Kashmir Martyrs' Day, also known as Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir, is observed annually on July 13th in remembrance of the 22 Kashmiri Muslims killed by Dogra forces in 1931. On that day, Kashmiris were protesting outside the Srinagar Central Jail, where Abdul Qadeer, who had called on them to rise against the Dogra rule, was being held.
In the year 1947, when the partition of the sub-continent took place, against the will of the people of Kashmir, Indian forces, on the request of the unpopular ruler, Hari Singh, took over two-thirds of the territory. What ensued was the displacement and genocide of the Muslims of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. More than 250,000 Muslims were killed mercilessly in the Jammu area by the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh, aided by right-wing Hindu groups. The matter was referred to the United Nations, and several resolutions regarding the Kashmir dispute were passed, with the most prominent being Security Council Resolution 47 (1948).
This resolution, adopted on April 21, 1948, addressed the conflict between India and Pakistan over the region and recommended measures to facilitate a plebiscite to determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Key aspects of the resolution included provisions for peace restoration, withdrawal of forces, and a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices. Although India is a signatory to these resolutions, it has reneged on the promises. Indian authorities have thumped the nose of the international community by extending federal laws to the occupied territory and on August 5, 2019, converted it to a Union territory that is directly controlled by New Delhi.
Government of India is living in a fool’s paradise by believing that Kashmir can be usurped by brute force. Notwithstanding the fact that their forces have unleashed a reign of terror, massacred more than 100,000 civilians, gangraped women, blinded youth with pellet guns and buried the bodies in mass graves, the voices of freedom have not died down.
The generations of Kashmiris have promised themselves that they will leave no stone unturned unless Kashmir is freed from Indian occupation. The important question is what price will be paid by the world for Indian hubris and disrespect for international laws.
The region being sandwiched between three nuclear states is a powder keg that can explode without prior warning. This was recognised by former US President Bill Clinton and has also been acknowledged by President Donald Trump. Minor skirmishes between India and Pakistan can lead to a nuclear conflagration that will engulf half of world's population. It will be a major disservice to the human race if the international community leaves this protracted problem unattended and allows the continuation of blatant Indian atrocities on the freedom-loving people of Kashmir.
Categories : Opinion Dr Imtiaz Khan
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