‘‘Jammu and Kashmir lawfully and willingly joined India in 1947 and its people enjoy full democratic rights today. True denial of rights exists in PoJK and Gilgit Baltistan under Pakistan’s occupation. Any honest assessment would show where self-determination is fulfilled and where it is still denied’’
Every year the OIC carries out a routine exercise that is not only politically misleading but also deeply hurtful to the people it targets. This year is no different. In its recent remarks the OIC again spoke about so called self-determination for Jammu and Kashmir. This claim ignores history and reality. Jammu and Kashmir decided its future long ago in a lawful and willing manner. In 1947 the region legally joined the Union of India by signing the Instrument of Accession after Pakistan invaded the area. This process was the same one used by many other princely states that joined India. The decision had the support of the people and was made within a clear legal framework. Repeating false claims does not change these facts.
The OIC statement is highly incorrect. It erases history and hurts the feelings of Kashmiris. It also violates India’s sovereignty and questions the political choice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who lawfully and willingly chose to join India. At the same time the statement ignores an important fact. United Nations resolutions clearly asked Pakistan to withdraw its forces and end its occupation of the areas now called PoJK and PoGB. This has never happened. The statement also avoids the reality that Pakistan has carried out serious human rights violations in these regions and has denied the people their constitutional rights. These territories are a part of Jammu and Kashmir and are therefore illegally controlled by Pakistan.
Kashmiris are as much Indian as any other citizen of the country. They choose their representatives through elections and openly criticise those in power. They enjoy their rights and freedom and take part in national life. Kashmiris participate in sports, cinema, education, the armed forces and many other fields. These are clear signs that the future of Jammu and Kashmir was decided long ago.
On the other hand, the people of PoJK and Gilgit Baltistan continue to suffer under Pakistan’s occupation. They lack basic rights, education, and healthcare. Human rights abuses are common and peaceful protests are met with bullets. Dissent is silenced and people are forced onto the streets to demand an end to Pakistan’s oppression. This clearly shows where self-determination is actually needed and exposes the reality the OIC chooses to ignore.
Jammu and Kashmir is fully integrated with India. This integration is well documented clearly established and accepted under the Indian constitutional framework and in line with international law. The people of the region enjoy full constitutional democratic and civic rights. They choose their government through elections and take part in the democratic process like citizens in any other part of India. While, the Pakistan occupied part of Jammu and Kashmir presents a very different picture. Even after seventy years these areas do not have proper provincial status. Their natural resources are controlled and used without the consent of the people and the region remains economically drained. People there continue to protest and struggle to free themselves from Pakistan’s oppression. This sharp contrast shows where rights are protected and where they are denied.
As a common Kashmiri I suggest that the OIC should form an independent team to visit Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistan occupied parts of the region. Such a team should honestly assess the ground reality and measure basic indicators that show whether the right to self-determination is already fulfilled or still denied. These include where citizens rule through democracy and where the army controls daily life where is freedom and where is oppression and other similar factors.
I am confident that if such an assessment is carried out sincerely the OIC’s routine position on self-determination would change. Its focus would shift to PoJK and Gilgit Baltistan and its statements would become more humane sensitive and based on their real suffering. Surely, if such a step is taken India would welcome it with open arms and allow full access to assess the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, it is almost certain Pakistan would show reluctance in doing so. This is because Pakistan knows what an honest assessment would reveal. If such step is taken by OIC it will become clear where self-determination is already fulfilled and where it is still being denied.
As a common Kashmiri and an Indian citizen, I must say that the OIC should refrain from making such statements. They are not only politically false but also erase our history and our choice. Such statements violate the emotional and political sanctity of Kashmir’s union with India. This narrative is imposed on us and is one we want to reject. The OIC should shift its focus to the regions where attention is truly needed, PoJK and Gilgit Baltistan. It must respect the lawful constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India which is backed by the strong and unwavering will of its people. Kashmir is an inseparable part of India because Kashmiris want it to be. It is not anyone else’s to claim. If it belongs to anyone it belongs to Kashmiris and to India.

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