TODAY marks the third anniversary of India’s illegal annexation of the occupied Kashmir territory.
Over the past three years, Modi-led government has set new records of human rights violations in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).
The atrocities are well documented by the UN and other international human rights organizations but it is lamentable that nothing has been done to end the long sufferings of the oppressed Kashmiris.
The people of Pakistan are observing Youm-e-Istehsal today to express their complete solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people and remind the world community of the promises it made for the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people.
Rallies will be taken out in different parts of the country including the main in the federal capital led by President Arif Alvi to convey the message that come what may, Pakistanis will always stand by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Indeed the bonds between Pakistan and Kashmir are unbreakable.
IIOJ&K’s beauty is strained with painful tales of egregious human rights violations and massive structural violence, encompassing political, social, economic, medical and jurisdictive spaces.
The valley has been turned into an open prison by the occupying forces which are involved in extra judicial killing of innocent people and blinding of people including children through pellet guns.
The question is for how long the Kashmiri people will continue to suffer at the hands of Indian forces.
Will the international community ever rise above their political and economic expediency and whilst moving beyond mere lip service will take practical steps to free the oppressed people from the cruel Indian clutches. First responsibility rests with the Muslim world to speak in unison for the Kashmiri people.
Major capitals should use their influence on New Delhi and push it for resolution of this lingering dispute which is important for durable peace and stability of the region.
Pakistan should further expedite its efforts to sensitize the people in the Muslim and Western world about what is happening in IIOJ&K under the Modi regime.