Sheikh Sameer
A cold breeze swept through the Valley as dawn broke, but there was something different in the air—something unmistakably defiant. While Pakistan tried, yet again, to impose its so-called ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day,’ the people of Jammu and Kashmir responded with resounding silence. There were no protests, no shutdowns—only the tricolor fluttering proudly in the hands of men, women, and children who had long grown weary of Pakistan’s hollow slogans. This was not just a moment of silence; it was a statement of unity, resilience, and a clear rejection of Pakistan’s decades-long propaganda.
The streets of Srinagar and other towns bustled with life, businesses opened as usual, and students hurry, to go their study centers their backpacks slung over their shoulders. Not a single banner in support of Pakistan’s narrative could be seen. Instead, echoes of recent Tiranga rallies, where thousands had marched proudly with the Indian flag, still resonated in people’s hearts. Republic Day celebrations, just days before, had witnessed an overwhelming participation of Kashmiris, further solidifying their commitment to India’s unity and integrity.
Young voices, once subdued by fear, now rang out with pride in singing the national anthem. The colors of saffron, white, and green filled the valley’s landscape, painting a picture of hope, resilience, and an unwavering choice for peace over conflict. This transformation was not sudden; it was the result of years of development, connectivity, and integration with the rest of India.
The Historic Rail Link: A Symbol of Unity
One of the most significant symbols of this integration is the historic rail link connecting Kashmir to Delhi and the rest of the country. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a marvel of engineering, has not only brought the Valley closer to the mainland but has also become a lifeline for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The rail link, which traverses through some of the most challenging terrains, including the Pir Panjal range, has reduced travel time, boosted tourism, and facilitated the movement of goods and people.
The completion of the USBRL project, despite numerous challenges, stands as a testament to India’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. It has opened up new avenues for economic growth, providing the youth with opportunities for education and employment. The rail link has also strengthened the emotional bond between Kashmir and the rest of India, making it clear that the Valley is an inseparable part of the country.In stark contrast, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continues to lag behind in infrastructure development. The proposed rail link between Muzaffarabad and Nur Khan, which was supposed to connect PoK to Pakistan, has been canceled multiple times due to lack of funds and political will. The people of PoK, who have long been deprived of basic amenities, are left to wonder why their region remains neglected while Pakistan continues to spend billions on its Kashmir propaganda.
The Candlelight March: A New Dawn in Kashmir
The chilling night of Kulgam had been disturbed by the brutal killing of an ex-army personnel in a terror attack. But something extraordinary happened in its aftermath. Instead of cowering in fear, people came together in a powerful display of defiance. They gathered with candles in their hands, their faces illuminated with sorrow but also with resolve. Their march was not just a tribute to the fallen but a message—loud and clear—that terrorism had no place in their homeland.Men, women, and children walked shoulder to shoulder, holding placards condemning terrorism, their voices breaking through the silence of the night. “We stand with our forces,” read one. “Kashmir rejects terrorism,” said another. This was a Kashmir that had changed—a Kashmir that would no longer be silenced.
The candlelight march was not an isolated event; it was part of a larger movement that has been gaining momentum in the Valley. The people of Kashmir have realized that peace and development are the only ways forward, and they are determined to reclaim their land from the clutches of terrorism.
The Viral Caricature: A Blow to Pakistan’s Propaganda
On the other side of the Line of Control, the mood was different. In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where economic struggles and oppression ran deep, people no longer had the patience for Islamabad’s staged theatrics. While Pakistan’s authorities tried to force yet another observance of ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day,’ an unexpected act of rebellion emerged.A viral caricature took social media by storm. In it, the people of PoK could be seen holding placards demanding basic necessities—food, jobs, healthcare—while the Pakistani establishment loomed over them, forcibly pushing them to observe ‘Solidarity Day.’
The satire was biting, and the message was unmistakable: the people of PoK had no interest in being pawns in Pakistan’s propaganda. They wanted freedom—not from India, but from their own tormentors.The caricature struck a chord with people across the region, exposing the hypocrisy of Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative. It was a stark reminder that while Pakistan continues to exploit the Kashmir issue for its own political gains, the people of PoK are struggling to meet their basic needs.
