NEW DELHI: Kashmiri activist and journalist Yana Mir has strongly criticised Pakistan’s propaganda campaign to tarnish India’s reputation on the global stage.
Mir said that she feels completely safe and free in Kashmir, which is an integral part of India.
Speaking at the ‘Sankalp Divas’ event hosted by the UK Parliament in London, she called on the international media community to stop creating divisions among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
She even stated that “she is not Malala Yusufzai,” who had to flee her country because of severe threats of terrorism, as her country will always stay strong and united against the forces of terrorism.
“I am not a Malala Yusufzai, because I am free and safe in my country, India. In my homeland, Kashmir, which is part of India. I will never need to run and seek refuge in your country. I will never be a Malala Yusufzai but I object to Malala for defaming my country, my progressive homeland, by calling it oppressed. I object to all such toolkit members from social media and international media, who have never cared to visit Indian Kashmir but fabricate stories of oppression from there,” Mir said in the UK Parliament.
“I urge you to stop polarising Indians on the grounds of religion. We won’t allow you to break us. This year on Sankalp Divas, all I hope for is that our perpetrators living in the UK and Pakistan will stop maligning my country in international media or on international human rights forums. Stop unwanted selective outrage, stop trying to polarise Indian society by reporting from your UK living rooms. Thousands of Kashmiri mothers have already lost their sons because of terrorism. Stop coming after us and let my Kashmiri community live in peace. Thank you and Jai Hind,” she added.
During the event, Mir was honored with the Diversity Ambassador Award for her efforts in promoting diversity in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
She highlighted the progress made since the abrogation of Article 370, including improved security measures, government initiatives, and increased funding.
Mir also praised the Indian Army for their de-radicalisation programs and substantial investments in youth development, countering negative narratives aimed at vilifying the army.
The event commemorated the unanimous resolution passed by both Houses of the Indian Parliament on February 22, 1994, reaffirming India’s unwavering stance that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of Indian territory.
It also emphasised India’s right to reclaim Mirpur-Muzaffarabad and Gilgit and Baltistan, which had fallen victim to Pakistani aggression.
The gathering, attended by more than 100 participants, included members of the UK Parliament, local councillors, community leaders, representatives from various organizations, and prominent members of the diaspora. Notable guests included MPs Bob Blackman, Theresa Villiers, Elliot Colburn, and Virendra Sharma.
The event provided a comprehensive overview of the socio-cultural and political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting its diverse multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-linguistic nature. Another participant, Sajjad Raja from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), currently residing in exile in the United Kingdom, spoke about the grave violation of basic human rights in PoK. He urged individuals to raise their voices against Pakistan’s illegal occupation of PoK.
The event was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre UK, a think-tank dedicated to providing in-depth analysis and research on the region. It aims to serve as a reliable source of comprehensive information, contributing to informed discussions and a better understanding of the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir.,
Yana Mir’s strong denouncement of Pakistan’s propaganda, along with the recognition of her efforts as a Diversity Ambassador, shed light on the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. The event served as a platform to discuss the diverse nature of the region and shed light on the violations of human rights in PoK.
