Kashmir Solidarity Day – A Voice for the Oppressed ( 5th February)

 

Every year on February 5th, Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day to express unwavering support for the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This day is a reminder of the struggle of Kashmiris for self-determination and highlights the continuous human rights violations committed by the Indian government. The issue of Kashmir is not just a territorial dispute; it is a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention and resolution in accordance with United Nations (UN) resolutions.

Historical Background and the UN Resolutions

The Kashmir dispute dates back to 1947, when India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule. Following a controversial accession to India, the region has remained a flashpoint for conflict. Recognizing the dispute, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed several resolutions, particularly Resolutions 47 (1948), 51 (1948), 80 (1950), and 91 (1951), which called for a plebiscite to allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their future. However, India has consistently refused to implement these resolutions, denying Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

Human Rights Violations by the Indian Government

Despite international concerns, India has intensified its repression in Kashmir through various means. Some of the key violations include:

1. Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A

On August 5, 2019, the Indian government unilaterally revoked Article 370 and 35A of its constitution, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. This move was widely condemned as a violation of UN resolutions and an attempt to alter the region’s demography by allowing non-Kashmiris to settle in the territory.

2. Military Siege and Communication Blackout

Following the abrogation, India imposed a strict curfew, communication blackout, and military siege in the region. For months, the Kashmiri people were cut off from the world, facing shortages of food, medicine, and essential services. The heavy militarization of Kashmir, with over 900,000 Indian troops, has turned the region into one of the most militarized zones in the world.

3. Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances

Indian forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and custodial torture under draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA). Thousands of Kashmiris, including young boys, have been arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and even killed in fake encounters.

4. Use of Pellet Guns and Blinding of Civilians

Indian security forces have used pellet shotguns as a means of crowd control, resulting in thousands of Kashmiri civilians, including children, being permanently blinded. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned this practice as a severe violation of human rights.

5. Suppression of Press and Political Activists

Journalists, human rights activists, and political leaders in Kashmir face constant threats, detentions, and censorship. International media outlets have reported widespread intimidation of local journalists, further suppressing the voices of the Kashmiri people.

 

Pakistan’s Support for Kashmir

Pakistan has been a staunch supporter of the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination and has consistently raised the issue at international forums, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international human rights organizations. The country has taken multiple measures to support Kashmiris:

• Diplomatic Efforts: Pakistan continues to advocate for Kashmir on global platforms, urging the international community to pressure India into holding a UN-mandated plebiscite.
• Moral and Political Support: Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day with rallies, speeches, and events that highlight the oppression in IIOJK, keeping global attention on the issue.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Pakistan provides aid to Kashmiri refugees and displaced families, ensuring access to food, healthcare, and education.
• Public Mobilization: Every year, Pakistanis hold massive rallies, human chains, and social media campaigns to voice their solidarity with Kashmiris.
• Media Advocacy: Pakistani media actively covers the Kashmir issue, exposing human rights abuses and amplifying the voices of Kashmiri leaders and activists.

International Response and the Role of the UN

Despite mounting evidence of human rights violations, global powers and the United Nations have largely remained silent or ineffective in taking decisive action against India. The UN has repeatedly reaffirmed that Kashmir is a disputed territory and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. However, India's refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations and its continued defiance of UN resolutions remain a major obstacle to peace in the region.

Conclusion: The Need for Global Action

Kashmir Solidarity Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing oppression, injustice, and human rights violations faced by the Kashmiri people. The international community must uphold the principles of justice and human rights by pressuring India to end its occupation, restore Kashmir’s autonomy, and hold a UN-mandated plebiscite. Until then, the struggle for Kashmir’s freedom continues, and voices around the world must stand in solidarity with the oppressed.

On this day, Pakistan and people around the world reaffirm their commitment to standing with Kashmiris in their fight for self-determination, echoing their call for justice and freedom from Indian oppression.