Islamabad: The ongoing struggle for self-determination by the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to intensify as they assert what they claim as their fundamental human right to decide their political future, a conflict rooted in resistance to over seven decades of Indian occupation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the right to self-determination is upheld by international law, including specific United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir. Despite these international mandates, India has not facilitated the execution of these resolutions, continuing to deny Kashmiris their promised rights. This denial is in direct contradiction with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, which supports self-determination for all peoples.
The ongoing dispute transcends bilateral issues between India and Pakistan, focusing instead on the rights and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Despite being labeled as the world’s largest democracy, India’s refusal to acknowledge the Kashmiri demand for self-determination starkly contradicts its democratic values. Furthermore, the international community is urged to recognize the situation not just as a regional issue but as a violation of global human rights norms, demanding immediate action to support the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination as per international commitments.