Let’s not open the can of worms on Kashmir’s freedom because, Asking authorities about Kashmir’s freedom is like talking to a brick wall- it’s dead end.
As a Kashmiri, I categorically assert to my readers, particularly my Indian audience, that not every uprising in Azad Kashmir is a struggle for independence. The protest that commenced on May 10 was a resolute demand for our fundamental rights, and the unwavering unity and fervor with which the Kashmiri people have joined this movement has unequivocally demonstrated to the world that, we are an unyielding and courageous nation. Our collective participation has sent a clear message:
“We will no longer be silenced or oppressed.”
A year ago, a grassroots movement emerged from Rawalakot, sparked by protests against the flour subsidy. As it gained momentum, the Awami Action Committee, (this committee isn’t under the leadership of any political figure or government) comprising representatives from across Azad Kashmir, took the helm. The committee presented a raft of demands, including the provision of affordable electricity to Kashmiris, the abolition of privileges enjoyed by the elite, and the resolution of long-standing issues. The movement persisted for a full year, during which the government formed a committee comprising ministers to engage in talks with the Awami Action Committee. These negotiations continued for a considerable period, but only a few of the Awami Committee’s 10-point charter of demands were met, including the restoration of the students’ union, forests, and other related matters.
However, the Awami National committee later issued an ultimatum, warning that if their basic demands for electricity and flour subsidies were not fulfilled, they would besiege the AJK Assembly. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, who was the chairman of the committee, called for a protest on May 10, and a procession started from Bhimber and gathered momentum as it moved through various parts of Azad Kashmir, eventually reaching the capital city of Muzaffarabad.
Following the protest call, a complete shutdown and wheel-jam strike ensued, with protests taking place at various locations across Kashmir Valley. Approximately 5,000 police personnel were deployed to quell the protests, leading to clashes between police and civilians, with incidents of stone-pelting, firing, and continuous shelling. The situation escalated to the point where shells even landed in people’s homes, causing widespread damage and panic.
Despite the chaos, the Kashmiris remained resolute, with protests continuing unabated. However, the clashes resulted in injuries to many, and tragically, a police sub-inspector, Adnan Qureshi from Mirpur, lost his life. As the situation worsened, the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan intervened, with the Prime Minister announcing a relief package of 23 billion rupees to address the demands of the protesters.
Demands Met, But Unrest Continues, What’s Fueling the Flames?
After the approval of demands, why were Rangers deployed in Azad Kashmir? Who ordered the firing of bullets to silence the voices of Kashmiris? Was there a hand of an Indian organization or a government behind this protest movement? Who is responsible for the martyrdom of three youth and the injuries sustained by many others? These are the questions that remain unanswered.
The Awami Action Committee in Azad Kashmir has demanded justice for the martyred youth and called for an investigation into the matter.A “Black Day” was observed in Kashmir on May 14 to pay tribute to the youth who lost their lives. But will this be enough?
As long as the blood of Kashmiri people is spilled on streets and dust settles on humiliated dead bodies, the people of Kashmir have to ask themselves for how long do they have to continue to sacrifice their lives for the struggle of peace and justice. After so many, seminars, protests, rallies, homes being burned to ashes, and countless lives been lost leaving many others scarred for life, the burning chant of “kab tak khatam hoga?” continues to echo through the valley.
It has been the familiar cycle of violence, with pledges of action and reform that led nowhere. When will the words of the people of Kashmir be equipped with meaning and substance? When will their pleas for justice and peace strike their desired purpose? Unfortunately, as the solution to the crisis, it remains as an ideal-no one can predict a miraculous breakthrough.
“All these martyrdoms serve as a painful reminder of unresolved conflicts.”
The people of Azad Kashmir have been deeply affected by the four-day protest, but our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have been suffering for years under Indian oppression. They’ve endured unimaginable cruelty and carry the weight of their ancestors’ sacrifices. Every day, they hold on to hope for freedom, only to see it slip away at sunset. A mere two-day internet shutdown in Azad Kashmir has thrown our communication into chaos; imagine the plight of our Kashmiri citizens who have been enduring the absence of internet and communication services for an extended period.”
It’s heartbreaking to wonder if their immense sacrifices will ever be recognized. Will their struggles be in vain? These questions linger, unanswered, and may continue to haunt us for generations to come.
Without hesitation, Kashmir issue has become a high-stakes game for both countries and rocking the economic boat would spark a financial firestorm.
Writer is freelance journalist from Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir she can be reached at alishaandleeb92@gmail.com tweets at @AAndleeb_Andleeb
