On July 19, 2023, Kashmiris around the world commemorated ‘Accession to Pakistan Day,’ reaffirming their determination to combat Indian oppression and strive for their right to self-determination, as mandated by the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The historic event dates back to July 19, 1947, when the representatives of Kashmiris gathered at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Srinagar for a meeting of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference. During this gathering, a momentous resolution was unanimously passed, declaring Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan. The decision was grounded in the region’s religious, geographical, cultural, and economic proximity to Pakistan, as well as the aspirations of its Muslim population.
This resolution was made nearly a month prior to the partition of British India, which led to the creation of Pakistan and India on August 14 and 15 of the same year, respectively. The resolution highlighted various factors that made accession to Pakistan inevitable, including the presence of a significant Muslim population, the presence of rivers flowing through the region, language, culture, and the state’s historical ties with Pakistan.
United Nations Security Council resolutions No. 47, 51, 80, 96, 98, 122, and 126 further reiterated the right of the Kashmiri people to decide their fate through self-determination. The Indian government had initially committed to granting this right but later reneged on its promise. Subsequently, India revoked Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special status to Kashmir, further intensifying the struggle for self-determination.
Amidst the commemoration, posters in support of ‘Accession to Pakistan Day’ emerged in Srinagar and other parts of the region, underlining the day’s significance in Kashmir’s history. Various leaders and organizations, including the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), stressed the importance of the resolution, emphasizing that it demonstrated the unwavering bond between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan.
The APHC leaders called upon the United Nations Security Council to take cognizance of the war crimes committed by Indian troops in the disputed territory and urged for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in alignment with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.
In his message from Tihar jail in New Delhi, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, the incarcerated chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir National Front (JKNF), reiterated the historic significance of the resolution, expressing the unconditional love of Kashmiris for Pakistan.
The observance of ‘Accession to Pakistan Day’ serves as a poignant reminder of the unresolved Kashmir conflict and the Kashmiri people’s yearning for self-determination. As the international community continues to address the longstanding issue, it is crucial to recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people and work towards a just and peaceful resolution.
