By Shafaat Yar Khan
Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed annually on February 5 in Pakistan, is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination. This day serves as a moment of unity and empathy, where Pakistan and its people express unwavering support for the Kashmiris living under occupation. The history of Kashmir is fraught with conflict, repression, and political intrigue, with recent developments further exacerbating the region’s instability. As Pakistan continues to raise its voice in international forums, the plight of the Kashmiri people remains a critical issue for peace in South Asia.
The roots of the Kashmir conflict trace back to the partition of British India in 1947 when princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan. The then-Maharaja Hari Singh initially chose to remain independent but later acceded to India under contentious circumstances after Pakistani tribal forces intervened. This decision led to the first Indo-Pak war in 1947-1948, which resulted in a UN-brokered ceasefire that divided the region along the Line of Control (LoC). The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed resolutions calling for a plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri people, a promise that remains unfulfilled to this day.
India’s Article 370 of the Constitution was introduced in 1949, granting special autonomous status to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. This provision allowed the state to have its constitution, a separate flag, and autonomy over internal matters except for defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications. Article 35A, introduced in 1954, further reinforced this autonomy by allowing the state to define its permanent residents and regulate property rights. For decades, Article 370 symbolized the distinct identity of Kashmir within the Indian Union.
However, the Indian Supreme Court’s recent ruling that Article 370 was merely a temporary provision and that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India has sparked intense debate and criticism. This decision follows a series of controversial moves by the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring Kashmir firmly under New Delhi’s control. On August 5, 2019, the Modi administration unilaterally revoked Article 370 through a presidential order and passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, bifurcating the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The move was met with widespread condemnation from Pakistan, Kashmiri leaders, and human rights organizations.
The abrogation of Article 370 marked a turning point in the Kashmir conflict. It was accompanied by a severe crackdown on dissent, a months-long communication blackout, and the deployment of thousands of additional troops to the already heavily militarized region. Curfews, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on movement became routine, plunging the lives of ordinary Kashmiris into chaos. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the use of pellet guns against civilians, including children.
Since 2019, thousands of Kashmiris have been detained under draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The communication blackout deprived the region of access to vital information, education, and healthcare. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has repeatedly expressed concern over the human rights violations in Kashmir, calling for international intervention and accountability.
The human toll of the Kashmir conflict is staggering. According to estimates from human rights groups, over 100,000 Kashmiris have lost their lives since the insurgency began in 1989. The conflict has also left thousands of women widowed and children orphaned. Mass graves, often unmarked, stand as grim reminders of the brutality faced by the Kashmiri people. Despite the severe repression, Kashmiris continue to demand their right to self-determination as guaranteed by UNSC resolutions.
The history of talks between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is marked by a series of failed negotiations and agreements. The Tashkent Agreement of 1966, the Simla Agreement of 1972, and the Agra Summit of 2001 are notable examples of attempts to resolve the conflict. However, these efforts have often been undermined by mutual distrust, political upheavals, and terrorist incidents. The Kargil War in 1999 and the Mumbai attacks in 2008 further strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Despite these setbacks, Pakistan has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue through dialogue and adherence to international law.
Pakistan’s observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day underscores its commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people in their quest for freedom. Rallies, seminars, and events are held across the country to raise awareness about the plight of Kashmiris. Pakistani leaders, including the Prime Minister and President, deliver speeches reaffirming the nation’s moral, diplomatic, and political support for Kashmir. The day also serves as an opportunity to remind the international community of its responsibility to uphold human rights and ensure justice for the oppressed.
As Pakistan continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir, it faces numerous challenges on the diplomatic front. The international community, including major powers, has largely remained silent or indifferent to the atrocities committed in Kashmir. Economic and strategic interests often overshadow concerns about human rights violations. However, Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri cause remains a beacon of hope for those who have endured decades of suffering.
The Kashmir conflict is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach for resolution. International mediation, adherence to UNSC resolutions, and meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan are essential steps toward achieving lasting peace. The Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination is not merely a political issue but a matter of fundamental human rights. As the world commemorates Kashmir Solidarity Day, it must recognize the resilience and courage of the Kashmiri people and work toward a just and peaceful solution to this long-standing conflict.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.