Article: Kashmir Solidarity Day: A time for action going beyond symbolism
Riffat Amin
What would you do if one day your house, your identity, and your liberty were all stripped away from you? For people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, this is not a hypothetical scenario, it is their painful reality. Every year on 5th February, Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day in order to show their unwavering support for the people of Kashmir who have endured Indian repression for decades. Since 1990, this day has served as a reminder of the struggles faced by Kashmiris under Indian occupation. However, the significance of this day should not remain symbolic alone. It is time for Pakistan to shift its focus on Kashmir Solidarity Day towards concrete actions that align with international law and human rights principles.
The Kashmir dispute dates back to 1947 when the Hindu Maharaja’s decisions created a conflict over the territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where the majority of the population is Muslim. In April 1948, UNSC adopted resolution number 47, which called for a plebiscite to give the people of Kashmir the right to choose their future. But for the reasons best known to the world powers of the time, this resolution is till date still a work in progress, therefore, the future of the Kashmiris is unknown. For decades many people have been killed by Indian troops and many families have been divided, and generations have been raised with violence. Challenges such as curfews, arbitrary detentions and an official military enforced violence have put the kashmiris in a state of ‘dystopian,’ constant trauma. This fearful legacy came under severe stress in August 2019 when the Indian Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi regime nullified Article 370 of Indian constitution. Although this article had given Jammu and Kashmir a special status with more powers to manage its internal affairs. The abrogation of Article 370 was followed by an insidious reaction in the territory that included a total shutdown of the Internet, thousands of people were arrested, and the movement was restricted. Another measure that was taken was the abrogation of Article 35A which provided the residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir certain privileges thereby making them citizens of even lesser value.
Pakistan has been an advocate of Kashmiris’ right on international level, including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international forums. But anyway, the efforts made by the country fail to provide the desired result. Just celebrating Kashmir Solidarity Day through avenues like rallies, speeches, and human chains is insufficient. To manage the strategic importance of the issue and to maintain the issue on the political map of the world, the government of Pakistan needs to adopt political, diplomatic, legal and humanitarian approaches for the solution of the issue. Although on this day we obseve holiday, it is important to recognize that such celebrations are not enough. The current lack of a persistent and diverse approach is crucial for drawing and initiating appropriate attention to the suffering of Kashmiris across the globe.
For the cause of Kashmir Solidarity Day to be more effective, Pakistan needs to reconsider how this day is observed. The focus should be on the educational campaigns, the authorities of the schools, colleges and universities all over Pakistan should organize seminars and group/discussion sessions in order to apprise the young students regarding the historical and legal background of the Kashmir dispute. This will help make sure that the cause stays popular in the future.
The Pakistani embassies all over the globe should arrange programs such as seminars, conferences, and webinars involving live discussions about the unresolved dispute over Kashmir. It is also relevant to use Pakistani media, local NGOs and think tanks in the host countries as Pakistan’s mouthpiece. The government needs to consult with international legal jurists as to whether this issue could best be taken up to ICJ. Emphasis on such legal breaches by India may complement diplomatic work at the Pakistan side. Pakistan should help the refugees from occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the victims as well. Beginning a special fund for the deserving Kashmiris who have lost their homes can put forth a good picture of Pakistan to the world.
There is no doubt that employing art, film and literature in order to bring the voices of the people of Kashmir can be very effective. Awareness about humanizing the conflict and hence, getting sympathy of the global population can be achieved through documentaries, cultural events and exhibitions etc.
It is not only the responsibility of Pakistan to play an active role in the solution of the Kashmir problem but the international community should also address the issue. Lack of compliance with the orders of the UNSC shows that the international system lacks an appropriate manner of justice and human rights. With no criticism from major economic and strategic partners of India, the Indian government in particular has only been encouraged to inflict its atrocities in the disputed territory of Kashmir. It is important that human rights organizations, civil society, and the international media continue to draw attention to the suffering of people in occupied Kashmir. The international community cannot sit idle while India commits egregious act of repression and denies fundamental rights to Kashmiri people.
In the age of social media movements and identity politics there is a need for a call for meaningful solidarity. Kashmir Solidarity Day should not remain confined to any political show that hails and supports Kashmir. It should remind Pakistan of its obligation to champion the cause of the people of Kashmir not as a word but in deed. Legal reforms should be undertaken together with diplomatic work and humanitarian actions in this case by the government. Thus, Pakistan can play an active role in bringing the voice of Kashmiri to the global forum and ensure their right of self-determination.
The writer is a Student of International Relations at Quaid e Azam University and currently serving as an intern at Kashmir Institute of International Relations.