International Solidarity Day captures attention every February 5th and embodies the fight for human rights and justice for the people of Kashmir. This day acts as a powerful unifying force for individuals, organizations, and governments advocating for the self-determination of Kashmiris. The importance of this day goes beyond mere observance; it calls for tangible action to address the ongoing suffering in the region.
Kashmir has been a hotbed of conflict for decades, marked by layers of geopolitical interests and historical grievances. This blog will explore the background of the Kashmir struggle, the role of International Solidarity Day, and how everyone can contribute to this crucial cause.
Historical Background of the Kashmir Struggle
Kashmir's history, spanning thousands of years, is intertwined with complex political dynamics. The current conflict traces its roots to the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations. The princely states, including Jammu and Kashmir, were given the choice to join either nation. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, opted for independence initially. However, after facing invasion from Indian armed forces supported by Royal British Air force.
This move sparked a bitter conflict. Since then, Kashmir has experienced multiple wars—three major wars between India and Pakistan, two of which were initiated in 1947 and 1965. As a result, the United Nations has recorded significant casualties; it's estimated that over 70,000 people have died in violence related to the Kashmir conflict. Ongoing unrest and human rights abuses have galvanized the struggle for justice, making it crucial to understand Kashmir's current plight.
It has been long 76 years since the illegal occupation of Kashmir started when Indian forces with the help British Royal air force and British Imperial armed forces landed into the Srinagar on the this day 27th October 1947 this invasion perused by a mass uprising and civil unrest in Jammu Kashmir and PM Nehru took the case of Jammu and Kashmir to United Nation Security Council to seek the resolve on the matter.
After listening to Indian complain and right to reply from Pakistan the UNSC issued a famous resolution 47 of 21st April 1948. The UNSC resolution 47 explicitly instructed Indian union to give a people of Kashmir a right of self-determination by hold a free and fair plebiscite which PM Nehru accepted it and agree to hold plebiscite with three months but he subsequently delayed it until 1954 and then he amended the Indian constitute by invoking article 370,35a to give Kashmir a semi-automatous status.
On the 5th August 2019 Indian government led BJP Hindutva illegally abrogated of Article 370,35a which was a unilateral decision by all means and categorized by the international community as a farce.
The legislation was introduced alongside a presidential order that takes from the region and its people some political autonomy and hereditary rights by revoking Article 370 of India’s Constitution.
The changes will also lift a ban on property purchases by non-residents of Kashmir, opening the way for Indians outside the territory to invest and settle there. The local Muslim population has long feared such measures would change Kashmir’s demography, culture and way of life. The fall out is affecting Muslims in Greater India.
An indefinite security lockdown has kept most of the region’s 14 million people in their homes and in the dark about the changes. Critics have already likened Kashmir’s proposed new arrangement to the West Bank or Tibet, with settlers — armed or civilian — living in guarded compounds among disenfranchised locals.
The procedure adopted to revoke the special status and autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir appears to be incompatible with judgments and observations of high courts and the Indian Supreme Court, who have clarified that the President of India would need the agreement of the government of Jammu and Kashmir to change its status. This was ignored.
We, the peace-loving citizens and civil societies of South Africa implore in the name of justice, fair- play and humanity and ask you to put a stop to the ongoing tyranny, violence and oppression by the Indian army against the defenseless and innocent Kashmiri people in general and Freedom fighters in particular and the Muslim population of India.
The incident of 14th Feb 2019, which leads to the dangerous standoff and faces grave Nuclear War possibilities, lies in the unresolved dispute of Kashmir. The Indian state apparatus and Indian armed forces have used all sort of coercive and brutal tactics to killed, tortures, maimed, raped and abduct thousands of peace-loving Kashmiris and Indian Muslims, these brutal violence breed further violence.
The history has proven again and again that no power on the earth ever has succeeded to rule against the will of people. The people of Kashmir want their right of self-determination as enshrined in UNSC resolution 47 of 1948, which is accepted by Indian PM Nehru in 1948, but the free and fair plebiscites, is being denied for last 76 years.
