Abdullah Kamran
The Kashmir conflict is a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan that has been ongoing since the partition of India in 1947. The conflict is centred around the region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is claimed by both countries. The dispute has led to several wars and conflicts between the two countries, with both sides accusing each other of human rights violations and terrorism.
Pakistan’s perspective on the Kashmir issue is that it is a moral issue that goes to the heart of the political aspirations of the Muslims of British India for a separate homeland. Pakistan sees India’s denial of the accession of the state to Pakistan as an act of bad faith. Pakistan also views the dispute as a violation of the principles of self-determination and the partition plan for the sub-continent. Pakistan has never recognized the Instrument of Accession between Kashmir and India and challenges its legality and authenticity. Pakistan’s Kashmir case rests on the United Nations (UN) Resolutions and the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. It feels that India’s recent action to strip Indian-administered Kashmir of its special status is a violation of UN Resolutions that forbid annexation of disputed territory.
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27th October is observed as a Black Day in Pakistan, in Kashmir, and all over the world where Kashmiris live to remind the global community and the UN of their obligations towards the people of Kashmir. On this day in 1947, India landed its troops in Srinagar, which was a blatant breach of the Indian Independence Act and Partition Plan. The people of Kashmir revolted against this move, leading to war between India and Pakistan. Since then, India has continued to occupy Kashmir, denying the right of self-determination to the people of the state. The Black Day is observed to remind everyone that despite UN resolutions regarding settling the question of accession of Kashmir through plebiscite, India continues to occupy Kashmir.
The Kashmir conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue that has implications for the social, cultural, political, geographical and economic aspects of the Kashmiris. The Kashmir conflict has affected the lives of millions of people in the region, who have faced violence, displacement, human rights violations, and a lack of basic services and opportunities. The conflict has also created a sense of solidarity and identity among the Kashmiris, who share a common history, culture, and aspiration for self-determination. The conflict has also influenced the social fabric of Pakistan, where many Kashmiris have migrated or sought refuge and where public opinion and civil society have been vocal in supporting the Kashmiri cause.
The Kashmir region is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, and other religions and traditions. The region is known for its arts, crafts, literature, music, cuisine, and festivals, which reflect the creativity and resilience of the Kashmiri people. The conflict has threatened the preservation and promotion of this cultural diversity, as well as the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiris to express their identity and beliefs. The conflict has also fostered a sense of cultural affinity and exchange between Pakistan and the Kashmiris, who share many linguistic, religious, and ethnic ties.
Furthermore, the Kashmir conflict resulted from the unfinished business of the partition of India in 1947, when the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was given the option to join either India or Pakistan. The ruler of the state, Maharaja Hari Singh, acceded to India under controversial circumstances, triggering a war between India and Pakistan. The United Nations intervened and called for a plebiscite to determine the will of the Kashmiri people, but this was never implemented due to disagreements over the conditions for holding the vote. Since then, India and Pakistan have fought two more wars over Kashmir and have maintained a tense military standoff along the Line of Control that divides the region. The conflict has also involved China, which occupies parts of Ladakh and Aksai Chin. The conflict has prevented the normalization of relations between India and Pakistan and has posed a threat to regional and global peace and security. The conflict has also denied the Kashmiris their right to self-determination and political participation, as they have been subjected to repression, censorship, and militarization by India. The conflict has also motivated the Kashmiris to demand greater autonomy or independence from India or accession to Pakistan through various political movements and parties.
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The Kashmir region is situated in the Himalayan mountains, with a varied terrain that includes valleys, lakes, glaciers, forests, and deserts. The region is endowed with natural resources such as water, minerals, timber, and hydroelectric potential. The region is also strategically located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and China. The conflict has affected the environment and ecology of the region, as well as its development and infrastructure. The conflict has also hampered the cooperation and integration of the region with its neighbours, as well as its potential role as a bridge between different regions and markets.
Furthermore, the region has a predominantly agrarian economy, with some sectors such as tourism, handicrafts, horticulture, and services. The region has a low level of industrialization and urbanization and faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, and underdevelopment. The conflict has adversely impacted the economy of the region, as well as its trade and investment opportunities. The conflict has also affected the economy of Pakistan, which has incurred high costs in terms of defence spending, diplomatic challenges, and lost opportunities for regional cooperation and connectivity. The conflict has also created some opportunities for economic cooperation and confidence-building between India and Pakistan, such as cross-border trade and bus services, but these have needed to be more consistent.
Given this background, it is critical to implement the UN resolution and provide the Kashmiris with the right to self-determination for several reasons.
It is a legal obligation under international law, as well as a moral duty, to respect the wishes of the people of Kashmir, who have been denied their fundamental right to choose their own destiny. Then, it is a pragmatic solution to end the stalemate and resolve the dispute peacefully through dialogue and negotiation rather than violence and confrontation. Furthermore, it will be a positive step towards improving relations between India and Pakistan and enhancing regional stability and cooperation. Then, it is a humanitarian gesture to alleviate the suffering and address the grievances of the Kashmiris, who have endured decades of conflict, oppression, and injustice. Therefore, the solution of Kashmir according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people is the only permanent solution to the conflict of Kashmir.
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