Every year, October 27 serves as a stark reminder that peace in the region remains elusive until the Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with UN resolutions, a demand that has been pending for 78 years. But unfortunately, Indian rulers and world powers deliberately ignored the bitter reality and gave free rein to India to continue the unconstitutional occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. India cites Ranjit Singh’s instrument of accession to justify its October 27 action, whereas this document has no legal value in the light of international law. Even the United Nations did not accept this arrangement between the Maharaja and the Indian government.
The ongoing human rights abuses and the unresolved struggle for self-determination of the Kashmiri people underscore the need for an UN-led solution. The unrepresented struggle and sacrifices of Kashmiris for their noble cause during the last seven decades are proof of Kashmiris’ resilience and determination. Despite heavily militarising the valley and exhausting all coercive tactics, Indian authorities have not yet been able to defeat the resolve of Kashmiris.
India’s unlawful occupation marked by unparalleled human rights violations, perpetrated under the cloak of oppressive and draconian laws is a charge sheet against the United Nations. India’s forceful occupation of Kashmir on October 27 was the first step towards the destabilisation of the region.
The unrepresented struggle and sacrifices of Kashmiris for their noble cause during the last seven decades are proof of Kashmiris’ resilience and determination.
This unlawful act had no legal or logical justification that India could present in her defence. The Modi regime, driven by RSS ideology, fails to understand that Kashmiris will not give up and are determined to continue their struggle for as long as it takes. Over 78 years of occupation, Indian rulers have left no stone unturned to subjugate the people of the valley. The Kashmiris’ continued resistance against crackdowns, fake encounters, brutal torture, internet blackout, curbs on freedom of expression, killing of journalists, demographic changes etc. is a proof of their dedication and an eye opener for the oppressors.
The Kashmir issue has different dimensions- political, legal and humanitarian. On all these fronts, India has miserably failed while forcefully continuing its occupation. This unnatural and illegal settlement will sooner or later collapse. The strategic interests of world powers and the inability of the United Nations to hold India accountable for its failure to implement its own resolutions are major factors that have encouraged India to further its agenda in the occupied valley. Over the past seven decades, the conflict has clearly shown that peace and development of the entire region are interlinked and the solution of the Kashmir issue as per the wishes of the people is the only way that leads towards it. But unfortunately, Indian rulers have turned a blind eye to this reality. India has not only become a threat to regional peace but also played a negative role in destabilising Pakistan through its proxies, further minimising chances for peace and development of the region. It is already too late, but the active role of regional players and Western powers for the solution of the issue as per the UN resolution is the only option left to end the misery of Kashmiris and pave the way for the prosperity of the region.
The writer is a freelance columnist and contributes regularly on issues concerning national security.