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The Resolve of Kashmiri People
The Kashmiri people remain resolute in their commitment to joining Pakistan, as highlighted by the 1947 Accession Resolution and their ongoing struggle against Indian occupation.
On July 19, 1947, the leaders of Kashmir gathered at Sardar Ibrahim Khan’s residence in Srinagar to pass a historic resolution for Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan. The All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, or the Muslim Conference, advocated for this decision, driven by geographical proximity, a predominantly Muslim population, cultural ties, and economic interests that aligned with Pakistan. The resolution underscored these factors, stating: “The [Muslim Conference] has reached the conclusion that geographical conditions, 80 percent Muslim population, important rivers of Punjab passing through the state, language, cultural, ethnic and economic relations and contiguity of the state with Pakistan make it imperative to merge with Pakistan.”
As the British prepared to leave the Indian subcontinent, they intended to partition it based on demographic and geographic factors. The Muslim majority in Jammu and Kashmir expressed a clear desire to join Pakistan. However, Hari Singh, the last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, declared his intention to keep the state independent, contradicting the popular sentiment. This decision, influenced by his personal ambitions, sparked widespread unrest among the Kashmiri people. In response to the Maharaja’s announcement, the people of Jammu and Kashmir revolted. Seeking support, the Maharaja turned to India, leading to the arrival of Indian forces on October 27, 1947, under a purported Accession Deal. Meanwhile, volunteers from Pakistan entered Kashmir to defend their Muslim brethren, resulting in the liberation of areas now known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The conflict’s escalation prompted the UN Security Council to pass several resolutions, including resolutions 47, 51, 80, 96, 98, 122, and 126. These resolutions stipulated that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir should be determined by a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices. However, India’s then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru reneged on promises of a referendum, adopting a narrative that “Kashmir is an integral part of India.”
This stance has been firmly rejected by the Kashmiri people, who remain committed to the 1947 Accession Resolution, aligning their future with Pakistan. The Kashmiri people have never accepted India’s control and initiated a liberation movement. Facing the potential collapse of its forces, India sought help from the United Nations.
Initially, India pledged before the UN to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination but later abandoned this commitment. The past seven decades of state terrorism by India in Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with the recent surge of Hindu extremism under the Modi government, have only strengthened Kashmir’s justification for joining Pakistan.
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir worsened dramatically on August 5, 2019, when the Modi government unilaterally revoked Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, stripping the region of its special autonomy. This move aimed to alter the region’s demographic composition to weaken the Muslim majority and redraw the electoral map to marginalize Kashmiri Muslims politically.
These actions, in direct violation of international law, have only solidified the resolve of the Kashmiri people to continue their struggle for freedom. The state’s severe actions, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and a crackdown on political and civil rights, have reinforced the determination of Kashmiris to achieve their goal of accession to Pakistan.
The Indian state has employed various oppressive measures to stifle dissent and silence Kashmiri voices. Media restrictions in Kashmir flagrantly violate press freedom, with journalists facing harassment, threats, and arbitrary detentions, making it challenging to report on the ground realities. Internet services are frequently suspended, often for long periods, isolating Kashmiris from the rest of the world and hampering their access to information. These blackouts severely impact daily life, affecting education, healthcare, and economic activities.
The use of pellet guns by Indian security forces has added another grim chapter to the oppression faced by Kashmiris. These so-called non-lethal weapons have caused widespread injuries, with many young Kashmiris suffering permanent blindness and other severe disabilities. The indiscriminate use of pellet guns during protests and demonstrations has even affected bystanders, including children, creating a climate of fear and trauma among entire communities.
The 1947 Accession Resolution remains relevant today, reflecting the spiritual, social, political, and cultural ties between Kashmir and Pakistan. The renowned slogan of the legendary Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, “Hum Pakistani Hain, Pakistan Hamara Hai” (We are Pakistanis, Pakistan is ours), encapsulates the aspirations of Kashmiris in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite ongoing oppression and attempts to alter the region’s demographics, the Kashmiri people have not wavered in their resolve to join Pakistan.
Each year, on July 19th, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and around the world observe “Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day.” This day serves as a reaffirmation of the historic decision made in 1947 and the enduring commitment of the Kashmiri people to their struggle for self-determination and accession to Pakistan.
The unwavering resolve of the Kashmiri people and their leadership to become part of Pakistan remains deeply rooted in their historical, cultural, and social context. The annual observance of July 19th as “Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day” stands as a testament to their persistent pledge to continue the struggle until Kashmir becomes part of Pakistan. Despite the challenges and ongoing oppression, the determination of the Kashmiri people to achieve their rightful place as part of Pakistan remains strong and steadfast. The legacy of the 1947 Accession Resolution continues to inspire and guide their fight for freedom and justice.
Zahra Batool teaches International Relations. Her areas of interest are Pak-India relations, Pak-Afghan relations, and South Asia.