THE level of participation and the spirit with which people of Pakistan observed the Day of Solidarity with Kashmiris has sent a strong and firm message to India and the outside world that Kashmir issue is alive as before and Pakistan stands firmly with Kashmiris in their just struggle for realisation of their right of self-determination. India has taken a series of repressive military measures as well as so-called constitutional and legal steps in a bid to legitimising its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir but the sentiments and pledges expressed by Kashmiris and undiluted support extended to them by their Pakistani brothers and sisters has highlighted the fact that there is no change in the ground situation as far as this longstanding dispute is concerned.
Kashmiris are writing a new history with their blood and it is hoped that the firm solidarity expressed by people of Pakistan for their cause would serve as a morale booster for them. The observance of the day has also underlined the fact that there was no division or difference of opinion as far as Kashmir issue and its peaceful resolution as per aspirations of the Kashmiri people is concerned. The civil and military leadership, opposition political parties and leaders, intellectuals, media and all other segments of the society have unanimity of view on this issue. This was also reflected in the adoption of unanimous resolutions by National Assembly and Senate on Tuesday expressing unflinching and unwavering support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for the right to self-determination. The resolutions asked India to immediately reverse its illegal actions of August 5 and October 31, repeal the draconian laws, withdraw its occupation forces and immediately lift the lockdown in the valley. The language of the resolutions has also conveyed a clear-cut message that any resolution of the conflict has to be in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions that envisage free and fair plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to decide their fate. This is important in view of the steps taken by India to annex the occupied territory and rumours about any change in Pakistan’s stance. It is also relevant to point out that the Indian actions and brutalities have, in fact, helped project the dispute in right earnest at international level and this is quite evident from the positive role being played by world leaders, parliamentarians, international media, human rights organizations, particularly China, Malaysia, Turkey and Iran in raising their voice against the Indian atrocities in the IoK.
