Author: Muhammad Hanif, Information Officer
(Independent Kasmir Desk)
On August 5th, Kashmiris in Pakistan and around the world commemorate “Exploitation Day” each year. Today, large demonstrations and rallies are being held across Pakistan and globally in support of Kashmiris and against Indian exploitation. The government and people of Azad Kashmir are also actively protesting today. The aim of these protests, rallies, and speeches by Kashmiris and Pakistanis is to make it clear to the world that Kashmiris categorically reject India’s oppressive and unconstitutional actions. They urge the international community to exert effective pressure on India to retract its unconstitutional, illegal, and inhumane measures taken on August 5, 2019.
Five years ago, on August 5, 2019, India illegally and unconstitutionally abrogated the special status of occupied Kashmir. This oppressive and unjust act was an attempt to usurp the rights granted to the oppressed Kashmiris under Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian Constitution. Article 370 accorded special status to the occupied state of Kashmir, while Article 35A specified the definition of permanent residents and who could own property in Kashmir. In other words, these articles meant that occupied Kashmir was an autonomous state, where only permanent residents could buy property, and non-locals had no ownership rights. The population and demographics of Kashmir could not be altered under these articles.
However, on August 5, 2019, India unilaterally abrogated these articles through sheer force and unlawful means. This action was a blatant exploitation of the fundamental rights of the oppressed and besieged Kashmiris, initiating yet another chapter of their exploitation. Through this step, India not only tried to strip Kashmiris of their fundamental rights but also violated their basic human rights.
The question arises: why did the Modi government feel the need to abrogate these articles, which had been a part of the Indian Constitution since the beginning? Under the sinister plan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), these articles were abolished with the objective of stripping Kashmiris of their basic state rights and resettling non-state Hindu residents in the occupied territory. This was aimed at increasing the number of Hindus and reducing the Muslim majority to a minority. Following the unjust abolition of these articles, the Modi government began resettling non-state individuals from India in occupied Kashmir. These people, instead of legitimately purchasing properties, have been seizing lands and orchards through coercion and force, with the help of the Indian government and RSS goons. They forcibly transfer these properties to their names under the guise of ‘purchases’ on official documents. Moreover, these non-state individuals are being given government jobs in the occupied state without merit, displacing Kashmiris and rendering them unemployed.
Despite over seven decades and numerous UN resolutions, India continues its oppression and brutality against the innocent and defenseless Kashmiris, while the so-called human rights defenders remain silent. Astonishingly, five years ago, on this very day, India brazenly deprived Kashmiris of their fundamental constitutional rights, leading to a systematic genocide of the Kashmiri people.
Governor of Balochistan Emphasizes Tourism Development in Ziarat
Quetta, August 4: Governor of Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, highlighted the immense potential of Ziarat to attract tourists from around the world due to its natural beauty, the Quaid-e-Azam Residency, ancient juniper forests, natural waterfalls, and historical sites. He stressed the urgent need to enhance the appeal of tourist destinations in Ziarat and provide necessary facilities for tourists to promote the tourism industry.
Governor Mandokhail instructed the immediate establishment of an Officer’s Club in Ziarat, the restoration of all street lights, and the implementation of special measures to ensure the convenience and safety of tourists. The Deputy Commissioner, District Chairman, Municipal Chairman, local political leaders, and tribal elders were present during the occasion.
Governor Mandokhail was briefed on the latest security situation in Ziarat and its surrounding areas. He emphasized that any negligence regarding the protection of the lives and property of the public, especially in providing facilities to tourists, would not be tolerated.
Additionally, the Governor visited the Ziarat Public Library, inspecting various sections. He urged the resolution of issues related to the Daanish School and called for accelerating the pace of work.
Governor Mandokhail urged all media personnel to highlight the true image of their nation and province, showcasing its cultural identity and humanitarian values.
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