Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s message on ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’

Today on February 5, the people of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir join hands to express their solidarity and support for the oppressed people of the Occupied Kashmir who are facing state terrorism of the worst kind for last many decades. The valiant people of the Held Valley have chronicled glorious chapter to the annals of human history through their immense sacrifices. Despite being subjected to the atrocities by the Indian security forces, the men, women, the old and the young have refused to submit themselves to the state might.

Almost entire Kashmir took to streets last summer in 2010 against the gross human rights violations by the Indian security forces. The mass uprising demonstrated the capacity of the Kashmiris to go to any extent for their just cause. Facing the heavily armed regular army were the unarmed men, women and children who were equipped with the weapons of endurance, conviction and a sense of purpose. The movement shook the Indian establishment and proved its indigenous character beyond any shadow of doubt. The international media could not help taking notice of the development and termed this uprising as Intifada.

The world community needs to understand that the peace and stability in South Asia would remain elusive unless the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir is sorted out in accordance with the UN’s resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiris. It cannot absolve itself of the responsibility by dubbing the issue as bilateral one between India and Pakistan. If the forces of terrorism and extremism need to be dealt a blow, the resolution of the Kashmir dispute holds the key in this context. Likewise, SAARC can be rendered into a potent organization only if the Kashmir dispute is resolved. Both India and Pakistan have wasted a lot of time talking of the form and not substance of the Kashmir affair. It is high time they understood the gravity of the situation and started a meaningful dialogue for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. The people of Pakistan would continue to extend moral, diplomatic and political support to their Kashmiri brethren in their hour of trial and tribulation and would not rest unless they win their inalienable right to self-determination mandated to them by the international law and UN’s charter.