ISPR’s Failed Propaganda and Pakistan’s Growing Desperation
For decades, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had manufactured narratives about Kashmir, attempting to paint a picture of mass resistance against India. But reality had outpaced their propaganda. The staged rallies, the scripted speeches—none of it resonated anymore. The people of Kashmir had moved on, choosing development and stability over conflict.Even within Pakistan, there was little enthusiasm for the government’s imposed agenda.
The common people, reeling under record inflation and political turmoil, saw ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ as just another public holiday—one that held no meaning in their daily struggles.Pakistan’s desperation was evident in its attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue. Despite its efforts, the international community has largely remained indifferent to Pakistan’s rhetoric. The abrogation of Article 370, which Pakistan had hoped would spark global outrage, was instead met with a muted response. The world had moved on, and so had Kashmir.
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: A Region in Turmoil
The situation in PoK tells an entirely different story from the narrative Pakistan wants to project. Decades of neglect, lack of infrastructure, and suppression of dissent have left the region in despair. With no economic growth, limited job opportunities, and worsening healthcare facilities, the people in PoK have increasingly begun to voice their frustrations. Recent protests demanding better governance and basic rights have shaken the Pakistani establishment, which fears losing its grip over the region.The viral caricature was just one example of the growing unrest. Videos and reports from PoK show massive protests against Pakistani rule, with people openly questioning why their suffering is ignored while resources are diverted towards a futile Kashmir narrative that holds no real meaning for them. The residents of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and other regions have expressed their desire to be part of India, where they see economic growth, infrastructural development, and opportunities for a better future.Adding to this wave of resistance, a comment by Mohammad Ayaad, a young Muslim man from Gilgit city in Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), has gone viral. In response to a video of a government spokesperson of PoGB’s puppet regime echoing Pakistani state propaganda, Ayaad condemned the hypocrisy of the Pakistani establishment. He questioned how Pakistani authorities could shed crocodile tears for Kashmiri Muslims while oppressing the people of PoGB and PoJK, keeping them in total deprivation, underdevelopment, and misgovernance.
His words reflect a growing realization among the people of PoGB and PoJK—they are tired of being used as tools in Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative while their own basic human rights remain suppressed.
The Future of Kashmir: A Path of Progress
The rejection of Pakistan’s narrative is not just a political shift; it is a reflection of a new aspiration. With Article 370 gone, roads are being built, industries are growing, and tourism is thriving. The youth are excelling in education, sports, and entrepreneurship. National pride is no longer forced; it is felt from within.The recent candlelight marches, the increasing participation in national celebrations, and the viral caricature from PoK have all pointed to one truth—Pakistan’s hold over the Kashmir narrative is slipping. Kashmiris have spoken, and their voices are too strong to be drowned by propaganda.The choice has been made. Kashmir stands with India. And no amount of hollow rhetoric from across the border can change that. The historic rail link connecting Kashmir to Delhi is not just a physical connection; it is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between the Valley and the rest of India. As the tricolor continues to flutter proudly in the hands of Kashmiris, it is clear that the future of Kashmir is one of progress, peace, and prosperity.
A Silent Revolution
The cold breeze that swept through the Valley on that fateful morning was not just a change in weather; it was a harbinger of a new era. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have chosen to move forward, leaving behind the shadows of conflict and embracing a future filled with hope and opportunity. The historic rail link, the candlelight marches, and the viral caricature from PoK are all symbols of this silent revolution—a revolution that has redefined the narrative of Kashmir.As the sun rises over the Valley, it illuminates a land that is no longer defined by its past but by its aspirations for the future. The tricolor, held high by the people of Kashmir, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to India. And as the cold breeze continues to sweep through the Valley, it carries with it the promise of a brighter tomorrow—a tomorrow where Kashmir stands tall as an integral part of India, united in spirit and purpose.
Rameez Makdoomi
The Kashmir Dialogues
