Plebiscite is the solution

Kashmir Day was observed by condemning India’s abusive relationship with the people of the disputed territory

People in Pakistan and abroad marked Kashmir Day by condemning India’s abusive relationship with the people of the disputed territory, especially the Kashmiris living under illegal Indian occupation for over 75 years. The elected leaders of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) praised Pakistan and its people while slamming Indian actions in the region. AJK President Sultan Mehmood said, “Pakistan and its people have supported the Kashmiri people through every thick and thin,” and that despite Indian excesses, Kashmiris will never surrender and will achieve their right to self-determination, “come what may.”

He also ruled out any consideration of a status quo agreement between Pakistan and India, saying the Kashmiri people consider Jammu and Kashmir to be an indivisible entity. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also issued a statement of condemnation, saying that New Delhi’s revocation of autonomy for the Indian-occupied part of the region was wrong and against “all basic principles of relations between nations.” He also noted that unlike the rest of the world, which was imposing uncomfortable lockdowns to protect people from Covid-19, India actively used lockdowns to cause human suffering in Kashmir. India’s utter disregard for human rights, despite criticism from several prominent world leaders, activists, and rights groups, also came in for criticism.

Meanwhile, Pakistani leaders, including President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also assured continuing political and moral support to the Kashmir cause and the oppressed people of IIOJK. Like other world leaders and activists, they also called on India to adhere to its international obligations — which include a plebiscite for the people of the region to decide for themselves whether they want the region to join Pakistan or India or opt for full independence.

But the fact that India still fears the will of the people after 75 years of illegal occupation and its many efforts to change the region’s demographics is a reflection of how strong pro-Pakistan, or at least anti-India, sentiment remains in Kashmir.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2023.

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