SRINAGAR, The date of October 27, 1947, remains a significant marker in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. It signifies the day Indian troops landed in Srinagar, disregarding the will of the Kashmiri people and international conventions. This move was a precursor to a series of events that have continued to heighten tensions in the region, raising concerns not only about regional stability but also international peace.
According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, this conflict finds its roots in 1846, when the state of Jammu and Kashmir was transferred to a non-Kashmiri Dogra family, as a token of their service to the British Empire. This shift was said to be done without legal, moral, or humane consideration, bypassing the wishes of the indigenous population.
The annexation of Jammu and Kashmir by Indian troops in 1947 is seen as a dark moment in history, further escalating tensions. Historically, after British Paramountcy ended on August 15, 1947, the state became independent. However, international law suggested that sovereignty should have been with its people, rather than its Maharaja.
Indian leaders, including Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel, were noted to have influenced Maharaja Hari Singh into signing an accession letter under duress. This was reportedly a reaction to a perceived invasion from Pakistan’s North-West Frontier Province. Before the supposed accession, territories such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan had liberated themselves from Dogra rule.
The legitimacy of the so-called Instrument of Accession, the document that binds Jammu and Kashmir to India, has been challenged over time. British author, Alistair Lamb, notably described it as spurious.
International frameworks, like the United Nations resolution No 47 from April 21, 1948, underscore that the future of Kashmir should be in alignment with its people’s wishes. This sentiment was echoed by historical figures, including US Ambassador to the UN, Warren Austin.
Yet, attempts at a peaceful resolution seem to have been marred by delays and diversions. The annexation of Kashmir by India has not been recognized by global bodies like the United Nations. Notable figures, including British Prime Minister Clement Richard Atlee and philosopher Bertrand Russell, have expressed their concerns and skepticism about India’s stance on Kashmir.
Recent events, such as the Indian forces’ actions on August 5, 2019, have further exacerbated tensions in the region. Given the potential for conflict in South Asia, especially among nuclear powers, there are calls for the United Nations, particularly Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to intervene.
The statement concludes with an emphasis on the urgent need for a resolution, pointing to the continued suffering of the Kashmiri people and the escalating regional tensions that challenge global peace efforts.