Kashmir dispute

Letter September 06, 2019
The valley enters second month of lockdown following the revocation of its special status by Indian govt

KARACHI: On Aug 5, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Indian government annulled Articles 370 and 35 (A) of the Indian constitution. Under the afore-mentioned articles, the state of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed autonomy in its internal affairs. These constitutional provisions prevented outsiders from settling in Jammu and Kashmir and outsiders were not entitled to get jobs in state government departments. The government of India did this unilaterally.

Pakistan has expressed grave concerns over the revocation of Article 370 and 35 (A) and has strongly condemned the unilateral move by India. Kashmir is an international dispute recognised by the UN. India should avoid taking such moves that escalates tensions between the two nuclear-armed states.

The revocation of Articles 370 and 35 (A) may result in far-reaching consequences particularly in IoK and generally in the region. This could lead to unrest and trigger Kashmiris living in IOK to move in an unexpected way. This might result in an unending cycle of violence.

Kashmiris are the biggest stakeholders in the Kashmir dispute. India had promised to hold a plebiscite to ascertain the wishes of Kashmiris. But after delaying this for so many years, now they have fully annexed the state. Kashmiris are being silenced through the use of arms, bombs such as “cluster munition.” Frequent use of pellet-guns by the occupation forces has left many Kashmiris blind. Anti-India sentiments are running high in occupied Kashmir.

The international community should help resolve the Kashmir but its response has so far been lukewarm. The Kashmir dispute should be resolved without any further delay. The international community should pressure India to stop human rights violations. Kashmiris are absolutely unwilling to be a part of India. Kashmiris have been living under Indian tyrannical rule for the past many years. They have made great sacrifices to get freedom. We should all join hands to help our oppressed Kashmiri brethren. Their tale of woe has been long enough. Now is the time for freedom.

Riaz Ahmed Sanjrani

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2019.

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