27th October marks a somber chapter in the history of the region, evoking memories of prolonged suffering and strife endured by the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It was on this day in 1947 that Indian troops landed in the disputed territory for the first time, continuing to forcibly occupy the territory ever since, in stark contradiction to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
For over seven decades, the Indian occupation of IIOJK has been a painful reminder of the persistent suppression of legitimate aspirations of Kashmiri people. The systematic oppression and human rights violations perpetrated under this occupation have left an indelible mark on the Kashmiri population.
Despite international calls for a peaceful resolution, the situation in IIOJK remains worrisome. Efforts to dilute the region’s demographics and stifle dissent are clear violations of international norms and principles. As also alluded to by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar in his message on the black day, an intensified campaign to ‘Indianize’ Kashmir and transform Kashmiris into a disempowered community in their own land has been in full swing since 5 August 2019.
“The Indian Occupation has taken a number of steps to realize these nefarious designs, including gerrymandering of the electoral constituencies, addition of non-Kashmiris to voter rolls, issuance of domicile certificates to outsiders, and introduction of new laws on ownership of land and property”, the Prime Minister said. These undemocratic and illegal measures are in direct contravention of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The denial of access to the UN or the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) fact-finding missions to the occupied territory is a clear indication of India’s attempt to conceal the grave human rights violations taking place. Killings of Kashmiri youth in fake encounter is a routine matter in the occupied territory while rape is being used as a weapon of war. Nobody knows as to how many Kashmiri people lost eye sight due to the use of pellet guns by the Indian forces.
At her weekly news briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch very rightly pointed out that the script being enacted by Israeli occupation forces in Palestine is being replicated by India in IIOJK. There are indeed great similarities in the situations of Palestine and IIOJK.
The urgency of the Kashmiri predicament demands immediate and concerted action on multiple fronts. International organizations, human rights bodies, and influential nations must not only lend their voices but also actively work towards creating meaningful diplomatic pressure on India to uphold the rights of the Kashmiri people.
One crucial step is to intensify efforts to bring the Kashmir dispute to the forefront of global discussions. Our diplomatic missions must engage in rigorous advocacy and outreach to sensitize the international community about the gravity of the situation in IIOJK. Through diplomatic channels, forums, and platforms, Pakistan can continually shed light on the violations and advocate for a just and peaceful resolution.
Furthermore, concerted efforts should be made to leverage international forums, such as the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, to encourage comprehensive discussions on the lingering dispute. The voices of the Kashmiri people must be heard at these platforms, ensuring that their narrative is not overshadowed or distorted by misleading narratives propagated by the occupying forces. Advocacy campaigns, petitions, and protests can be organized to raise awareness and garner support for the Kashmiri cause, thereby mounting international pressure on India to respect human rights and grant the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination.
The promises made with the Kashmiri people needs to be fulfilled. It is time for the world to acknowledge that the people of Kashmir, like those of East Timor and South Sudan, have an inalienable right to self-determination. The parallels with the struggles of other regions that have secured their right to self-determination cannot be ignored. If East Timor and South Sudan could achieve this fundamental right, why are the aspirations of the Kashmiri people continually suppressed? The international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering and aspirations of the Kashmiris. It is imperative to exert pressure on India to abide by international norms and to implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
