Kashmiris Joined Hands With Army To Save Kashmiriyat: Terror Victims’ Association Chief
Tasleema Akhter, Chairperson of the Association of Terror Victims, recalls the 1947 resistance against Pakistan-sponsored raiders to save Kashmiriyat.
In a powerful reflection on the region's history, Tasleema Akhter, the Chairperson of the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir, has highlighted the critical role of local cooperation with the Indian Army in preserving the essence of the region. Speaking on October 27, Akhter described the date as a landmark in Kashmir’s history, marking the moment when residents and the military united to protect their land and identity—their save Kashmiriyat mission—against external aggression.
Recalling the 1947 Invasion
Speaking to ANI in Srinagar, Akhter revisited the harrowing events of October 1947. She alleged that on October 22 of that year, Pakistan-sponsored tribal raiders, referred to as Kabaili terrorists, infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir with malicious intent. According to Akhter, these raiders unleashed a wave of violence, characterized by widespread killings, looting, and destruction across various areas.
She emphasized that this period of chaos served as a catalyst for unity, as people across Jammu and Kashmir realized the imminent threat to their existence and culture.
The Path to Accession
The Chairperson detailed how the crisis led to a pivotal political shift. She noted that residents, particularly those in the Baramulla district, joined forces with Maharaja Hari Singh to seek urgent assistance from the Indian government to repel the invasion.
This collective plea culminated on October 27, when the Government of India accepted the Instrument of Accession. This legal and political milestone paved the way for the Indian Army to arrive in the region and secure it from the raiders.
Heroes of the Resistance
While acknowledging the military intervention, Akhter was keen to highlight the bravery of local Kashmiris who resisted the invaders. She specifically mentioned Mohammad Maqbool Shirwani of the Baramulla district as a prime example of the youth and leaders who stood their ground to protect the land.
"The decision we took on that day is why we are living happily here," Akhter stated, affirming the long-term impact of the 1947 decision.
A Plea for PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan
Shifting her focus to the present, Tasleema Akhter raised serious concerns regarding the human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). She alleged that the basic rights of the people in these regions have been cruelly stripped away.
Akhter called upon the international community and global human rights organizations to stop ignoring the plight of those living under Pakistani control. She urged these organizations to unite and raise their voices for the innocent people of PoK and PoGB, arguing that the people of Kashmir should also stand in solidarity with them to demand their fundamental rights.