By: Samina Raja, Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir Day, observed annually on February 5th, is an important day in the political calendars of both Pakistan and Kashmir. For decades, it has been symbolized as a day of solidarity with the Kashmiri people, commemorating their struggle for self-determination. However, the true essence of this day is often clouded by political interests and misleading narratives that fail to address the deep-rooted aspirations of the Kashmiri people, especially those in Jammu, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. While Pakistan initially aimed to use the day to showcase support for Kashmir’s political and human rights, its actions over the years have distorted this solidarity into a geopolitical tool that benefits Pakistan’s strategic ambitions more than it does the Kashmiri cause.
The concept of “solidarity” is typically understood as supporting another group in the achievement of shared goals and objectives. In the context of Kashmir Day, however, this support has been hijacked by Pakistan for political maneuvering. For over seven decades, Pakistan has utilized the Kashmir dispute to serve its own interests, distorting the original meaning of solidarity. Instead of offering genuine support to the Kashmiri people’s desire for freedom, Pakistan has instead used the issue to justify its military presence in the region and create a narrative that benefits its own geopolitical and national interests.
Kashmir Day’s Origins and Pakistan’s Role: A Historical Overview
Kashmir Day first emerged in 1990, a time when the people of Kashmir, especially in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, were intensifying their struggle for autonomy and independence. This period marked a significant shift in Kashmir’s political landscape after the martyrdom of Maqbool Bhat in 1984. Bhat’s death symbolized the growing call for independence in the region, and his martyrdom fueled a renewed demand for self-determination.
In response to this rising movement, Pakistan’s military establishment found it necessary to launch Kashmir Day as a political tool to defuse the escalating nationalist sentiment in Kashmir and shift the narrative toward Pakistan’s political agenda. Instead of focusing on the true aspirations of the Kashmiri people, the day became a platform to promote Pakistan’s geopolitical goals, primarily focusing on creating an image of support for the Kashmiris, while neglecting the fundamental issue of self-determination.
The Role of Pakistan in Kashmir Day: A Deceptive Strategy for Geopolitical Gains
The ongoing observance of Kashmir Day on February 5th highlights Pakistan’s repeated claims of solidarity with the people of Kashmir. However, year after year, this display of solidarity has been more symbolic than substantive. Rather than addressing the real issues faced by Kashmiris, Pakistan has turned Kashmir Day into a political spectacle that aligns with its strategic interests in the region.
One of the most glaring contradictions lies in Pakistan’s military presence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, which directly contradicts Pakistan’s professed commitment to the UN Resolutions of 1948, which called for a plebiscite and a subsequent withdrawal of Pakistani military forces. By failing to withdraw its forces, Pakistan is not only in violation of international law but also contributes to the prolonged conflict that has led to the deaths and suffering of thousands of innocent Kashmiris.
The current situation in Kashmir, characterized by ongoing military tensions, human rights violations, and political turmoil, continues to reflect Pakistan’s failure to implement the promises made to the international community. Kashmir Day, instead of being a genuine call for the freedom and rights of Kashmiris, has instead become a tool for political manipulation, failing to address the core issue of Kashmiri autonomy.
The Disconnect: Kashmir’s Voices and Pakistan’s Manipulation of the Narrative
While Pakistan claims to champion the cause of Kashmiris, the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are conspicuously absent from the conversation. Despite the fact that these regions remain under Pakistan’s control, their political, civil, and human rights have been severely restricted. This disconnect is evident in the lack of representation, rights, and freedoms granted to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, who are not even included in the “solidarity” Pakistan claims to express on Kashmir Day.
Pakistan’s failure to address the distinct political, cultural, and human rights issues of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir undermines its own claims of solidarity. For decades, the people of these regions have been denied basic rights, including political autonomy, freedom of expression, and access to justice. The Pakistani government has failed to implement the UN’s 1949 resolutions, which called for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute and the establishment of a fair plebiscite to determine the future of the region.
Moreover, the internal governance of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan has been marked by a lack of genuine democratic processes, with Pakistan continuing to hold control over key political decisions. The people of these regions are still subjected to Pakistani military oversight and political restrictions, which further complicates the legitimacy of Pakistan’s claims to support Kashmiris’ rights.
Reasserting Kashmir’s True Struggle: A Call for Justice and Self-Determination
The true purpose of Kashmir Day should be to reflect on and address the real aspirations of the Kashmiri people, not just in the Indian-administered region, but also in the Pakistani-administered areas of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. For Kashmiris to truly be free, they need the space to voice their demands for self-determination, free from external interference and manipulation.
The call for justice and freedom in Kashmir is not just about ending the military occupation by India, but also about ensuring that Kashmiris are given the opportunity to determine their future without interference from Pakistan. This requires genuine efforts to respect the rights of Kashmiris, both in Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered regions. Kashmir Day, as it is currently observed, should evolve into a day that calls for meaningful change, focusing on Kashmiris’ right to choose their future in a democratic and peaceful manner.
It is essential to go beyond mere symbolic gestures of solidarity and take concrete actions to ensure that the voices of the people of Kashmir are heard. This can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and a commitment to uphold the principles of self-determination as enshrined in international law.
The Need for a Shift in Narrative: Empowering Kashmiris
In recent years, Kashmir Day has been increasingly perceived as a political ritual that serves Pakistan’s interests rather than a platform for empowering Kashmiris. The day has been used to promote political slogans and narratives that often ignore the voices of the people who live in Kashmir. Instead of focusing on the political agendas of Pakistan, it is crucial to shift the narrative toward empowering the people of Kashmir to make their own decisions about their future.
The real question to ask on Kashmir Day is not whether Pakistan has shown solidarity with Kashmiris, but whether it has truly allowed Kashmiris the freedom to make their own choices. It is time to move beyond empty rhetoric and address the legitimate concerns and demands of the Kashmiri people. A true demonstration of solidarity would be to support the Kashmiris in their rightful pursuit of self-determination, autonomy, and a peaceful future.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Kashmiris and Global Allies
In conclusion, while Kashmir Day has been observed for decades, it is clear that the current format of the day fails to serve the true purpose of supporting Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom. Kashmir Day has been co-opted for political purposes, sidelining the actual issue of Kashmiri self-determination. As we observe this day, it is essential to challenge the narrative presented by both India and Pakistan and to consider what true solidarity means.
True solidarity with the Kashmiri people involves standing with their aspirations for a peaceful, self-determined future. It means acknowledging their rights and giving them the space to choose their own destiny. Only then can Kashmir Day evolve into a day that truly honors the sacrifices and struggles of the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
