6 hours later than I would have wanted but again - like yesterday - sleep evaded me until c. 0600hrs. I suppose I could've logged an entry before falling asleep but that condition is one where the mind and soul are neither awake nor asleep.
This is also the second day that we've not had any sun, just chilly winds.
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We continue to give reference to the words of Dr Nazir Gilani, as he is writing not too far from us in Rawalpindi, Pakistan:
Unique Kashmiri Identity
People of legend, song, and story
The people of Kashmir, as vividly described by Dr. P. Graham – UN Representative for India and Pakistan, represent a people of immense cultural, historical, and spiritual depth—“a people of legend, song, and story, associated with snow-capped mountains, beautiful valleys, and life-giving waters.”
These words capture not just the geographical beauty of the region, but the very essence of the Kashmiri identity, which has been shaped by centuries of rich heritage, diverse cultural traditions, and a deep connection to the land. The people of Kashmir—comprising Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians—have long lived as artisans, farmers, craftsmen, small traders, boatmen, and other labourers, contributing significantly to both the local economy and the broader cultural fabric of the region.
However, despite their historical contributions and the beauty of their land, the Kashmiri people have also endured great suffering. For centuries, they have been subjected to exploitation, conflict, and the imposition of foreign and often divisive political systems. The tragic irony is that the very land that has provided sustenance and livelihood has also been a battleground, where the hopes, dreams, and security of its people have been repeatedly undermined.
To understand the compelling argument for the rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people, it is important to consider the principles of self-determination, security, and dignity—core tenets of human rights enshrined in international law. The Kashmir dispute, at its heart, revolves around the right of the people of Kashmir to determine their own future free from external coercion or political imposition. Dr. Graham's description is a powerful reminder that the Kashmiri people are not a mere footnote in the broader geopolitics of the region but are, in fact, central to the discussion on self-determination.
1. The Right to Self-Determination
The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law, codified in various United Nations resolutions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The people of Kashmir, as Graham notes, have a unique identity shaped by centuries of distinct culture, language, and tradition. This cultural and historical uniqueness provides a strong argument for their right to decide their political future in accordance with their own will. Kashmiris, having endured a long history of external impositions, have been denied the opportunity to freely exercise this right.
The promise of a plebiscite—first envisioned by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 1948—was meant to give the Kashmiri people the chance to determine their own destiny. Yet, despite the passing of more than seven decades, this promise remains unfulfilled. Holding a free and impartial plebiscite under international supervision would allow the Kashmiri people to express their collective will in a fair, democratic process. The failure to implement this long-awaited measure only further entrenches the suffering of the people of Kashmir and denies them the basic dignity that comes with being able to shape their own future.
2. Security and Dignity
The issues of security and dignity are intimately connected. The people of Kashmir have lived through decades of violence, displacement, and disruption. Whether due to armed conflict, state repression, or military occupation, the Kashmiris have often found themselves caught in a struggle for survival, facing daily threats to their personal security, their cultural heritage, and their ability to live in peace. This reality has caused immense physical, psychological, and social trauma to generations of Kashmiris.
A solution to the Kashmir issue that genuinely addresses the aspirations of its people must prioritize their security—ensuring that they can live in peace without fear of violence, persecution, or displacement. In tandem with this, their dignity must be respected. As Graham’s description suggests, Kashmiris have long been victims of exploitation, both economically and politically. They deserve to live in an environment where their voices are heard, where their rights are protected, and where they are not marginalized or exploited for the political and economic gains of others.
3. International Recognition and Responsibility
The international community, particularly through the United Nations, has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that the rights of the Kashmiri people are upheld. The United Nations itself recognized the need for a fair plebiscite, one that would allow the people of Kashmir to determine their political future in a manner consistent with their aspirations. As Dr. Graham suggests, this could become “a challenging example of the progressive values of self-determination to the dependent peoples of the earth.”
By fulfilling its commitment to holding a free and impartial plebiscite in Kashmir, the international community would send a powerful message to all peoples struggling for self-determination around the world. It would also demonstrate a commitment to human rights and justice, values that transcend national borders and serve as the bedrock of the international order.
4. A Future of Peace and Prosperity
The future of Kashmir, and the future of the people who call it home, should not be defined by the perpetual cycle of violence and exploitation. The only way forward is to create a path that recognizes the people of Kashmir as the central agents in determining their own fate. A free, secure, and impartial plebiscite offers the potential to break the chains of conflict and begin the process of healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding.
Should the people of Kashmir be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination, they would have the opportunity to create a future in which all communities—Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Christian—can live together in harmony, with mutual respect and shared prosperity. The region’s natural beauty, its rich cultural heritage, and its entrepreneurial spirit would become the foundation for a peaceful and vibrant society. This is not just a vision of hope but a practical reality that can be realized through the exercise of the Kashmiri people’s fundamental right to determine their own political future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the argument for the rights, dignity, security, and self-determination of the Kashmiri people is grounded in both ethical imperatives and international law. The recognition of their right to determine their own future, through a free and impartial plebiscite, would honour the spirit of justice and human rights that the United Nations was created to uphold. The people of Kashmir have suffered too long under the weight of exploitation and conflict. It is time for the international community to help them reclaim their dignity, their security, and their right to a future defined by their own choices.
DR. Syed Nazir Gilani
President JKCHR
06.01.2025
One may comment directly on Dr Nazir Gilani's post on Facebook here
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This evening's pre-midnight vlog on Facebook Live:
What we need and what our public is struggling to understand and even identify:
1) Population Census > Public Opinion
By clarifying the people's 'Right to Rule.
2) Political representation
Marking out constituencies with roughly equal weightage of voter population, with political representatives who can abide by the will of the people as clarified in 1).
3) Citizen-State Contract
Technical & constitutional requirements for governance & statecraft to ensure transparency, inclusivity, meritocracy & accountability.
4) A functioning government in AJK
It will immediately change its initials from AJK to JKA, which poses no threat to anybody and improves the economic well-being of its people 100 x over.
#Conflict2Peace
#PopularSovereignty
#PublicPolicy
#1To100Economy
JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #E234206012025
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