Jammu and Kashmir is renowned as the longest unresolved conflict in the contemporary world, persisting since 1948. This issue dates back to the partition of the Subcontinent, where an unfair division was carried out by Maharaja Hari Singh through signing the Instrument of Accession to India. However, India has yet to provide any proof of the accession signed by the Maharaja to the United Nations. This unjust partition was not for the people, but for political reasons. These 77 years of suppression of the Kashmiri people, with no right to self-determination, territorial independence, or freedom of speech, serve as a clear example of Clausewitz’s quote: “The strong do what they want and the weak suffer what they must.”
As always, India perceives itself as smart and played a calculated move by taking the Kashmir conflict to the United Nations, portraying itself as the victim to gain international sympathy and support. However, it did not achieve the result it anticipated and the United Nations chose the option of a plebiscite to resolve the dispute. Yet, no plebiscite has occurred to date.
January 5, 1949, was the day when the UNCIP formalized a resolution for a ceasefire, demilitarization and a fair plebiscite according to the will of the Kashmiri people, under their supervision, so that these innocent Kashmiris could live their chosen lives. Unfortunately, they never got the chance, as the plebiscite was never implemented because India knew the potential decision of the Kashmiri people. Consequently, India abrogated Article 370, removing the “autonomy of special status,” in order to make demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir. This would later allow them to have a non-Muslim community in the region, which would favor them in territorial integration through a plebiscite.
India has been using the weapon of violence since its illegal occupation of the Jammu and Kashmir region. History is marked by many inhumane events, such as the illegal occupation of the J&K region, the Jammu massacre, pellet gun usage, the Kunan-Poshpora Mass Rape (1991) and the recent abrogation of Article 370, among others. A large number of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and rape cases occur on a daily basis in Jammu and Kashmir. Most areas of the J&K region lack media coverage, preventing the international community from witnessing the violence and boycotting India.
Since 2019, after the revocation of Article 370, tensions between both nuclear states escalated and this act of India was highly criticized by Pakistan and internationally. This shows that power can suppress the weaker. Though India wants to change from a secular state to a Hindu state, this can also be analyzed through their efforts for the Amarnath Yatra, which has resulted in more problems for the Kashmiri people.
Every year, by highlighting the significance of January 5, 1949, it serves as a reminder that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are deprived, living in darkness and waiting for us to support them. It symbolizes the unfulfilled promises, commitments and efforts made towards them, which have left them feeling more oppressed and hopeless. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, many rallies, conferences and seminars are held to raise the voice for the people of the J&K region. Highlighting this day will help to create awareness and call to action to support the Kashmiris.
The international community and the United Nations have an important role in resolving the Kashmir conflict, as they are significant supporters. Although the United Nations initially took steps and participated actively in the Kashmir conflict, it then fell silent, which shows that Indian economic corridors, strategic position and interdependency with elite players have undermined human rights and justice.
Many NGOs and the international community express their concerns verbally, but in practice, no action towards implementation has taken place. The international community remains mute in resolving the Kashmir conflict, which is a threat to global security, as this is a dispute between nuclear powers. However, Pakistan has always used bilateral talks, negotiations and peaceful ways to resolve the Kashmir issue and has remained at the forefront in putting forth efforts, but India has not been ready until now.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are brave; they laid down their lives, lost their loved ones and endured every pain, yet they stand firm against injustice and have never lost hope. They are still patiently awaiting their rights.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has always supported the people of Jammu and Kashmir in raising their voices against violence and demanding their right to self-determination, freedom of speech and land in both national and international forums.
Every year on January 5, we are reminded of the struggle of the Kashmiri people. It serves as a reminder that the unfulfilled promises by the international community towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir hurt more than the physical violence perpetrated by India. While the struggle for self-determination is not a bed of roses but full of challenges and hurdles, the courage of the Kashmiri people to demand justice, autonomy and basic rights is highly appreciated throughout the world. However, no one comes to heal their wounds in the end. It seems that the fate of the Kashmiri people is similar to that of Hiba Khatoon, known as the “nightingale of Kashmir.” But as responsible ambassadors of human rights, it is our duty to raise our voices against violence and fight until the Kashmiris get their rights.
– Qurrat ul ain Dabeer kazmi is a student of Strategic Studies from National Defence University and intern at Kashmir Institute of International Relations
