Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, observed on October 26, holds profound significance in Indian history. On this day in 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruling monarch of Jammu and Kashmir, signed the Instrument of Accession, officially integrating the princely state into the Union of India. This historic decision paved the way for Jammu and Kashmir to become an integral part of India. However, the unfortunate occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-backed marauders in 1947 and Pakistan’s continued illegal occupation of those territories remains a sore point. Today, the future of Pakistan- Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan is a pressing issue. The vision of reuniting these regions under the Indian national flag is a beacon of hope for a fully integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
The story of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India is incomplete without acknowledging the brutal invasion by Pakistan-backed raiders in 1947. Soon after India’s independence, Pakistan sought to annex Jammu and Kashmir through a campaign of terror forcibly. Pakistani tribesmen, along with soldiers in civilian attire, entered the state to seize it for Pakistan. The invasion was marked by horrifying atrocities committed against innocent civilians. Entire villages were looted, and women and children were subjected to unimaginable violence. The massacre of the residents of Baramulla stands as a dark chapter where thousands were killed and women were assaulted, leaving a permanent scar on the region’s history. The purpose of the invasion was not only territorial conquest but also to spread fear and chaos among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, forcing the Maharaja to accede to Pakistan. However, the brutality of the marauders and the imminent threat to Srinagar compelled Maharaja Hari Singh to seek India’s help. By signing the Instrument of Accession, he placed the future of Jammu and Kashmir firmly within the framework of the Indian Union. India, acting swiftly, dispatched its troops to repel the invaders and protect the state’s people from further suffering. The Indian Army’s bravery and decisive action in securing Srinagar from falling into the hands of the invaders changed the course of history. They safeguarded Jammu and Kashmir’s future as part of India.
Despite the Maharaja’s decision, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including what is now known as Pakistan-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, remained under Pakistan’s illegal control. The situation in these regions since then has been one of systematic neglect, human rights abuses, and disenfranchisement. Pakistan’s treatment of the people living in PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan has been nothing short of deplorable, with locals facing economic exploitation, political marginalisation, and cultural suppression. The people of PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan have long been denied fundamental civil and political rights. Elections, when held, are often a mere façade, controlled and manipulated by the Pakistani military establishment. The indigenous people of these regions have been subjected to demographic changes, with Pakistan encouraging settlers from other parts of the country to dilute the local population’s influence. This demographic engineering is aimed at weakening the regional identity and aspirations of the people for freedom from Pakistan’s oppressive rule. Moreover, the economic exploitation of these regions has left their inhabitants in dire poverty. Pakistan has consistently plundered the natural resources of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly its rich mineral reserves, without investing in local infrastructure, healthcare, or education. This exploitation, combined with the lack of political autonomy, has created widespread discontent among the people of PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, who have increasingly voiced their desire for reunification with India and freedom from Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
The vision of a fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir, with PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan reuniting with India, is a dream and a legitimate aspiration grounded in history and international law. The Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh was legally binding, making Jammu and Kashmir, including the areas now occupied by Pakistan, an integral part of India. Pakistan’s occupation of these regions has no legal or moral basis, and India has repeatedly reiterated its claim over PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. For the people living under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, reunification with India represents an opportunity for freedom, justice, and development. India, with its democratic framework and commitment to human rights, offers a stark contrast to Pakistan’s authoritarian and exploitative rule. The reintegration of PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan into India would give their residents the political voice and economic opportunities they have been denied for decades.
Since Articles 370 and 35A were rescinded in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a new era of peace and development. The abrogation has integrated Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of India, unleashing regional reforms and investments. Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects have picked up pace, and there has been a significant focus on improving healthcare, education, and tourism. More importantly, Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing greater political integration with local elections, such as the District Development Council polls, bringing governance closer to the grassroots level. The people’s participation in democratic processes is a testament to the resilience and strength of democracy in the region despite the challenges posed by decades of insurgency and separatism.
The reunification of PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with the rest of Jammu and Kashmir, under the Indian flag would symbolise fulfilling the vision laid out in 1947. It would reaffirm the principles of democracy, justice, and human dignity, which have been the cornerstones of India’s governance. India’s democratic institutions, economic development, and inclusive policies stand in stark contrast to Pakistan’s authoritarian, militarised, and exploitative rule in PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. India’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and economic prosperity for all its citizens is a powerful message to the people of PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Reunification would not only restore the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir but also ensure that the people of these regions are no longer subjected to the atrocities and exploitation they have endured for decades.
Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day is a reminder of the historic decision that determined the region’s future. It is also a day to reflect on the unfinished task of reuniting the illegally occupied territories of PIOJK and Gilgit-Baltistan with India. The atrocities committed by Pakistan-backed marauders in 1947 and the continued suffering of the people under Pakistan’s occupation demand a resolution. As India strengthens its governance and development efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, the call for reunification grows louder. Under the Indian national flag, a unified Jammu and Kashmir can embark on a future of peace, prosperity, and dignity for all its inhabitants, fulfilling the promises made more than seven decades ago.
