Written by: Shayan Iqbal (PID, Peshawar)
This somber occasion reminds us of the grave consequences of India’s illegal actions of August 2019 vis-à-vis Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). On August 5, 2019, the Government of India unilaterally abrogated Article 370 and 35A of its Constitution, thereby revoking the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. This was done in clear violation of international law, the United Nations Security Council resolutions, and the commitments made by Indian leadership to the people of Kashmir and to the global community.
Since that day, the region has faced unprecedented repression. The Kashmiri people have been subjected to one of the longest and most brutal military sieges in modern history. Communications blackouts, arbitrary arrests, media censorship, and the suppression of all forms of dissent became the new normal in the valley. The move has been widely criticized by international human rights organizations, which have raised serious concerns over the alarming increase in human rights violations in IIOJK.
India’s unilateral actions not only stripped the region of its autonomy but also aimed to alter its demographic composition by introducing new domicile laws designed to settle non-Kashmiris in the territory. These measures are part of a broader strategy to marginalize the local Muslim population and dilute the Kashmiri identity, culture, and political voice.
The people and government of Pakistan have consistently rejected these illegal steps. Pakistan continues to extend unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri cause. Pakistan has repeatedly called upon the international community to take cognizance of the situation in IIOJK and to hold India accountable for its defiance of international law and its suppression of fundamental human rights.
Despite severe repression, the spirit of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken. Their resilience and steadfastness in the face of tyranny are a testament to their unwavering resolve for self-determination. August 5 is not merely a date—it is a symbol of betrayal, but also a reminder of an ongoing struggle that continues to seek justice, dignity, and freedom.
As the world stands at a crossroads between silence and conscience, it is imperative that the international community moves beyond statements and takes meaningful action. The people of Kashmir deserve peace, justice, and the right to determine their own future in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and their own aspirations.
The events of August 2019 have only deepened the crisis in IIOJK, but they have also intensified global awareness about the longstanding Kashmir dispute. The road ahead requires sustained advocacy, unity among peace-loving nations, and a collective commitment to upholding the principles of international law and human rights.
