Kashmir Accession Day: Reflecting on the Significance of 19 July in Kashmir’s History
July 19 is a significant day in the history of Kashmir and Pakistan as it is celebrated as “Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day.” On this day in 1947, the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference passed a resolution demanding that the state of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan. A large majority of the delegates passed this resolution, and it is seen by the Kashmiris as a legitimate expression of their desire to join Pakistan.
The origins of this day can be traced back to the partition of India in 1947, when the British Raj was divided into two separate nations, India and Pakistan. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with its Muslim majority population, was given the choice to accede to Pakistan. The people of Kashmir, who had long felt a cultural and religious affinity with Pakistan, expressed their desire to join Pakistan. The people of Kashmir have been caught in the crossfire of this dispute for decades, with their aspirations for self-determination often ignored or suppressed.
The observance of 19th July in Kashmir involves various activities such as gatherings, protests, and raising pro-freedom slogans. Kashmiri communities around the world participate in these events, displaying their solidarity with the cause. Posters and banners expressing support for Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan are seen in streets and public spaces during this time. It is seen as a day to show solidarity, where they demonstrate their support for the cause of Kashmiri independence from India and their desire to join Pakistan.
Kashmiris shows their firm resolve that they totally reject Indian rule and will never accept Indian hegemony. The resolution of 19 July 1947 by the majority of the people of Kashmir is still valid and continues to establish the fact that the people of Kashmir have spiritual, social, political and cultural links with Pakistan and they see a promising future in accession to Pakistan.
This Day is a reminder of the struggle and sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir to exercise their right to self-determination. It symbolizes their determination to break free from the chains of occupation and oppression and join the country they believe best represents their interests and aspirations. The main purpose of Kashmiris on this day is to commemorate the historic decision of the leaders of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to accede to Pakistan in 1947.
Over the years, we see that the people of Kashmir have faced numerous challenges in their quest for self-determination. The region has witnessed political unrest, human rights violations, and armed conflict. Due to all these consequences, this day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people and their demand for a fair and impartial plebiscite to determine their future. Pakistan has consistently supported the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination.
Pakistan commemorates the struggle and sacrifices of the people of Kashmir in their fight for self-determination. Their significance is as it brings attention to the ongoing conflict in Kashmir and highlights the plight of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, advocating for their right to determine their own future. The observance of 19 July as Kashmir Accession to Pakistan Day reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering support for the just cause of Kashmir and its people.
The writer Sidra Abid is an Intern at YFK- International Kashmir Lobby Group, and a student of International Relation at IIUI.
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