5th February: Kashmir Solidarity Day

 5th February

 

Kashmir Solidarity Day 

The dispute over Kashmir has been a hot topic between the two countries since  the partition of the Indian subcontinent  in 1947. They fought three wars over it but were unable to solve it. Partition left the fate of more than 550 princely states undecided. They were bound to accede to two states based on geography and the wishes of their people.

The situation worsened after the abrogation of Article 370 by the Modi regime. On August 5, 2019, the Modi-led BJP government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Articles 370 and 35-A. A quarantine was imposed in occupied Kashmir, and Indian forces committed unspeakable crimes against the Kashmiri people with complete impunity. India is constantly violating the fundamental rights of Kashmiris. The media does not have free access and cannot show an accurate picture of the disputed area.

From the beginning, Pakistan has protected the rights of Kashmiri friends and supporters across the Line of Control between Pakistan and India. Pakistan Army has shown great affection and full solidarity with Kashmiris. Kashmiris say that Pakistanis are their brothers and love them from their hearts. Pakistanis show similar feelings towards Kashmiris. They are united. The spirits of Kashmiris and Pakistanis beat together. In return, Kashmiris acknowledge the sacrifices of the Pakistanis and the army.

Kashmir Solidarity Day is celebrated annually on February 5 by people across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). People think that It is an internationally recognized day  mostly for Kashmiris, worldwide. On this Day, we see public processions, special prayers in mosques for the liberation of Kashmir, and protests held against Indian oppression of Kashmir.

Kashmir Solidarity Day is a national holiday celebrated on February 5 every year in Pakistan. It is seen as a show of Pakistan's support and unity with the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the efforts of Kashmiri freedom fighters to secede from India and to pay tribute to the Kashmiris who died in the conflict. Solidarity rallies are held in Pakistan, Azad Jammu, Kashmir, and worldwide. Kashmir Day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad of Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami in 1990 and was supported by the then Government of Pakistan.

Readers, the current situation in Kashmir requires the Indian leadership to act under the UN resolutions on Kashmir. Immediate and bold decisions must be made. It is time to speak up for Kashmir's right to self-determination with a stronger voice. The international community must realize that peace and stability in South Asia can only be guaranteed if all remaining disputes between Pakistan and India, including the Kashmir dispute, are resolved, as Pakistan has become a frontline state against the global war on terrorism.

The best solution to the Kashmir dispute could be the right to self-determination, which should be granted to Kashmiris so they can decide who they want to accede to. Our national responsibility is to show solidarity with the innocent citizens of Occupied Kashmir and observe the Day fully to raise their voices and take the message across the world.