ISLAMABAD – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi criticized India’s rejection of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for mediation in Kashmir, calling it a missed opportunity for peace. Naqvi emphasized that India’s refusal to engage in dialogue highlighted a war-driven mindset rather than a willingness to seek peace.
In his message on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, Naqvi paid tribute to the 22 Kashmiri martyrs who laid down their lives on July 13, 1931, while defying oppressive forces. These martyrs, who faced gunfire while offering prayers, represent the undying spirit of resistance against injustice, Naqvi stated. He expressed deep respect for these brave souls who stood against oppression and whose sacrifice still inspires the ongoing fight for freedom.
Naqvi reflected on the historical significance of July 13, 1931, calling it the first act of defiance against a system that sought to silence the voices of Kashmiris. He drew parallels between the brutalities faced by Kashmiris under Dogra rule and the current oppressive measures implemented by the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Modi. “Both represent different forms of cruelty,” he remarked, drawing attention to the continuing suppression of Kashmiri voices.
The Interior Minister pointed out that India’s actions in Kashmir – including the use of state power to crush dissent – were nothing short of a violation of human dignity. He noted that the Modi government’s oppressive measures against Kashmiris mirrored the cruelty of the Dogra regime. The ongoing violence, including the use of force to suppress peaceful protests, serves to undermine the region’s right to self-determination.
Naqvi also praised Trump’s mediation offer as a window for peace that India had deliberately closed. He argued that by rejecting mediation, India had shown its preference for war over dialogue, proving its unwillingness to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully. Furthermore, he reassured that Pakistan remains a staunch advocate for Kashmiris’ right to freedom and self-determination, emphasizing that the cry for liberation will never be silenced by force or repression.
Kashmiris worldwide are marking Martyrs’ Day to honor those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. On July 13, 1931, Indian forces shot 22 Kashmiris outside Srinagar’s central jail as they peacefully protested the arrest of Abdul Qadeer, a sympathizer of the freedom movement. The martyrs’ sacrifice continues to inspire and remind the world of the ongoing struggle for Kashmiri independence.