INDIA MUST FULFILL ITS PROMISE AND RETURN
MAQBOOZA KASHMIR AND ITS CITIZENS TO THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN: HABIB
YOUSAFZAI, KASHMIR DIASPORA ALLIANCE
ASSALAM-O-ALAIKUM!
The Kashmir Diaspora Alliance would like to
assert that in any given situation, it is pertinent not to lose sight of
historical facts. This is especially true in situations of crisis, with
Maqbooza Kashmir serving as a primary example. Peering into historical facts
allows us to formulate realistic solutions in the contemporary period. As such,
all individuals who hold any form of attachment to the Kashmir issue should firmly
remember the telegram which was sent to the Prime Minister of the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan by the then Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru on October 25, 1947. It is also interesting to
note that this telegram was strategically sent the night
before Indian occupation in which Prime Minister Nehru wrote:"I should
like to make it clear that question of aiding Kashmir in this emergency is not
designed in any way to influence the State to accede to India. Our view which
we have repeatedly made public is that the question of accession in any dispute
territory or State must be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people
and we adhere to this view".
Looking at the statements made by the then Prime Minister of India,
it is clear that the Indian state has not followed through on the promise that
it once made. Despite the above statement and the fact that a clear majority
consensus exists among the citizens of Kashmir who have given their verdict
countless times over six decades, the Indian state has utilized every means in
order to bar the freedom process for the Kashmiri people and is serving as an
impediment to the entire peace process between the Pakistani and Indian state.
It is interesting to note that immediately following the succession of Pakistan
from India, the people of Kashmir began using Pakistan’s stamp in their post
office and this practice was only brought to an end by India when it illegally
occupied Kashmir on October 27, 1947.
It is deplorable that six decades later, India continues to
illegally occupy 42, 000 square miles of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (also
known as Internationally Disputed Areas of Jammu and Kashmir [IDA: JK or
Maqbooza Kashmir]) and despite this not facing any serious international
condemnation or diplomatic pressure. While the international community watches
idle, innocent Kashmiri's continue to suffer the brunt of Indian brutality.
India should live up to the promises it once made which are clearly inscribed
in history and withdraw its occupational forces from Maqbooza Kashmir. Only then
can a successful peace process be facilitated and the people of Kashmir can
decide their fate through the means of plebiscite under the auspicious of
the UN.
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