Written by Maj. Gen. Rashad Javeed, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Libya

5th February is observed as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’; a Day to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir in their just struggle for freedom from Illegal Indian Occupation Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and for their right of self-determination; a just struggle in the face of India’s increasingly oppressive policies and atrocities.

The deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied disputed territory, we may recall the history of the dispute. At the time of partition of India in 1947, Jammu Kashmir was a princely state in the undivided India. Jammu Kashmir had its historic, religious, demographic, trade and road links with the present day Pakistan. With an overwhelmingly Muslim population, it was governed by a Hindu ruler.

Several UN Security Council Resolutions had have been passed soon after the partition require the future of Jammu Kashmir to be decided according to the wishes of the people of Jammu Kashmir through a plebiscite under UN auspices. Importantly, India itself is a party to these resolutions. Unfortunately, instead of honoring its obligations, India opted to use brutal force against Kashmiri men, women and children to deny them of their right of self-determination.

India’s blatant violation of human rights in Kashmir is nothing new. To its infamous record of human rights, it has the discovery of thousands of unmarked graves; use of pellet guns that blinded the Kashmir youth in last decade and stripping millions of the very basic human rights to life and dignity all through since 1947.

India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 were in blatant violation of international law including UN Charter, 4th Geneva Convention and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions which stipulate that the final disposition of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. India has embarked on the depopulation of Kashmiri Muslims by confiscating their land and bringing non-Kashmiri to settle in IIOJK. These Indian actions have caused serious damage to peace efforts in an already volatile region.   

Unfortunately, all this is happening in today’s ‘civilized world’, where we often hear about the sanctity of human rights and human dignity. It is happening today, now, and as we speak, in a world that is connected across the globe with a single click on our mobile devices. Is that acceptable? “If not, then the question is, what is our responsibility; at collective and at an individual level?

Kashmiris Right of self-determination was promised to them by the international community. The international community has a responsibility for its realization. Let us support the oppressed people and join the voices that are struggling for peace and justice. To fulfill their responsibility is not a matter of choice, but a matter of responsibility.

Pakistan reiterates its call on the international community to take practical steps to hold India accountable for its gross and widespread human rights violations in IIJOK. A just and lasting solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with international legitimacy is the only way to ensure durable peace and development in the region. Pakistan’s ultimate objective is a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute as per relevant UNSC resolution in accordance with wishes of the Kashmiri people.

 

Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Libya Observer

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