Kashmir Day

Amnah Shaukat
Every year we observe 5 February as Kashmir Solidarity Day to show support and unity with the people of occupied Kashmir, who have been facing illegal Indian occupation and gross human right violation by Indian occupational forces from last 74 years. Kashmir solidarity day is a national holiday. On this day Pakistani masses stands in solidarity with Kashmir and condemn Indian violation of human rights in valley of Kashmir. The main objective of celebrating this day is to strengthen unity with Kashmiri people. On this day we mark our political, moral and diplomatic support to the courageous struggle of our Kashmiri brother and sisters to achieve their legitimate right of self-determination. And we show the world that Kashmiris are not alone in their indigenous and legitimate struggle for right of self-determination. Pakistan will continue its support until the right of self-determination is attained by Kashmiris. On this occasion whole country of Pakistan and people residing in other countries pay tribute to Kashmiri people for their struggle in Indian occupied Kashmir. Independence is the fundamental right of any person or nation. This right of independence cannot be snatched by any nation. The struggle of Kashmir people may seem to be long but the day is not far when Kashmiri will be able to breathe in their independent homeland. During the day people from various walk of life participate in rallies, protest, seminars and walks to reiterate their support withKashmiris and to draw the world attention that how Indian forces are engaged in horrific atrocities and massacre of innocent people of Kashmir. Human made chain of hands in many parts of the country people stand in rows with their hands clasped to form chain. This represents unity and solidarity to reassure Kashmiris that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom. On August 5, 2019, India abrogated article 370 without informing or consulting Kashmiris. Indian forces had not only unilaterally annulled special status of Jammu and Kashmir but also placed the entire 8 million population of occupied territory under military siege which is continuing for 17 months in never-ending manner.We salute unarmed but valiant Kashmiris for their resilience in the face of India’s scorched-earth policy and their resolve to resist Indian colonialism and foreign occupation. On this day we appeal the international community, especially the United Nations, to step forward and help us liberate the people of IOJK. Otherwise, it would be too late. An entire people will be disenfranchised, dispossessed, displaced and destroyed. For their part, Kashmiris have vowed that they would win freedom and self-determination, as promised to them by the United Nations,under any circumstances. The flame of liberty will not be snuffed out by Indian imperialism.