Kashmir Solidarity Day

Every year on February 5,the people across Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir(AJK) celebrate Kashmir Day. The Kashmir Solidarity Day, also known as 'Youm-e-Yakhjehti-e-Kashmir' has been celebrated as a day of protest opposed to India's control of part of Kashmir since 1990. It focuses on Pakistan's support and solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, and on their continued struggle for independence and on paying tribute to the Kashmiri martyrs who lost their lives fighting for Kashmir's independence. This is the day of peace and unity. The day when we all gather to present and  lay flowers at the graves of the martyrs. This is the day that unites us all as a nation.

 

It is an internationally identifed day that is celebrated by people, mostly Kashmiris, all over the world. On this day, public processions, special prayers for Kashmir's independence are held in mosques and demonstrations against Indian oppression on Kashmir are held. Kashmir Day has special significance to the major political and religious parties of Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir. Demonstrations, rallies, conferences and seminars are organized by various political and religious parties, where politicians, religious leaders, opinion leaders and influential public figures address the people and speak in support of the Kashmiri independence struggle.

The history of Kashmir Day begins with the history of the Indian invasion and occupation of the Kashmir Valley, and there is a part of Kashmir called Azad Jammu Kashmir. Many Indians call it Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan officially recognizes the AJK as a separate state with its own parliament, head of state and governing institutions. Kashmir Day was first celebrated in 1990 at the invitation of Nawaz Sharif, who was the leader of the opposition and Chief Minister of Punjab. Sharif called for a nationwide strike to protest the Indian occupation of Kashmir and called on people to pray for for the victory of the Kashmir freedom struggle. The PPP then declared a public holiday on February 5 and Kashmir Day has been observed every year since then.

 

After all, Kashmir has beautiful site and culture where there should be no blood of guiltless. The Indian Army has lost many lives in the last few years, which is why Kashmir should be free and peaceful again. Kashmir Day is a reminder to the rest of the world that they too are human beings who have been deprived of their rights.