His Excellency the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr Syed Ahsan RazaShah, Cikgu Azmi Abdul Hamid – President of MAPIM, Dato Dr GhaniShamsudin, Dr Abdul Latiff Head of Research of Institute of AdvancedInternational Studies (IAIS), most respected invited guest and ladies and gentlemen….Assalamualaikum wrt
Its my honour to be invited to say a few words on this Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for decades,with both countries administering parts of the region. India’s revocation ofArticle 370 in 2019, which granted Jammu and Kashmir semi-autonomy,has fueled further unrest, leading to restrictions, detentions, and increased militarization. Human rights groups have raised serious concerns over thefreedoms and security of residents, particularly regarding curfews, limitedcommunication, and alleged abuses.
There is no doubt in the world’s public opinion, that Kashmir is anation occupied by India in defiance of the UN Security CouncilResolutions for the right of self-determination for the Kashmiris.There are about half a million Indian troops in the biggest militarizedzone in the world, controlling this piece of paradise populated by aMuslim majority population.
Let us be clear: Kashmir is not a land dispute between India and Pakistan.
The issue is the question of self-determination of the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir which was a part of the agenda for the
partition of India. The issue is not bilateral. It is not an internal matter of India. It is an international issue and is on the agenda of the UN Security Council. And the UN continues to list Kashmir as a disputed territory.
Self‑determination has been proven to be the key to resolving long-festering disputes and unforgiving conflicts. Namibia, East Timor, Bosnia, Eritrea. Kosovo, Montenegro, Southern Sudan, etc. are examples.
In each case, self‑determination was fueled by oppressive rule, whether foreign or otherwise. It also derived strength from international law and resolutions of the UN Security Council. Self-determination is celebrated in the UN Charter, in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
Living harmoniously pre independence
Within Kashmir’s boundaries lived Muslims, Pandits (Hindus), Sikhs, and Buddhists, but a commanding majority 80% subscribed to Islam. It was the Islam of the Holy Prophet and the Quran that teaches that in matters of religion, coercion is unacceptable. The four religious groups in Kashmir thus lived in common neighborhoods, forged common friendships, shared in one another’s celebrations and joys, and generally avoided religion as a point of contention, British paramountcy over Kashmir ended on Aug. 15, 1947. On that date, only three princely states had desisted from choosing accession to either India or Pakistan. They were Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad, and Junagadh. Under international law, all became independent on Aug. 15.
Nehru’s deception. (L & G)
An indigenous revolt was in full swing and on the verge of toppling the Maharaja when statehood arrived. Under the “Nehru doctrine”, sovereignty over Kashmir instantly devolved on the people, and not on the tyrannical Maharaja. But Nehru who hails from Kashmir, cynically and opportunistically violated his doctrine.
Nehru felt initial guilt over his villainy and raced to the UN clamoring for a self-determination plebiscite in Kashmir to be conducted by the UN in a free and non intimidating electoral atmosphere. The Security Council, with the express approval of both India and Pakistan, adopted twin resolutions on Aug. 13, 1948, and January 5, 1949, mandating self-determination through a plebiscite in Kashmir after demilitarization of the territory. However, these resolutions were never adhered to until today by unilaterally proclaiming that Kashmir had fallen into India’s sovereign orbit.
What can we do ? Pressure on India
Sufficient pressure should be put on the occupying force, India. Launching a global campaign to enforce a political and social boycott of India should be considered. This factor played a key role in the liberation and to end racial discrimination in South Africa.
Kindly allow me to suggest a few initiatives to move forward:
1. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel launched by the Palestine freedom movement has found considerable takers in the world. A similar movement for Kashmir should be explored and acted upon.
2. Organizing periodic tours and activities by Kashmeri leaders and activists to ASEAN for talks, seminars, cultural & food festivities to raise awareness.
3. A more targeted use of social media to provide first hand information. The power of social media has turned the public opinion in the west towards the Palestinian cause.
4. Formation of a Malaysia for Kashmir – M4K organisation driven by social activists and supported by Malaysian NGOs to plan and execute activities mentioned above. (As for the funding of M4K, we can ask Mr Muhammad Jawad to write us cheques. Online transfer is also allowed!..)
Path Forward: The path forward would involve easing tensions between India and Pakistan, possibly through international mediation and confidence-building measures. Engaging Kashmiri stakeholders in meaningful dialogue is crucial to reducing unrest and ensuring autonomy that respects Kashmiri identity. Economic development initiatives and human rights protections could provide stability and foster trust.
Thank you. Huda Hafiz.
Prepared by,
Ir. Mohd Jamaludin Shamsudin
CEO, Allied Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs Malaysia.
5/2/2025
