(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Mian Iftikhar Ahmad)
Kashmir Day underscores the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination and draws global attention to ongoing human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir
Kashmir Day, observed globally on February fifth, stands as a solemn reminder of the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination and their resistance against systematic oppression and human rights violations. This day represents not only a national duty for Pakistanis but also a moral and humanitarian obligation to stand with a people whose basic rights have been persistently violated. Since the early 1990s, the region of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed persistent political unrest, militarization, and an erosion of civil liberties under Indian occupation. Reports from human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International indicate widespread cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of speech, movement, and assembly. The Indian government’s policies in the region have included demographic engineering, wherein Muslim-majority areas are deliberately destabilized through displacement, land seizures, and resettlement programs that threaten the cultural and social identity of the Kashmiri people. The observance of Kashmir Day brings these issues to the forefront of national and international consciousness and serves as a platform to advocate for justice, accountability, and the implementation of United Nations resolutions, which recognize the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Every year, events organized across Pakistan, including rallies, seminars, and educational programs, aim to educate citizens about the sacrifices and ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people. Schools, colleges, and universities host lectures and discussions to introduce the youth to the historical and contemporary realities of Kashmir, emphasizing the moral responsibility of Pakistanis to support their Kashmiri brethren. Media outlets play a critical role by broadcasting special programs, documentaries, and interviews that highlight the plight of Kashmiris, their resilience, and their ongoing fight for freedom. Social media platforms amplify these voices further, creating international awareness and mobilizing global public opinion in support of the Kashmiri cause.
The historical context of Kashmir’s struggle is deeply rooted in the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, when the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, despite its Muslim-majority population, was controversially annexed by India. The United Nations intervened with resolutions calling for a plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to determine their own political future; however, these resolutions remain unimplemented. Subsequent decades have seen multiple wars between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, countless human rights violations, and a political stalemate that continues to affect regional peace and stability. Kashmir Day, therefore, is not only a symbol of solidarity but also an instrument to remind the international community of these unresolved historical grievances and the urgent need for diplomatic and humanitarian intervention.
One of the most critical aspects highlighted on Kashmir Day is the impact of militarization on ordinary Kashmiri lives. The presence of over 500,000 Indian troops in the region has transformed daily life into an environment of fear, curfew impositions, arbitrary checkpoints, and constant surveillance. The use of pellet guns, excessive force during protests, and targeted actions against youth activists have resulted in severe injuries, disabilities, and psychological trauma. Women have been disproportionately affected, facing harassment, sexual violence, and the loss of family members, while children have been denied basic education due to school closures and insecurity. The international community is repeatedly called upon to recognize these violations as breaches of international human rights law and to take tangible steps to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Kashmir Day also underscores the cultural and social dimensions of the conflict. The Kashmiri identity, characterized by its language, traditions, and religious practices, has been under sustained threat due to policies aimed at erasing or diluting their cultural heritage. Religious sites, shrines, and historic landmarks have been targeted, and restrictions on cultural expression have been imposed to undermine the Kashmiri ethos. Despite these efforts, the Kashmiri people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, preserving their language, customs, and social structures while continuing to assert their right to self-determination. This cultural perseverance is an integral part of the broader struggle, demonstrating that freedom is not merely political but also deeply tied to identity and heritage.
Politically, Kashmir Day emphasizes Pakistan’s ongoing support for the Kashmiri people within international forums. The Pakistani government consistently raises the Kashmir issue at the United Nations, in bilateral engagements, and at other international platforms, highlighting human rights abuses and advocating for the implementation of UN resolutions. Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aim to ensure that the global community remains aware of the severity of the situation and recognizes the legitimacy of the Kashmiri demand for freedom. Additionally, the day serves as a reminder to policymakers and citizens alike that sustainable peace in South Asia is inseparable from a just and fair resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Economically, the conflict has also had significant repercussions for Kashmir. Continuous militarization, restrictions on movement, and disruptions caused by curfews and unrest have led to unemployment, disruption of trade, and stifled local industries. Tourism, once a critical economic lifeline for the region, has been severely impacted, affecting livelihoods and exacerbating poverty. Kashmir Day reminds the world that the human cost of the conflict extends beyond immediate violence to long-term economic deprivation, which affects generations of Kashmiris.
From a strategic perspective, Kashmir holds immense geopolitical significance in South Asia, bordering China and Pakistan, and serving as a critical water source for the Indus River Basin. The conflict over this territory not only affects India and Pakistan but has broader implications for regional stability, international security, and water resource management. Kashmir Day is, therefore, also an occasion to analyze and discuss the strategic dimensions of the conflict, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution through dialogue and adherence to international law.
Kashmir Day has evolved into a platform for global advocacy. Pakistani diplomats, activists, and civil society organizations utilize this day to engage with international institutions, human rights groups, and global media to ensure that the Kashmir issue remains on the global agenda. The day also reinforces the ethical dimension of international engagement, reminding nations and organizations that silence in the face of oppression contradicts the principles of justice, human rights, and international accountability. Every march, banner, seminar, and media broadcast on Kashmir Day is a reaffirmation that the Kashmiri struggle is recognized, their sacrifices acknowledged, and their rights supported by a global community of conscience.
Importantly, Kashmir Day instills a sense of moral responsibility in Pakistani youth. By learning about the historical struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of Kashmiris, young Pakistanis develop awareness about the importance of justice, the value of freedom, and the principles of solidarity. Educational programs conducted on this day encourage critical thinking about international law, human rights, and diplomacy, fostering a generation that understands that standing against tyranny is a universal duty.
Kashmir Day also highlights the role of civil society in supporting the Kashmiri cause. Humanitarian organizations provide aid, document human rights abuses, and raise international awareness, while media professionals and researchers contribute by reporting, analyzing, and publishing data to counter misinformation and propaganda. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the Kashmiri narrative remains visible and credible in the international sphere. The day, therefore, is not merely symbolic; it is part of a continuous campaign to seek justice, advocate for human rights, and sustain international pressure on the occupying forces.
In conclusion, Kashmir Day on February fifth is much more than an annual observance; it is a manifestation of Pakistan’s national conscience, a call for global justice, and a testament to the resilience of the Kashmiri people. It integrates historical awareness, moral responsibility, political advocacy, economic considerations, and strategic analysis into a single framework of activism and reflection. The day reminds the world that freedom, identity, and human dignity are non-negotiable rights, that the sacrifices of oppressed peoples must be acknowledged, and that sustained international engagement is essential for achieving justice. For Pakistanis, it reinforces the values of solidarity, patriotism, and ethical responsibility, urging continuous support for the Kashmiri struggle through education, advocacy, and diplomacy. Kashmir Day serves as a reminder that oppression may endure for decades, but human courage, unity, and moral conviction have the power to uphold justice, safeguard rights, and inspire generations worldwide to fight against tyranny, making it a day of remembrance, reflection, and resolute action on behalf of the Kashmiri people and the principles of global human rights.
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