A day before today, our neighboring country India celebrated its national Republic Day, which commemorates the adoption of the original constitution of India in 1950, which was a black day for Kashmiris.
This year, India made strict security measures to ensure the safety of citizens. The day was observed as Black Day in Jammu and Kashmir and a complete strike was observed. Kashmiri people also protested against India.
The protesters demanded that India should ensure the implementation of UN resolutions regarding the region. In the resolutions, the United Nations had directed India to give the right to vote to the Kashmiri people as it is one of the basic human rights.
India being a democratic country should respect the right to vote and take seriously the demands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir so that people can exercise their right. It is necessary for the government to negotiate with the protestors so that the problems can be solved.
On the one hand, India claims to be the largest democracy in the world and if this claim is accepted, then its biggest responsibility is to respect the human rights of its citizens.
It is also worth noting that Pakistan has always stood by Kashmiris since 1947. Leaders like Mashaal Hussain Malik and Saddar-e-Azad Kashmir issued statements about Kashmir.
In statements, Kashmiri leaders say that India should give Kashmiris their basic rights. It is one of India’s duties to give Kashmiris the right to self-determination.
While January 26 is a day of celebration for India, it is also a reminder of citizens’ demands to respect basic human rights. It is important that India fulfills the demands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir so that a lasting solution to the long-standing crisis in the region can be found. If India takes real steps for this, only then can the tune of democracy be justified?
