and targeted. Modi’s India is trying to malign Muslims living across the country while calling them anti-nationals. In this regard, Modi government released a movie highlighting oppressions in Jammu and Kashmir while projecting Muslims as terrorists. After the release of anti-Muslim movie, various organizations, scholars and liberals are targeting government for hurting sentiments of Muslims.

Kashmiri even are not feeling safe in other parts of India, they are being terrorized and killed in other parts of India. India has always abused its power in Kashmir. This all was done on the basis of bayonet and misuse of power. Democracy is based on rule of law, justice, equality, and liberty. But it is quite ironic that these features of democracy are absent in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for which the BJP led government in India must be questioned. India has always abused her power in Kashmir, which calls upon the world conscience for the regional peace, prosperity, and stability.

Indian revisionist behaviour and aspirations of becoming regional leaders coupled with grave human rights violations in India and beyond has become a matter of serious concern for international community. India should keep in mind the fact that Kashmir is lying in between two nuclear countries. J&K is still a disputed territory and actions like abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A is an attempt to change international law. India has flouted international norms, and the UN must stop India from further pursuing its ulterior motives in the region. UN should also honor its 72 years old commitments.

Likewise, international community also pressurize India to stop human rights violations in the valley especially by its armed forces who are killing defenseless and innocent civilians. Because one day, these Indian actions will have spill-over effects on India as well. The world can prevent potential conflict between India and Pakistan before its happening. This area is a nuclear flash-point as I said earlier. The world cannot ignore this region and conflict as well. The time has come for the global community to launch their efforts for resolving this decades old conflict which is jeopardizing regional and global peace.