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Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan – and standing fast with the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a cardinal principle of its foreign policy. That sentiment was reiterated by Pakistan’s civil and military leadership as it paid tribute to the 1931 martyrs who laid down their lives in a battle against the Dogra rule. The 22 Kashmiris who sacrificed their lives were at the vanguard of an irresistible struggle, one that continues to this day against India’s illegal occupation of the land.
On this 95th anniversary of July 13, observed as Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, the President and the Prime Minister resolved to extend political, social and lawfare support to the brethren in Jammu and Kashmir until their right of self-determination is attained under the resolutions of the UN Security Council. The continuation of moral and diplomatic support was also pledged till India halts repression in IIOJK, ceases all human rights violations, releases political prisoners, lifts the military siege and stops attempts to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory.
Kashmiris have come a long way in upholding their inviolable right to freedom and registered tales of resilience and heroism. The current phase of their struggle since August 5, 2019, wherein New Delhi usurped their special constitutional status by abrogating Articles 35A and 370, is worth appreciating. India, under the intoxication of Hindutva’s doctrine of otherness, has wreaked havoc with its own so-called democratic credentials, and the policy of segregation and altering cultural-cum-lingual characteristics of the Valley is a staggering violation of international law.
It needs to be made clear on this day that Kashmiris are awaiting justice and fair play. It is incumbent upon the democracy and human-rights-preaching societies to come to the aid of the oppressed community, who for decades has been living in the world’s largest concentration camp. India is unrelenting and its modus operandi on Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty and bilateralism is unbecoming of a responsible state. This necessitates a collective response from international institutions and the world community to back the struggle of Kashmiris and ensure that the volatile region does not go over the brink.