Daily Times

27 October serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for self-determination faced by the people of IIOJK. This day is marked by Kashmiris and Pakistanis worldwide to express solidarity and highlight the human rights violations occurring in the region since 1947.

Kashmir was a princely state under Dogra rule marked by repressive governance and significant indigenous resistance before the partition of India. The region is rich in cultural diversity with a majority Muslim population that played a crucial role in its political landscape. The discontent against the Dogra monarchy laid the groundwork for future upheaval.

Maharaja Hari Singh’s reluctance to join Pakistan or India following the Partition was crucial. As unrest grew, he faced a popular uprising against his rule. On 26 October 1947, under pressure and amidst chaos, he signed the Instrument of Accession to India, which many argue was done under duress. In October 1947, tribals from Pakistan entered Kashmir to protect their Muslim brethren from Dogra forces. This invasion was later framed by India as a foreign incursion, justifying military intervention. On 27 October, Indian troops were airlifted into Srinagar, marking an illegal occupation and categorizing this day as ‘Black Day’.

Global players have largely failed to mediate effectively in the Kashmir dispute despite its significance in South Asian geopolitics.

Historically, India took the Kashmir issue to the United Nations, with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru promising a plebiscite to ascertain the will of the Kashmiri people. However, this promise remains unfulfilled still, leading to ongoing tensions.

The Partition Plan allowed princely states to choose their allegiance. While other states like Hyderabad and Junagarh faced similar dilemmas, Kashmir’s accession remains contentious due to its Muslim majority population. The legitimacy of the Instrument of Accession is hotly debated. India insists it is a legal agreement and views the accession as binding and legal. However, it was signed under coercion. Pakistan contests its validity based on Kashmir’s demographics (Muslim Majority) and the circumstances surrounding its signing.

The United Nations intervened in 1948 with resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir. These resolutions aimed to allow Kashmiris to decide their future but have never been implemented. The failure to conduct a plebiscite stems from India’s reluctance to withdraw troops has perpetuated instability. The lack of resolution has led to prolonged suffering for ordinary Kashmiris, who face daily violence and repression under barbaric and ferocious Indian rule.

In August 2019, India revoked Article 370, bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories-Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This move sparked widespread protests and international condemnation as it altered the region’s demographic landscape. Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir special status within India, allowing for autonomy in governance. This provision was crucial for maintaining regional identity and rights. This revocation intensified unrest in Kashmir, leading to increased military presence and crackdowns on dissent. Recent elections in the disputed region were also aimed to project that the situation is normal whereas the ground realities tend to differ.

Veteran Kashmiri Idealogue Syed Ali Geelani articulated, “India without any constitutional and moral justifications forcibly occupied the state of Jammu & Kashmir and since then this army is mercilessly killing the innocent and unarmed Kashmiris, vandalizing their properties and raping their daughters and sisters”. Kashmir is one of the most militarized regions globally, with over one million troops deployed. Ordinary citizens live under constant surveillance, curfews, and internet blackouts. Reports from organizations like Amnesty International detail severe human rights abuses: enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, rapes and extrajudicial killings are rampant. Families recount harrowing stories of loss due to state-backed violence.

Global Players have largely failed to mediate effectively in the Kashmir dispute despite its significance in South Asian geopolitics. The lack of resolution has implications for regional stability.

Kashmir remains a flashpoint between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India, with international interest in preventing conflict escalation. Repeated attempts at dialogue have stalled due to entrenched positions on both sides. Confidence-building measures have been undermined by ongoing violence and atrocities in IIOJK by the tyrannical Hindu regime.

27 October serves as a day of mourning for many Kashmiri families who have lost loved ones due to conflict. It encapsulates a complex history marked by struggle, resilience, and hope among its people. Kashmiris view this day as a catalyst for their struggle for self-determination. Excerpts from the statement of Syed Ali Geelani on the occasion of Black Day in 2013 remain pertinent, “This day is an inauspicious day in the history of Kashmir when forcibly we were made slaves.

Till 1947 Jammu and Kashmir was a free and sovereign state and as per the principles laid for the partition between India and Pakistan, it is clear that Kashmir is not in any way a part of India however India with its dint of might forcibly occupied and landed its troops in Kashmir and turned it into their colony. The people of Kashmir must convey a message on 27th October to the world that they would never acknowledge the ‘forced occupation’ and will pursue the freedom struggle till the last trooper leaves Jammu and Kashmir”.

The writer is a graduate of QAU, PhD scholar and a freelance writer and can be reached at fa7263125@gmail.com