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Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Call to Support Freedom and Justice

Aqsa Zahra

Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed annually on February 5th, highlights Pakistan’s firm solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This day is dedicated to honoring the struggles and sacrifices of Kashmiris in their quest for freedom from Indian colonial rule. It serves as a platform for Pakistan to reaffirm its political, moral and diplomatic support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and various UN resolutions.

Often referred to as “paradise on earth,” Kashmir has endured over seven decades of conflict and oppression under Indian rule. Despite numerous UN resolutions advocating for the Kashmiri people’s right to determine their future through a plebiscite, these resolutions remain unimplemented. The region has been the epicenter of multiple military conflicts between India and Pakistan and the global community’s lack of decisive action has prolonged the suffering of its people.
Kashmir Solidarity Day was first observed in 1990 when the Pakistani government called on its citizens to show support for Kashmiris. It was later declared a public holiday to emphasize the importance of the Kashmir cause. Every year, Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir hold nationwide events, including rallies, seminars and cultural programs, to highlight the plight of Kashmiris and demonstrate unwavering unity with their struggle for independence.

India’s actions in Kashmir have drawn widespread condemnation for their oppressive and colonial nature. The revocation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status, placing the region under direct Indian control. This move, driven by Hindutva ideology advocating Hindu supremacy, aims to marginalize Kashmir’s Muslim majority. India’s settler colonialism project seeks to alter the region’s demographic composition while suppressing the Kashmiri people’s legitimate demand for self-determination.

Contrary to India’s claims of normalcy, Kashmir remains one of the most militarized zones in the world. Independent human rights advocates report grave violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and cases of rape and torture. Since 1989, more than 100,000 Kashmiris have reportedly lost their lives. Despite these atrocities, Kashmiris continue to resist with resilience, underscoring the urgency for global intervention.

The media, both print and electronic, amplifies these efforts by broadcasting special programs, dramas and songs that shed light on the plight of Kashmiris. Mosques hold special prayers for Kashmir, further reinforcing the spiritual and emotional bond between Pakistanis and the Kashmiri people. These activities serve not only as a reminder of the ongoing struggle but also as a means of rallying support for global action against Indian oppression.

However, while symbolic expressions of solidarity are important, they are not sufficient to resolve the Kashmir conflict. Pakistan must adopt a more strategic and multidimensional approach to effectively counter India’s settler colonial agenda and highlight the Kashmiri struggle on international platforms. A key aspect of this strategy should involve leveraging soft power to expose the human rights violations in IOJK. Pakistan should mobilize its diplomatic corps, engage with international human rights organizations and utilize forums such as the United Nations to bring attention to the plight of Kashmiris.

Constructive dialogue with India, while challenging, remains an important avenue for addressing the conflict. Pakistan must approach such dialogue with a clear agenda, supported by international mediation, to ensure that the Kashmiri people’s voices are not sidelined. Engaging with influential countries and organizations can help build international pressure on India to adhere to its commitments under international law.

Kashmir Solidarity Day is not just a commemoration but a call to action. It reminds the world of the moral imperative to support the Kashmiri people in their quest for freedom and justice. By adopting innovative strategies and maintaining unwavering commitment, Pakistan can ensure that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people are not in vain and that their struggle for self-determination is recognized and supported globally. Through persistence, diplomacy and solidarity, the dream of a free and peaceful Kashmir can become a reality.

–The writer is the student of international relations at Lahore College for Women University.

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