Kashmir has long been a tinderbox of geopolitical tension, with narratives shaped by national interests and regional aspirations. In recent tweets, Professor Sajjad Raja, Chairman of the National Equality Party for Jammu Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan and Ladakh, presents a narrative that starkly contrasts the conditions in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) with those in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). His claims offer a lens into the ongoing struggle for control and legitimacy in this disputed region.

Professor Raja asserts that India has made significant strides in developing infrastructure and improving the law and order situation in IIOJK. He suggests that these advancements have irked Pakistan, which he accuses of attempting to destabilize the region. While there have been infrastructure projects and development initiatives in IIOJK, these efforts are often overshadowed by reports of human rights violations, military presence, and restrictions on civil liberties. The narrative of progress cannot be disentangled from the lived experiences of the Kashmiri people, who continue to face curfews, detentions, and a pervasive military presence.

Raja’s tweets also highlight severe human rights violations in GB and AJK under Pakistani administration. Reports of forcible disappearances and extrajudicial killings paint a grim picture of these regions, challenging the notion that Pakistan provides a more just and humane governance compared to India. The plight of the people in GB and AJK demands international attention, just as the abuses in IIOJK do. The international community must hold both India and Pakistan accountable for the treatment of their respective populations in these contested areas.

Professor Raja emphasizes the disparities in development between IIOJK and the regions of GB and AJK. He laments the dire conditions in the latter, noting significant differences in facilities, infrastructure, and law and order. While AJK benefits from residential facilities, food, education, and healthcare for refugees from IIOJK, it is crucial to recognize that these efforts, though commendable, do not absolve Pakistan of its responsibilities toward the broader population in these regions. Economic development and good governance are essential, but they must be coupled with genuine efforts to uphold human rights and civil liberties.

The contrasting situations in IIOJK and AJK highlight a complex reality. In IIOJK, the presence of nearly one million Indian troops has made it one of the most militarized zones in the world. Reports of crimes against humanity by these forces are widespread, painting a picture of subjugation and repression. In contrast, Raja claims that citizens of AJK enjoy basic rights and freedoms, with security forces present solely for protection, not suppression.

However, it is important to approach these claims with a critical eye. While the AJK government, in collaboration with Pakistan, may prioritize infrastructure and economic development, the underlying political motivations and the broader geopolitical context cannot be ignored. The presence of security forces and the state of governance in AJK must be scrutinized to ensure they align with the principles of justice and human rights.

At the heart of the Kashmir issue is the right to self-determination. Pakistan’s support for this right, grounded in UN Security Council resolutions, is a cornerstone of its stance on Kashmir. Yet, this support must translate into concrete actions that respect the wishes of the Kashmiri people and address the human rights violations within its own administered regions.

The international community has a pivotal role to play in addressing the complexities of the Kashmir dispute. Ethnic cleansing, human rights abuses, and the suppression of civil liberties in IIOJK must be condemned and stopped. Simultaneously, Pakistan must be held accountable for its actions in GB and AJK. Sustainable peace and security in South Asia hinge on a balanced and fair approach that prioritizes the aspirations and rights of all Kashmiris.

Professor Sajjad Raja’s tweets offer a narrative that challenges prevailing perceptions and urges a reevaluation of the situation in Kashmir. It is a call to action for the international community to engage with the realities on the ground and work towards a resolution that honors the dignity and self-determination of the Kashmiri people. Only then can the elusive peace in South Asia become a tangible reality.

Shaheen Khan is a student of BS at International Islamic University Islamabad. She can be contacted at shaenkhan1990@proton.me