ON a day when people of Pakistan, Kashmiris all over the world and just-minded members of the international community were lodging protest against illegal annexation of Jammu & Kashmir by India and its unending repression in the occupied territory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to initiate yet another anti-Muslim campaign by laying foundation stone of Ram Mandir at the site of the historic Babri mosque, which was forcibly demolished by Hindu extremists in December 1992, sparking anti-Muslim riots that took life of about two thousand innocent Muslims. Modi took refuge behind the flawed judgement of the Indian Supreme Court, which is widely flayed by Indian Muslims and historians for its clear tilt towards Hindu zealots and bias against Muslims.
Modi deliberately chose August 5 for the {un-}holy ceremony in a bid to distracting attention of the world community and his own people from ‘Yaum-e-Istehsal’ aimed at highlighting India’s illegal actions in occupied J&K and brutality of its forces against people of Kashmir, who are waging a just struggle for their right of self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions as well. However, he miserably failed to realize his objective of camouflaging his misdeeds in the occupied territory as people of Pakistan and Kashmiris sent a loud and clear message that nothing would deter Kashmiris from pursuing their goal of freedom. Prime Minister Imran Khan rightly pointed out that India’s arrogance brought global focus to Kashmir and that Kashmiris will be free soon from India’s reign of terror. And President Dr. Arif Alvi slammed New Delhi for copying Israeli model of changing demography in occupied Kashmir but its nefarious designs would miserably failed in the face of unflinching resolve of Kashmiris to continue their freedom struggle. India has not been able to shake their resolve despite a series of draconian measures it introduced in the occupied territory during the last one year. Though the world community is presently not as vocal as it should in playing its role to bring an end to the injustice being meted out to Kashmiris during the last over seven decades but thanks to the effective moves of Pakistan on diplomatic front and unwavering commitment of Kashmiris to their cause that the issue is gradually attracting more and more attention.
This is also evident from the fact that on the occasion of ‘Yaum-e-Istehsal’, the UN Security Council met to discuss the prevailing situation in occupied Kashmir, expressing serious concern over human rights situation there and attempts aimed at changing demography of the region. Though the meeting was closed door but the very fact that it did take place on the occasion of anniversary of India’s illegal annexation of Jammu and Kashmir is meaningful and serves as a serious reminder to New Delhi that the world would never accept what it is illegally doing in the region. People of Pakistan are grateful to China and Turkey, which came out with strong and reassuring statements on the day. Apart from playing key role in arranging meeting of the UN Security Council, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s remarks that any unilateral change in status quo is illegal and invalid would serve as morale booster for Kashmiris. Similarly, Hami Aksoy, spokesman of Turkish Foreign Ministry also categorically stated that annulling article 370 does not contribute to peace in the region. All this shows Modi’s attempt lay foundation stone of Hindu temple to divert attention away from its black policies and actions in occupied Kashmir has not succeeded. In fact, his decision to share the stage with the head of the RSS, the militaristic hardline Hindu group that is parent to the BJP and which Modi joined as a young man, further exposed his anti-minorities mindset. The ceremony strengthened the impression of growing majoritarianism in India, where minorities, particularly Muslims and their places of worship, were increasingly under attack. Pakistan has strongly condemned the construction of temple in place of historic mosque, urging the international community, the United Nations and relevant international organizations to play their part in saving the Islamic heritage sites in India from the ‘Hindutva’ regime and ensure protection and religious rights of minorities there. We hope Pakistan would not stop at that and work hard to enlist support of OIC member states and influential members of the international community in pressurizing India to show respect for rights of Indian Muslims.
