Kashmiris in chains

It is time the Indian government realised that the movement for freedom from its hold over the state it has illegally and forcibly occupied and for securing the right of self-determination as mandated by UNSC resolutions, has mass support. It has cost the people the lives of 80,000 of their kith and kin, most of them in the prime of youth. Still, the urge to decide their own destiny has not waned, as the placards that the huge crowds hold and the slogans they shout clearly demonstrate. And the discovery of mass graves of 4,600 persons who had disappeared, has strengthened their resolve to get rid of the oppressive occupation. The freedom struggle certainly has no foreign hand. Its peaceful character has taken the sting out of the recurring Indian allegation that 'terrorists from across border - Pakistan' are fuelling the resistance.

Quite incomprehensibly, while Kashmiris have been showing greater awakening of their rights Pakistani leadership seems to be veering off course. It must review this stand and forcefully plead the beleaguered people's cause to bring it in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmiris as well as the Pakistanis who have elected them to power. At the same time, the international community, which does not tire of praising the democratic credentials of India, has an obligation to persuade it to honour its commitments.