Every year on February 5, Pakistan and its people observe Kashmir Solidarity Day to honor the unyielding struggle of the Kashmiri people for freedom and self-determination. This day serves as a reminder of the decades-long oppression faced by the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity. The conflict, rooted in the political and territorial disputes of 1947, has since escalated into one of the most tragic and enduring humanitarian crises of our time.
The significance of Kashmir Solidarity Day extends beyond symbolic gestures, it represents a reaffirmation of the international community’s obligation to uphold human rights, justice and peace. For the over 9 million Kashmiris living under occupation, this solidarity is not just a gesture but a beacon of hope. Their fight against tyranny, media blackouts and settler colonialism must resonate with anyone who values freedom and justice.
Kashmir, often referred to as “paradise on earth,” has been transformed into a landscape of fear, bloodshed and destruction. Since 1947, the Kashmiri people have endured relentless violence, with over 96,388 killed, 22,980 women widowed and more than 11,265 women and girls raped. The ongoing conflict has also resulted in the forced disappearances of thousands and the destruction of over 110,521 homes, schools and businesses.
These atrocities are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign of oppression fueled by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Hindutva ideology. The BJP’s agenda seeks to Hinduize the region, erasing its Muslim majority character through policies of demographic engineering. The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status, marked a significant escalation. It paved the way for increased militarization, mass detentions and the issuance of over 4.3 million domiciles to outsiders, threatening the cultural and demographic fabric of the region.
Solidarity with Kashmir must go beyond statements of support. It entails recognizing the justness of their struggle for self-determination, as enshrined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 47, which called for a plebiscite to allow the Kashmiri people to decide their future. Respecting this right is essential for peace in South Asia. Moreover, solidarity requires amplifying the voices of the Kashmiri people. Their stories of resilience, sacrifice and courage deserve to be heard on global platforms. For decades, the Kashmiri people have resisted not only physical occupation but also attempts to silence their narratives. Media blackouts and curfews imposed by Indian authorities are aimed at suppressing the truth. By sharing their stories, the international community can challenge these tactics and demand accountability.
One of the most disheartening aspects of the Kashmir conflict is the indifference of the global community. Despite reports from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch documenting widespread abuses, the response from major powers has been lukewarm at best. Geopolitical interests often overshadow moral imperatives, leaving the Kashmiri people to bear the burden of injustice alone.
This apathy is not only a betrayal of the Kashmiri people but also a failure to uphold the principles of human rights and international law. It is imperative for nations to prioritize justice over political expediency. The United Nations must take decisive action to implement its resolutions on Kashmir and pressure India to end its violations.
Pakistan has been a steadfast ally of the Kashmiri people, consistently advocating for their rights on international platforms. However, more needs to be done. Diplomatic efforts should be intensified to bring global attention to the plight of Kashmiris. Pakistan must also work to strengthen alliances with other nations and international organizations to build a unified front against the atrocities in IIOJK. Importantly, Pakistan must continue to empower Kashmiri voices, ensuring that their narratives lead the discourse. Initiatives such as publishing testimonies, organizing international conferences and leveraging social media can help highlight the human cost of the occupation.
Kashmir is not just a regional issue, it is a global one. The principles of justice and self-determination are universal and their violation anywhere is a threat to humanity everywhere. As long as the Kashmiri people are denied their rights, the region will remain a flashpoint of instability, with implications for global peace and security. The world must recognize that the Kashmiri struggle is a fight against systemic injustice, not terrorism. It is a struggle for dignity, freedom and the right to shape their own destiny. By supporting this cause, the international community can reaffirm its commitment to the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is more than a commemoration; it is a call to action. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people and the moral responsibility of the global community to stand with them. Peace in South Asia and indeed the world, depends on justice in Kashmir.
As we observe this day, let us pledge to amplify the voices of the oppressed, challenge the apathy of the powerful and work toward a future where the Kashmiri people are free to determine their own destiny. Their struggle is not just a regional conflict but a testament to the universal fight for freedom and human dignity. Until justice is served, solidarity with Kashmir remains not just a choice but a duty.
–The writer is the student of international relations at national university of modern languages.
