- A fruitful and sustainable form of struggle
Credit goes to the peaceful and resolute struggle of the people of Indian occupied Kashmir that their cause is winning the support of the world media, lawmakers, public figures and think tanks. It is being widely noted that the shut down of the region, the unending curfew, night raids and use of pellet guns to disperse unarmed protestors have failed to break the Kashmiris’ will. While the Indian government is under criticism as never before, the protestors are being commended for the restraint shown by them under grave provocations. Hurriyet leader Syed Ali Gilani has meanwhile issued a “heartfelt appeal” to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir to continue to resist the naked Indian brutality with courage and through peaceful protests and demonstrations.
The terrorist networks spread sectarianism, divided the Kashmiris, and diverted attention from the Indian persecution. Syed Ali Gilani has done well to appeal to all communities residing in Kashmir including Muslims, Hindu Dogras and Buddhists in Laddakh to join hands “as the Indian State not only wants to occupy our land, but it also intends to destroy our collective identity and brotherhood.”
After fighting several wars with India, there is a national consensus now that war is no solution to the issue of the occupied Valley. With UAE and Bahrain conferring their highest civil awards to the butcher of Kashmir it has raised important questions about the basis of solidarity among the countries in this day and age. It was the height of shortsightedness on the part of FM Qureshi to claim in Khanewal that UAE supports Pakistan on Kashmir issue. Within hours the Foreign Minister ad to eat his words and try to paper over the UAE award. There is a need on the part of the government to stop making policies on the basis of hopes and expectation while ignoring hard realities. It has to be firmly understood that the clout of a country is determined by its economic strength and Pakistan has to concentrate on achieving this, giving any other consideration a secondary position. Only a scientifically advanced and industrially developed Pakistan can enjoy international prestige and effectively support Kashmir cause rather than one running on foreign loans.
