For decades, the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) have endured immense sufferings—loss of lives, shattered dreams and stifled voices. However, their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed in a statement on the eve of the Kashmir Solidarity Day which is being observed on Feb 5, 2024 (today) condemned the Indian government’s hypocrisy and said on one hand it called itself the biggest democracy and defender of human rights while on the other hand, it denies the same to the people of the IIOJ&K.
“While they preach secularism, they perpetuate a brutal occupation, silencing dissent and suppressing the aspirations of an entire population,” said the interim religious affairs & interfaith harmony minister.
Kashmir is not a territorial dispute, said the minister, adding it is a humanitarian crisis and our collective voice must echo in the corridors of power, demanding an end to the suffering and a just resolution for the people of Kashmir. He quoted Allama Iqbal on the occasion: “Kashmiri blood runs in our veins, their pain is our pain, their struggle is our struggle.”
The minister said, “Today, as we gather to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, our hearts resonate with the pain and longing of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. This day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the right to self-determination.”
We stand shoulder to shoulder with them, echoing their cry for freedom—a cry that reverberates across the valleys and mountains of the beautiful land of Kashmir, he said.
The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A by the Indian government not only violated international agreements but also intensified the suffering of the Kashmiri people, the minister said adding “The people of Kashmir have been subjected to prolonged curfews, communication blackouts, and a heavy military presence, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.”
Such actions are not only a violation of basic human rights but also contradict the principles of justice and equality, Aneeq Ahmed said.
According to him, the United Nations Charter enshrines the right to self-determination—a right that belongs to every human being, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or geographical location.
It is imperative that India let the Kashmiris exercise their right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations without further prevarication, he said adding, “As an ‘Ambassador of Kashmir,’ I reassure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that Pakistan will continue to extend all possible support. We will raise our voice on international platforms, advocate for their rights, and stand firm against any attempts to suppress their struggle. It is our duty as a nation to condemn these injustices and stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.” When asked how to help if he is an oppressor, he responded, “By preventing him from oppressing others,” the minister in his statement.
