Every year on February 5th, Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day, a solemn reminder of the decades-long conflict simmering in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The day was declared to highlight the plight of the Kashmiri people and express unwavering solidarity with their struggle for self-determination. The decision to observe this day came amidst escalating violence and unrest in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as the region plunged into a full-blown struggle against Indian rule.
The 1990s in Kashmir witnessed a tragic shift from peaceful political struggle to armed conflict. For decades, Kashmiris had pursued their right to self-determination primarily through peaceful means, including political elections and mass protests. However, the Indian government’s heavy-handed response to these peaceful expressions of dissent gradually eroded the space for political expression and ultimately pushed many Kashmiris towards armed resistance. The rigged elections of 1987, where widespread electoral fraud was shattered the faith of many Kashmiris in the democratic process. This disillusionment, coupled with the increasing militarization of the region and the suppression of political freedoms, created a fertile ground for the rise of armed resistance groups.
The peaceful protests, against large scale rigging and crackdown against the leaders of political dissent transformed into a broader struggle for self-determination. As enshrined in UNSC and UNCIP Resolution on Kashmir. As the Indian government’s response became increasingly brutal, with curfews, mass arrests, and extrajudicial killings becoming commonplace, the space for peaceful political activity shrank. Many Kashmiris, feeling abandoned by the political process and facing increasing repression, saw armed struggle as the only viable option to resist Indian rule.
Beyond Symbolism: A Call for Concrete Action
While declaring a national holiday on February 5th symbolizes solidarity, to me better impact will be created by declaring the day “Work for Kashmir.
The government of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir should not declare solidarity day as a holiday, instead, it should be Notified Work for Kashmir Day. All institutions of state from Parliament to Universities, from Secretariate to school must devise a day-long activities aiming at creating awareness for Kashmir cause to attract National and International Audience
- Educational Programs:Organizing seminars, workshops, and film screenings in schools, universities, and community centres to educate the younger generation about the history and complexities of the Kashmir conflict.
- Cultural Events:Hosting cultural events showcasing Kashmiri art, music, and literature to foster a deeper understanding of Kashmiri culture and identity.
- Humanitarian Aid:Launching initiatives to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Kashmir, particularly those affected by the conflict.
- Diplomatic Engagements:Utilizing diplomatic channels to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums and advocate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
- Social Media Campaigns:Utilizing social media platforms to amplify the voices of the Kashmiri people and disseminate information about the ongoing human rights abuses.
- Workplace Initiatives:Organizing discussions and awareness sessions within government offices, private companies, and educational institutions to engage employees and students in the Kashmir cause.
- Print and electronic Media.Kashmir Experts must write articles and opinion pieces on the importance of Kashmiris struggle for freedom and Indian brutal repression against innocent Kashmiris. Like wise National and private electronic media channels should hold talk shows and show the real face of Indian to global audience through documentaries and discussing International Reporting on human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir and Indian violations of International law.
By shifting the focus from symbolic holidays to meaningful engagement, Pakistan can demonstrate its unwavering support for the Kashmiri people and play a more constructive role in resolving this longstanding conflict.
Representing the Kashmir Issue to International Organizations
The Kashmir conflict transcends a bilateral issue, escalating into a global humanitarian crisis. India’s consistent disregard for UN resolutions affirming Kashmiris’ right to self-determination through a plebiscite is a grave concern.
The international community must move beyond rhetoric and exert significant pressure on India to adhere to its international obligations. The silence surrounding state-sponsored violence and the denial of fundamental rights in Indian-administered Kashmir constitutes a grave moral failure.
To effectively represent the Kashmir issue on the global stage:
- Intensify diplomatic efforts:Engage with the UN, OIC, and other international bodies to present evidence of human rights violations and advocate for resolutions condemning these abuses.
- Build international coalitions:Forge alliances with countries and organizations sharing concerns about the Kashmir issue to amplify international pressure on India.
- Utilize public diplomacy:Employ media outreach and social media campaigns to raise global awareness about the Kashmir issue.
- Engage with civil society:Collaborate with international human rights organizations and civil society groups to mobilize global support for the Kashmiri people.
Kashmir Solidarity Day should serve as a catalyst for concrete action. By shifting focus from symbolism to meaningful engagement, Pakistan can effectively advocate for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination on the international stage. Continued international pressure and unwavering support for the Kashmiri struggle are crucial for a just and lasting resolution to this enduring conflict.
The writer is the student of international relations and graduated from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, currently serving as interne at Kashmir Institute of International Relations.