SSb Awareness Series: KASHMIR SOLIDARITY DAY

J&K on high alert as Pakistan observes "Kashmir Day". Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the developments in the valley through Sunday in the wake of what is being observed as a "Kashmir Day" in Pakistan.

Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir have been placed on high alert amidst inputs of Hizbul operative’s attempts to disrupt peace. On Saturday, Hafiz Saeed led terrorist outfit jamat - ud - Dawa, which changed its name to Tehreek-e-Azadi Jammu and Kashmir (TAJK), was found circulating videos, having provocative images of violence in the valley to incite youths to gang up against Indian armed forces.

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Kashmir Day was first observed in 1990 on call of Nawaz Sharif, who was the opposition leader and chief minister of Punjab at the time. Sharif appealed for a nationwide strike to protest against the Indian occupation of Kashmir and called for people to pray for the Kashmiri freedom movement’s success. The Pakistan People’s Party then declared February 5 as a public holiday and Kashmir Day has since been observed every year. Kashmir Day or Kashmir Solidarity Day is a public holiday in Pakistan. It focuses on showing Pakistan’s support and unity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, their ongoing freedom struggle, and to pay homage to Kashmiri martyrs who lost their lives fighting for Kashmir’s freedom.

Kashmir Day is observed by people throughout Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK). It is an internationally recognized day observed by people, predominantly Kashmiris, worldwide. The day is marked by public processions, special prayers in mosques for the liberation of Kashmir and protests that are carried out against the Indian oppression of Kashmir. Kashmir Day is also of particular political importance to major political and religious parties in both Pakistan and AJK. Processions, rallies, conferences and seminars are organized by many political and religious parties where politicians, heads of religious organizations, opinion leaders, and influential public figures address the masses and speak to support the Kashmiri freedom movement.

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These leaders and spokespeople also advocate a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. Long marches, and rallies sponsored by political organizations, religious parties and other organizations are held, in which people chant slogans to support the Kashmiri freedom struggle and to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people. Another common spectacle is the formation of a human chain on all major routes leading to AJK from Pakistan. People stand in rows with their hands clasped forming a human chain on all major crossings into AJK from Pakistan. This symbolizes unity and solidarity to reassure Kashmiris that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom. Special cultural programs and festivals are also held to promote Kashmiri culture and tradition.  News and entertainment channels air special programs, talk shows, dramas and Kashmiri songs about the oppression and brutalities suffered by Kashmiris over the years. Educational institutions organize debate competitions and dialogue forums where students express their views and ideas for resolving Kashmiri-related issues.

AJK shown in red and rest of Pakistan in white and rest of J &K is hatched showing area with Pakistan claims

Now let’s know what is POK (PAKISTAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR) OR AJK (AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR) established in 24^th October 1947. With self governing states under Pakistan administration and having total area of 13,297 mm² as shown in the picture above.

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This is the reality of Kshmir day. Hope you liked our efforts to keep defense aspirants updated about the latest happenings. Follow us here and apply for email notification, so that you don’t miss an update.

About the Author: Tanmoy is from West Bengal currently doing private job in Manesar, Haryana. He did his Graduation in B.E. Production Engineering from PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh. His aim is to become an officer in Indian Army. His hobbies are gym and teaching and he wants to help the aspirants across the nation through this.