For a very long time India’s hostile neighbor has collaborated with leading militant organisations and framed disinformation campaigns revolving around its policy in Kashmir to shake the democratic credentials of India and create a discord in Jammu and Kashmir. One such record of this propaganda is the annual observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5th, which was first set-up in 1990. While the state tries to portray its unwavering support for Kashmiris the reality speaks something different, and sets it apart from the actual complex socio-political scenario in the region. Where on one hand the adversary talks about a connection with the culture and emotions with Kashmir, on the other hand, a closer look reveals how in the guise of moral support, for 60 years the anti-Indian element has shown troubling patterns.
Spreading negative sentiments and outlining anti-India narratives is a part of the strategy. While in contrast, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the nation and is democratically and constitutionally protected by Indian governance. Political stability, infrastructure development, rural employment, and fostering education are amongst a few efforts that Indian policies have brought about to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents and encourage socio-economic progress in the region. The condition of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) however paints a vague picture, the governance here is not geared to the welfare of the people but serves as a division to serve the dominance of the anti-Indian state. The freedom of conducting journalistic work is obscured in this region with strict controls on both print and electronic media. Insufficient disaster management initiatives have furthermore worsened the region’s vulnerabilities. The anti-Indian state has reinforced geopolitical relationships with other neighbouring countries at the expense of local voices and well-being of indigenous populations.
Kashmir Solidarity Day demonstrates the predictable patterns of staged symbolic acts and a closer inspection reveals the governance failures and regional instability. People of J&K living in the POJK remain largely affected by these events and the international community is aware of it all. Our hostile neighbor needs to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue meaningful solutions through rightful diplomacy. Development and democratic engagement will pave the path for a balanced socio-economic condition. It is only by prioritizing governance and people we will be able to achieve a prosperous and stable South Asia.
Saloni Sharma is the student of P.G. Diploma in English Journalism at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Jammu.
