Kashmir Solidarity Day: 5th February
On Kashmir Solidarity Day, we recall the Kashmiri people's battle against repressive forces that wanted to eradicate their identity and autonomy. The revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A represented a terrible period in Kashmir's history, with civilians subjected to a suffocating military siege, arrests, and communication blackouts.
The erosion of Kashmir's autonomy did not begin with these revocations; it has been a protracted process, with successive Indian governments undercutting the constitutional commitments made to the Kashmiri people. The BJP government's recent initiatives, particularly the fast-track process for non-local Indians to get domicile status, reflect a settler-colonial goal that threatens to change the region's demographic character.
The political scene has also changed significantly, with unelected politicians closely aligned to Hindu nationalist beliefs ruling the region with little influence from the original populace. The attempt to create a semblance of democracy by interacting with old collaborator politicians does not change the fundamental aim of transforming Kashmir's Muslim majority into a political minority.
Journalism in Kashmir has been reduced to a government PR exercise, with strict media policies and pervasive control. Journalists and regular residents who dare to disagree face detention, harassment, and even criminal prosecution, fostering a climate of fear and silence.
The Indian government's version of normalcy in Kashmir contradicts the ground reality. The attempt to legitimize activities under the cover of development and combating terrorism is incompatible with the degradation of Kashmir's ethnic, religious, and national identity.
As we commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day, we must raise Kashmiris' voices, acknowledge their situation, and stand up to the injustices they endure. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the ongoing crisis in Kashmir, and efforts should be taken to address the core causes and work toward a reasonable and peaceful conclusion.
(Sources: Al-Jazeera, media reports , TV Current Affairs Programs)
