February 5 – Kashmir Solidarity Day: A Struggle for Freedom and Justice
By: Abdul Ghafoor Sarohi
“Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan.”
This is not just an emotional statement but a reality deeply rooted in history, politics, and the fundamental right to self-determination. February 5, Kashmir Solidarity Day, is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the sacrifices of Kashmiris and a renewal of our commitment to their just cause.
Kashmir: A History of Betrayal and Oppression
When the subcontinent was partitioned in 1947, the people of Kashmir were left in limbo.
Maharaja Hari Singh, against the wishes of the Kashmiri people, illegally acceded to India.
India occupied Kashmir militarily and has since denied Kashmiris their right to choose their future.
In 1948, the United Nations passed resolutions calling for a plebiscite, but India has refused to honor them.
Since then, Kashmir has become the most militarized zone in the world, and its people have endured decades of brutal oppression. The situation worsened on August 5, 2019, when India revoked Article 370, stripping Kashmir of its special status and further tightening its grip on the region.
Unyielding Struggle: The Price of Freedom
The people of Kashmir have paid a heavy price for their resistance:
Thousands of innocent youth have been killed.
Thousands of women have suffered horrific sexual violence.
Countless individuals have been forcibly disappeared, leaving families in perpetual agony.
Mass graves, curfews, and lockdowns have turned Kashmir into an open-air prison.
Yet, despite these atrocities, the spirit of Kashmiris remains unbroken, and their demand for freedom only grows stronger.
February 5: Solidarity Must Go Beyond Words
Since 1990, Pakistan has observed February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day, marking it with:
Nationwide rallies and protests
Seminars and discussions on Kashmir’s plight
Extensive media coverage in support of Kashmir’s freedom movement
But the question is: Is this enough?
Kashmiris need more than just statements—they need real action.
Pakistan must intensify diplomatic efforts at international forums.
The global community must recognize that Kashmir is not just a territorial dispute but a human rights crisis.
The United Nations must be reminded that if it can raise concerns about Palestine, why is Kashmir being ignored?
Global Apathy: A Silent Endorsement of Injustice
The indifference of the international community is nothing short of complicity in oppression.
The United Nations passed resolutions but has failed to implement them.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) remains a passive observer.
Western nations that champion human rights are silent when it comes to Indian atrocities in Kashmir.
If the world truly believes in justice, it must take immediate steps to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Conclusion: Freedom Is Inevitable, for Tyranny Never Lasts
History has proven that oppression cannot last forever.
The sacrifices of Kashmiris will not be in vain, and their freedom is only a matter of time.
On this Kashmir Solidarity Day, let us not just express support but also pledge to amplify their voices until justice is served.
“Kashmir will be free!”
