KSD: A stand for justice

2026-02-04 - 23:26

EVERY year on 5 February, Pakistan and freedom-loving people across the world observe Kashmir Solidarity Day to reaffirm their unwavering support for the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This day is not merely symbolic; it is a collective moral stand against decades of injustice, brutal occupation and systematic human rights violations perpetrated by Indian forces in the disputed region. It is a reminder that the Kashmir dispute is not forgotten, buried or resolved—it remains a bleeding wound on the conscience of the international community. Since 1947, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been denied their inalienable right to self-determination, a right promised by the United Nations through multiple resolutions. Instead of honoring these commitments, India has chosen the path of repression and force. Nowhere has this been more evident than in recent years, particularly after 5 August 2019, when India unilaterally revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This illegal and unconstitutional move further tightened New Delhi’s grip on the region, transforming IIOJK into what many international observers describe as the world’s largest open-air prison. The list of Indian atrocities in IIOJK is long, painful and well-documented by reputable international human rights organizations. Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, custodial torture, rape used as a weapon of war, arbitrary arrests and prolonged curfews have become routine instruments of state policy. The indiscriminate use of pellet guns, which have blinded thousands of Kashmiri youth, stands as one of the most barbaric examples of collective punishment. Entire generations have grown up under the shadow of military bunkers, barbed wire and fear, where the sound of gunfire often replaces the laughter of childhood. Despite this suffocating environment, the spirit of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken. Their resistance is not driven by hatred, but by an unshakable desire for dignity, freedom and justice. Mothers continue to send their sons to school amid uncertainty and fathers bury their loved ones with patience and faith, believing that one day the world will listen. Kashmir Solidarity Day exists precisely to amplify this silenced voice. On 5 February, a powerful and moving expression of unity will be witnessed across Pakistan and among the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora worldwide. One of the most striking forms of this solidarity is the formation of human chains on bridges, roads and public spaces. From major highways to iconic bridges, citizens stand hand in hand, symbolizing an unbreakable bond with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. These human chains send a clear message: Kashmiris are not alone and their struggle is shared. In addition to human chains, rallies, seminars, prayer gatherings and peaceful demonstrations are organized across Pakistan and in global capitals. The diaspora plays a crucial role in keeping the Kashmir issue alive on the international stage. From London to New York, from Brussels to Sydney, Kashmir solidarity rallies remind policymakers, media and human rights defenders that the issue of Kashmir is not an internal matter of India, but an internationally recognized dispute requiring a just resolution. These activities are peaceful, democratic and rooted in moral conviction. They contrast sharply with the brute force used by Indian authorities in IIOJK. While Kashmiris face bullets for raising slogans of freedom, supporters around the world raise placards, voices and conscience. This stark contrast exposes the truth: the Kashmiri struggle is legitimate and Indian oppression cannot extinguish it. Kashmir Solidarity Day also serves as a wake-up call for the international community, particularly the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and global human rights institutions. Silence in the face of oppression is complicity. Statements of concern are no longer enough. What Kashmir needs is meaningful diplomatic pressure on India to halt human rights abuses, release political prisoners, lift draconian laws and allow independent investigations into war crimes committed in the occupied territory. Pakistan has consistently raised the Kashmir issue at every international forum, standing diplomatically, politically and morally with the Kashmiri people. The observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day reflects the sentiments of the Pakistani nation, which views the Kashmir cause not as a matter of foreign policy alone, but as a humanitarian and moral obligation. As we observe 5 February, we must remember that solidarity is not limited to one day. It is a continuous commitment to speak the truth, challenge injustice and support the oppressed until their rights are restored. The human chains we form, the rallies we attend and the prayers we offer are all threads in a larger fabric of resistance against tyranny. The struggle of Kashmir is ultimately a struggle for human dignity and international justice. History teaches us that occupations sustained by force eventually collapse under the weight of truth. The day is not far when Kashmiris will breathe in freedom and the world will acknowledge that standing with Kashmir was standing on the right side of history. Until that day arrives, Kashmir Solidarity Day will continue to echo one simple but powerful message across borders and generations: Kashmir will not be forgotten. Kashmir will be free. —The writer, a Major retired, is based in Ghaziabad, Azad Kashmir. (chinar12@gmail.com)