Kashmiri Celebrating Right to Self Determination Today
Dr. Muhammad Tahir Tabassum
Today on 5th January, 2025 Kashmiri people are celebrating the Right to Self-Determination Day all over the world.
Historical significance of this day is linked to resolutions of United Nations. In 1949, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution, which gave Kashmiri people right to decide their future through a free and fair referendum, whether to join Pakistan or India.
Kashmir dispute is part of two nation theory and Maharaj Hari Singh did not sign instrument of accession with India. It’s truly a fake document as British writer Alastair lamb proved in his book.
The conflict happened when India entered its troops in Kashmir.
After war between Pakistan and India, the matter was presented by Indian government to the United Nations .United Nations intervened and most influential countries assured on 5 January 1949 through UNSC resolutions the right of self-determination to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
This day reminds the Kashmiri people of their legitimate birth right of self determination and decision to determine their future.
It provides an opportunity for the international powers to focus on a solution to the Kashmir issue. On this day, Kashmiris renew their pledge to continue their struggle until they are given the right to self determination.
This day renews promise that people of Kashmir will be given their recognised right to decide.
Kashmiri people are struggling for their home land, freedom and right to self-determination since 77 years and sacrificed three generations, and still continue hard and are facing very crucial situation. The significance of this day has increased after India revoked the special status of Kashmir on August 5, 2019. It’s illegal decision by Modi against international law and treaties.
India never accepts any law UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights since it’s inception and is doing worst human rights violations and genocide in occupied Kashmir.
This day is a manifestation of solidarity with the Kashmiri people to acknowledge their sacrifices. On this day, it is clear that backsliding on Kashmir is not acceptable. Kashmir is nuclear flash point for Pakistan and India and we hope Pakistan will continue political and diplomatic support on practical efforts for Kashmir reolution.
Pakistan must review its policy on Kashmir and start dialogue with India on Kashmir. Civilian population must be safe, genocide and killings must stop. Kashmiri leadership be released who have been slapped fake cases against them. Indian government should fulfil their responsibility for right to self determination to Kashmiris. United Nations must implement resolutions and Kashmiris should unite in their efforts all over the world for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue which involves the destiny of 15 million people.
