It has been nearly one year since India revoked the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir as part of its nefarious designs to alter the demography of the region. The people of the restive valley have ever since endured countless atrocities and injustices by the occupying Indian forces.
Kashmiris celebrated Eid-ul-Azha under a communication blockade. They could not even offer their prayers, hold sacrifices, meet their families, or fulfill any of the rituals and traditions on the day. This is the second Eid being observed under lockdown as Kashmiris leaders remain under detention.
The Kashmir dispute is over seven decades old but the situation worsened since last year when the fascist Modi regime unilaterally revoked the autonomous status and annexed the territory. It was split into three parts and Hindus are being settled there. A communication blockade has been enforced, healthcare access has been denied, and the region has seen the longest internet blackout ever. This was followed by a second lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic as cases continue to spread.
Pakistan has decided to observe ‘Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir’ (Day of Exploitation) on 5th August – to mark one year since India took over Kashmir. The nation will observe a moment of silence in solidarity with the people of Kashmir and against the injustices by India. The world needs to realise the brutal suppression that Kashmiris are facing since the past one year.
Governments around the world have imposed a lockdown of varying degrees to control the spread of the coronavirus. This has wreaked economies and altered social behaviour in various societies. The people of Kashmir were under a lockdown even before the outbreak and been under a blockade ever since. The situation is no longer the same and India must be held accountable for its actions.
Indian hegemony is proving to be a threat to the region. India has been embroiled in a bitter standoff with China where it suffered humiliation and relations with Nepal and Bangladesh are also worsening due to provocative and controversial laws such as the Citizenship Amendment Act. Pakistan should take a more aggressive stance as merely showing solidarity with Kashmir will not solve the problem and the Kashmiris need to be liberated from Indian oppression.
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