The Indians need to ask a very pertinent question to their-self and their rulers that with the presence of over 890 000 armed troops and curfew like life in Kashmir for last 74 years have not quell the un-quenching thirst of Kashmiri people for their Freedom with a colossal loss of over hundred thousand Kashmiris, then perhaps it is time for reconciliation and mediation to bring a peace in Kashmir and Indian to consider peaceful settlement of Kashmir and an honorable exit.
We further would like to place on record that Indian state apparatus and Indian armed forces are in direct violation of following International conventions, treaties and agreement:
ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 16 Dec 1966
ICESCR International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights16 Dec 1966 CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women CESCR Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
VDPA Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (World Conference on Human Rights, 1993
CEFRD Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)
DRC Declaration of the Rights of the Child 1923
DRIP Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
AUHR Africa Charter on Human & Civil Rights
SAHRC Bill of Rights of South Africa
Indian Constitute Article 21-A Indian Constitute Article 51-A Indian Constitute Article 45
Indian Constitute Article Right to Education Act, 2009
The indigenous and native population of Jammu and Kashmir must be accorded opportunities to exercise their natural right of self-determination, that was promised by no other than the first Prime minister of Independent India i.e. Bharat Pandit Jawaher Lal Nehru to the International community; this is accordingly enshrined in the UN resolutions.
Also, we are and surely you too are convinced that, following measures are imperative in order to achieve our noble and well-intended objectives viz. peace, prosperity and creation an atmosphere in our region so that people in Indo- Pak sub-continent may be able to lead an anxiety free and dignified life.
Though we vehemently support and welcome the recent efforts from both the sides and consequent developments and the peace initiatives but at the same time we have to understand and admit that, the dialogues and Confidence Building Measures are meaningless and futile attempts unless the following steps are taken in good faith.
It had been long 76 years of Indian illegal occupation of Kashmiri land, and many subsequent dialogue have been proven fruitless, so we urge to the following,
1. We are petitioning to Dirco to review its invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit South Africa during November's 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg under the lights of above mention human rights violations and atrocities committed against minorities and especially in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
2. We are appealing for the release of all Kashmiri political leaders especially Yasin Malik, Khurram Pervez, Musarrat Alam Butt, Shabir Shah and many others. There more than 30,000 political and civil rights activist behind jail in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
3. We are appealing to your office to instruct NPA special investigative unit to expedite investigation on the case open against Prime Minister Modi for his alleged role played in extra-judicial killing of innocent Kashmiris in Indian illegally Jammu and Kashmir IIOJK during his tenure and Prime Minister.
4. We are requesting the reversal of revoking of article 370, 35a with immediate effects.
5. We are requesting the uplifting of the internet black out and blocked of telecommunication in Jammu Kashmir.
6. The opening of a formal inquest on the 48 pages UN Ohchr report on Kashmir which was released on 8th July 2019 which was compiled by the offices of UN Offices of Human Rights commissioner.
7. The opening of a formal inquest on the 53 pages UN Ohchr report on Kashmir which was released on 14th June 2018 which was compiled by the offices of UN Offices of Human Rights commissioner.
8. An independent inquiry into the brutal killing of PhD scholar Maman Wani in Indian occupied Kashmir by Indian Armed forces on 12th Oct 2018.
9. An independent inquiry into the brutal killing of PhD scholar Burhan Wani in Indian occupied Kashmir by Indian Armed forces on 6th July 2016.
10. The immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Indian troops comprising 890,000 armed personnel from occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Military presence in especially civil area is second highest besides Palestine.
11. The unlawful detentions and un-arbiter unabated summary extra-judicial and wanton annihilation of the Kashmiri people should be stopped without further loss of time.
12. An atmosphere should be created conducive to the normalcy in the region. This is only possible if the dreadful shadow of trigger-happy Indian soldiers is forth-with removed from the civil areas.
13. The people of Jammu and Kashmir should be returned back their hitherto legitimate but usurped political, social socio-economic, religious and all the other human rights, as prescribed by the
14. United Nation’s Charter of "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" which had been ratified by the Indian Government.
15. The basic human right viz. freedom of speech and freedom of expression has been curtailed by the occupation authorities and these should be henceforth restored to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Muslims of India be treated with peace and understanding.
16. In the prevailing horrifying and draconian environment religious congregational meetings and assemblies cannot be imagined, hence a need to nullify those unjust "laws" actions generally against Muslims in India.
