Political activist Abid Ali Raja calls Kashmir Solidarity Day a 'Fraud', flags rights violations in PoJK
Muzaffarabad, February 5
Every year on February 5, Pakistan observes what it calls Kashmir Solidarity Day. Officially, it claims to stand for the rights of Kashmiris; in reality, the day is about state-sponsored propaganda, designed to distract from Pakistan's own human rights record, both in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and across regions under its control.
In this view, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) political activist Abid Ali Raja has strongly criticised the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, calling it a "complete fraud" and accusing Pakistan of using the day to mask violations of fundamental rights in the region.
Speaking to a local digital media outlet, Raja said the Kashmir Solidarity Day holds no historical or political significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "This is a complete fraud. It is a joke with the people of PoJK, with the issues of PoJK," he said.
Rejecting the symbolism attached to February 5, Raja asserted, "There is no significance of this Kashmir Solidarity Day. There is no historical significance."
Criticising Pakistan's governance in PoJK, the activist accused authorities of suppressing dissent and targeting civilians demanding basic necessities. "When people came out for flour, electricity and water, forces were sent against them. They were attacked, shot and people were killed," Raja alleged.
He further claimed that people demanding basic rights were labelled as enemies. "People were called agents of India just because they were asking for electricity and food," he said.
Raja also highlighted alleged restrictions on civil liberties in PoJK, stating, "People are being stopped from travelling. Their ID cards are being blocked. Their passports are being blocked."
Calling the February 5 observance a state-sponsored spectacle, Raja said, "This so-called drama of solidarity is nothing more than a joke with the people of PoJK".
He added that public participation in the Kashmir Solidarity Day remains minimal. "You can see how many people actually come out on 5th February. This is limited to government offices," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It takes immense courage for Abid Ali Raja to speak out like this. Blocking ID cards and passports for asking for food and electricity? This is shocking. The world needs to listen to these voices, not the state-sponsored narrative.
Every Indian knows February 5th is a farce. While they hold these dramas, they forget the development and peace in Jammu & Kashmir on our side. The contrast is clear as day. Hope the international community sees this hypocrisy.
As an observer, this is a powerful indictment. Labeling your own citizens as "agents" for demanding basic utilities is a classic tactic to avoid accountability. Solidarity should mean action, not empty symbolism.
"People were called agents of India just because they were asking for electricity and food." This line says everything. When you can't provide roti, bijli, paani, you create an external enemy. Shameful. Our hearts are with the common people of PoJK.
While I agree with the activist's core point about rights violations, I wish our own media gave more balanced coverage. We must critique Pakistan's actions, but also ensure we are listening to all voices from the region, not just those that fit a narrative. Respect to Raja for his bravery.
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.