The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21st, is a global call for the cessation of hostilities and the promotion of non-violence and harmony among nations. For decades, Kashmir has been a region associated with conflict and geopolitical strife, primarily due to the territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. However, with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, a new chapter began for Kashmir, aligning it more integrally with India and opening the door for greater peace, stability, and development. This article examines the significance of the International Day of Peace for Kashmir in this new political context while highlighting the destructive role Pakistan has played in fueling terrorism in the region and interfering in India’s internal matters.
The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a historic and bold move by the Indian government. For over 70 years, these provisions allowed the region to operate with a degree of autonomy. Still, they also fostered a sense of separatism, isolating Kashmir from the mainstream of Indian development and governance. Article 370 restricted the Indian Constitution’s full applicability to the region. At the same time, Article 35A provided special privileges to residents of Jammu and Kashmir, often leading to discriminatory practices and the stifling of investment and progress. The revocation of these articles brought Jammu and Kashmir entirely under the Indian Constitution, ensuring that its citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities as those in the rest of India. This move has been lauded by many as a crucial step towards integrating Kashmir into India’s broader development framework. Since then, the region has seen increased investments, infrastructure projects, and educational reforms, paving the way for long-term peace and stability. The Indian government’s emphasis on security, development, and good governance has aimed to neutralise the forces of terrorism and separatism, which Pakistan’s interference has historically fueled. This positive trajectory of growth and stability in Kashmir is a beacon of hope for the region.
While India has consistently sought peaceful and diplomatic resolutions, Pakistan has, over the decades, perpetuated violence and terrorism in Kashmir as part of its broader strategy to destabilise India. The Pakistani state, along with its notorious intelligence agency, the ISI, has supported and trained extremist groups that carry out terrorist attacks in the region. Organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, all of which have roots in Pakistan, have been responsible for countless civilian and military deaths in Kashmir. Pakistan’s involvement in supporting terrorism in Kashmir is not merely speculation; it is well-documented by intelligence agencies around the world. Despite being labelled as a state sponsor of terrorism by numerous countries, Pakistan continues to pursue its proxy war in Kashmir, funding and arming terror outfits under the guise of “freedom fighting.” These actions have made peace a distant dream for the people of Kashmir, who have been caught in the crossfire of Pakistan-sponsored violence for decades. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A has also exposed Pakistan’s true intentions. Islamabad opposed the decision, not out of concern for the Kashmiri people but because it undermined Pakistan’s narrative that Kashmir is an unresolved issue that requires international mediation. The Indian government’s actions made it clear that Kashmir is an integral part of India, a reality that Pakistan refuses to accept.
On the International Day of Peace, the global community must recognise India’s efforts to bring peace to Kashmir. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A was not just a political move but a strategic effort to get the region closer to the ideals of peace, development, and prosperity. Kashmiris are now part of the same legal, economic, and social framework as the rest of India, providing them opportunities for growth and progress previously unavailable under the special status. The international community has increasingly understood Pakistan’s role in perpetuating terrorism and violence in the region. Global powers like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom have, in recent years, called out Pakistan for harbouring terrorists and allowing its soil to be used for anti-India activities. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international watchdog, has kept Pakistan on its “grey list” for failing to curb terror financing, further isolating it on the global stage. This global support for India’s efforts in Kashmir is a testament to the international community’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
The world must take a firm stance against Pakistan’s continued interference in India’s internal affairs, particularly in Kashmir. Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir is not only unfounded but has been a source of instability in the region for decades. By supporting terrorist activities in India, Pakistan has violated international norms and endangered regional peace. As India strives to bring development and progress to Kashmir, Pakistan’s continued efforts to destabilize the region are a blatant violation of its sovereignty. It is high time that the international community takes concrete steps to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. Boycotting Pakistan diplomatically and economically would send a clear message that the world will no longer tolerate state-sponsored terrorism. The international media, human rights organizations, and world leaders must shift their focus toward the atrocities committed by Pakistan in Kashmir and within its borders, where minorities and dissenting voices are frequently silenced through brutal means. The international community should also press Pakistan to immediately vacate Pakistan’s Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PIOJK), which has been unlawfully occupied since 1947. PIOJK belongs to India, and its return to Indian governance is essential for lasting peace in the region. Pakistan’s illegal occupation and exploitation of PIOJK resources further demonstrate its disregard for international law and the well-being of the Kashmiri people. The global community must come together to demand that Pakistan surrender this territory and allow it to reunite with its rightful place in India. This is not just an Indian issue, but a global one, and it requires a united global response to ensure peace and stability in the region.
The International Day of Peace provides an opportunity to reflect on the strides India has made in Kashmir since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. The Indian government has prioritised development, with massive infrastructure, healthcare, and education investments. New roads, bridges, and hospitals are being built, improving the lives of ordinary Kashmiris. Schools and universities offer better educational opportunities, empowering the youth to contribute meaningfully to society. Tourism, a vital sector for the region, is gradually recovering, showcasing Kashmir’s beauty to the world once again. These changes have brought hope and a sense of normalcy to the lives of Kashmiris, who are now able to enjoy the same rights and opportunities as their fellow Indians. The Indian government’s focus on grassroots empowerment and its crackdown on terrorism has created an environment where peace can flourish. However, this vision of peace is continually threatened by Pakistan’s ongoing interference and promotion of terrorism. The global community must support India’s efforts and condemn Pakistan’s role as a destabilising force in South Asia.
The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A has opened the door to peace, prosperity, and stability in Kashmir, aligning the region more closely with the rest of India. On the International Day of Peace, the global community must recognise the significance of this development and support India’s efforts to bring lasting peace to Kashmir. At the same time, the world must hold Pakistan accountable for its role in fostering terrorism and violating India’s sovereignty. The people of Kashmir deserve to live in peace, free from the violence that has plagued the region for decades. By isolating Pakistan diplomatically and economically, the international community can send a strong message that state-sponsored terrorism will no longer be tolerated. It is time for Pakistan to surrender Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and allow the region to unite with India, where it rightfully belongs. Only then can true peace and development be realised in Kashmir.
