India Wants Kashmir, Not Kashmiris: 27th October - The Black Day

India Wants Kashmir, Not Kashmiris: 27th October - The Black Day


What does it mean when a land is claimed, yet its people remain voiceless? The 27th of October marks a somber anniversary for Kashmiris, commemorating the day in 1947 when Indian troops entered the region, a moment many view as the beginning of their suffering. This event symbolizes India’s desire for Kashmir’s land while disregarding the will and rights of its people.

By HABIB UR REHMAN


In the chaotic aftermath of Partition in 1947, the fate of Kashmir hung in the balance. The Muslim Conference had passed a resolution on July 19, 1947, urging Maharaja Hari Singh to accede to Pakistan, reflecting the desires of the Muslim-majority population. However, in a turn of events turn of events, Maharaja Singh decided to accede to India following a controversial Instrument of Accession. His decision raises fundamental questions about the legitimacy of this accession. Did it represent the true will of the people? Was it made under duress?

India's claims of a legitimate accession quickly transformed into military intervention, marking the start of a brutal and unresolved conflict. The Jammu Massacre, where thousands of Muslims lost their lives, exemplified the horrors that followed this decision. Witnessing such violence, many young Kashmiris felt compelled to take up arms, not only to defend their lives but to assert their identity and autonomy. India’s heavy military presence and oppressive policies further exacerbated the situation, leaving Kashmiris cornered, with little hope for a peaceful resolution.


The international community initially recognized the gravity of the situation. India brought the matter to the United Nations, seeking legitimacy for its actions. The UN responded by passing resolutions advocating for a plebiscite, which would allow Kashmiris to determine their own future. However, India’s refusal to implement these resolutions has led to widespread frustration. International law, particularly the right to self-determination as outlined in the UN Charter, has been blatantly ignored.


A significant turning point occurred on August 5, 2019, when the Indian government revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. This action triggered protests and resulted in a harsh military crackdown, with reports of widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings. The prolonged internet blackout in Kashmir only intensified the isolation of its people, demonstrating a blatant disregard for their basic rights.


What compounds this tragedy is the inaction of the international community. Despite overwhelming evidence of human rights violations, the UN has been largely silent. Many resolutions have been passed, but none have led to tangible results. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), intended to protect the interests of Muslim-majority nations, has also failed to take decisive action, allowing India to continue its oppressive policies without accountability.


Pakistan, despite its vocal support for Kashmir, grapples with its own domestic challenges. Political instability, characterized by shifts between military and civilian rule, has hampered its ability to advocate effectively for Kashmir on the international stage. Without a united front, Pakistan has struggled to exert meaningful pressure on India regarding its treatment of Kashmiris.


Pakistan raised the Kashmir cause around the globe, including at the United Nations, questioning whether the world was prepared to uphold justice or would remain silent in the face of India’s economic influence. This question resonates deeply in the current global landscape. India’s growing economy and strategic importance have shielded it from significant international scrutiny, leading many countries to prioritize trade relationships over human rights.


India’s actions in Kashmir are a violation of international law and the principles of self-determination. By denying Kashmiris their right to choose their own destiny, India undermines the core values of democracy and justice. The failure of the international community to intervene suggests that economic interests often overshadow moral imperatives in global politics.


At the heart of this situation is the suffering of the Kashmiri people. India seeks Kashmir, but it shows little regard for the Kashmiris themselves. From the abrogation of Article 370 to the violent suppression of dissent, India’s policies seem focused solely on maintaining territorial control rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of its people.


As we reflect on another Black Day, we are left with critical questions. How long will the world continue to ignore the plight of the Kashmiri people? Will international leaders prioritize justice over economic partnerships? Pakistan, while confronting its internal challenges, finds itself caught in a complex web of political instability, complicating its efforts to advocate for Kashmir on the global stage. Meanwhile, India’s status as a burgeoning trade hub allows it to escape meaningful accountability, raising urgent questions about the nature of global governance. How long must Kashmiris wait for justice, and will the world finally choose to support those who suffer, instead of siding with the powerful?


The writer is pursuing a degree in International Relations at the National Defence University, Islamabad, and currently serves as an intern at the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, Islamabad.

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