17. Austerity and modesty of the unblemished Kashmiri and Indian Muslim noble ladies must not be violated by the Indian occupying forces. Aggressors are these days using this as a degrading weapon, this should be stopped immediately.
18. The International Human Rights agencies, SA Human Right Commission SAHRC and other NGOs should be given easy access to the Indian occupied Kashmir and greater India for fact finding mission and independent investigation.
19. The International Fact Finding Missions should be allowed unconditional access to the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and other areas of conflict and turmoil.
20. Each and every Kashmiri must be given opportunities for fair and unbiased just hearing before trial or resorting to extra-judicial executions in the form of "Fake Encounters".
21. The multilateral composite dialogues must resume without pre-conditions. The aim should be to find fair, just and amicable solution to the problem which is consuming energies and financial resources for the past more than half a century and which could have been utilized to provide food, shelter, education and health facilities to our down trodden masses.
It can only sincerely be prayed and hoped that, some tenderhearted and humane approach will be taken so that, sooner than later, our cherished sub-continent would be in a position to offer peace, tranquility to ALL of its inhabitants.
Observing International Solidarity Day
International Solidarity Day serves as a platform to raise awareness of the challenges facing Kashmiris. Celebrated on February 5th, events such as protests, rallies, and educational forums occur worldwide, uniting voices that demand justice for Kashmiris. For instance, in 2022, over 50 cities globally hosted events to amplify these calls, demonstrating a growing network of activists focused on this issue.
This observance emphasizes the shared responsibility of the global community to advocate for human rights. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch play a key role in highlighting the plight of Kashmiris, focusing attention on ongoing abuses. It reinforces the idea that the world cannot ignore these voices, as they represent the oppressed.
The Role of Activism
Activism plays a critical role in the Kashmir struggle, with numerous individuals working to spotlight human rights violations and advocate for self-determination. Many activists use social media to mobilize support. For instance, in 2020, hashtags like #KashmirUnderSiege trended worldwide, connecting thousands of advocates to share personal stories and crucial information. These activities help humanize the conflict, encouraging people to empathize and act.
Public demonstrations are another powerful tool for advocacy. In some cities, protests attract thousands, reflecting a broader global awareness of the Kashmir issue. News coverage of these events often serves to bring the situation into public consciousness, prompting greater calls for action.
How Individuals Can Contribute
Everyone has the power to support the Kashmir struggle. Here are some straightforward yet impactful ways you can get involved:
Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the Kashmir conflict is essential. Seek out books, documentaries, or online courses that detail the history and ongoing situation. For instance, the documentary "Kashmir: The Untold Story" highlights personal accounts that give depth to the issue.
Raise Awareness: Share information about Kashmir on your social media platforms. For example, consider posting powerful images and personal stories to spark conversations among friends and family. You can also host discussions to foster community engagement around the topic.
Support Organizations: Contribute to local and international groups working on Kashmir's human rights issues. Organizations like the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society often rely on donations and volunteers to continue their advocacy work.
The Impact of Solidarity on the Kashmir Struggle
International Solidarity Day is significant as it creates collective awareness and action regarding the ongoing issues in Kashmir. This solidarity can trigger positive change globally. For instance, protests on February 5th have led to increased media coverage and prompted some governments to call for a reassessment of their policies concerning Kashmir.
The ripple effect of these actions ensures that marginalized communities do not remain voiceless. By participating in social media campaigns and attending events, supporters amplify the urgency of the Kashmir issue, making it an integral part of broader discussions about human rights around the globe. Kashmir people are yearning for the promised plebiscite to decide the right of self determination.
A Call to Action
The 4th of February serves as a crucial checkpoint in the ongoing struggle faced by the people of Kashmir. International Solidarity Day is more than just a date; it signifies a shared hope for justice, peace, and self-determination. This day urges communities worldwide to stand together with those who endure suffering due to conflict.
As we observe this vital day annually, let's reflect on our responsibility in this larger fight for human rights. By educating ourselves and others, advocating for justice, and engaging in meaningful activism, we can influence positive change.
Let this International Solidarity Day inspire us to commit to the rights of the Kashmiri people and others seeking justice globally.
Author : Salman Khan
Founder and Chairman South Africa Kashmiri Action Group SAKAG
Kashmir Centre for Africa Union KCAU
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