13 July 1931 became known in Kashmiri history as “Martyrs’ Day” – the beginning of a struggle for independence from alien rule (at that time the Hindu Maharaja and subsequently the Republic of India) which has not yet ended. It was on this day in 1931 that 21 Kashmiris sacrificed their valuable lives for the supreme cause of freedom of Kashmir from the clutches of despotic Dogra rulers. The people of Pakistan side with the oppressed ones and launch a protest against the oppressive polices of Indian Occupied Forces on the hapless Kashmiris.
The latest trend of the protest that started since 13 July, 1931, has transformed into “young people’s movement”. It was the bitterness among the youth, who grew up in a climate of violence, humiliation and hatred since the Partition in 1947.
Nonetheless, a breakthrough is sensed in the 2nd round of secretary-level Pak-India talks since Mumbai carnage. Although, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao promised for the well being and prosperity of “our two peoples” on June 23, 2011, yet a viable solution to the Kashmir problem will have to be found for regional autonomy. That alone can build the necessary confidence and goodwill, which India so badly needs.
The unrest could yet again become a serious problem for India, with unpleasant implications for its fraught relations with Pakistan.
The popular mood in Kashmir is the sole demand of azaadi – as a sovereign, independent state or for Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan. The Indian state must rethink its Kashmir policy. In all its fairness, India should give way to the Kashmiri struggle for the right of self-determination, and opt to demilitarise the area as a “gift” on their 80th anniversary of Kashmir ‘Martyrs Day’.
At least, it may balm some of the wounds which Indian forces have been continuously inflicting on the Kashmiris since 1947.
ASLAM KAHOOT
Kotli
