THIS is with reference to the report `Kashmiris hold protests on India`s Republic Day` (Jan 27). Observing the Kashmir Solidarity Day today (Feb 5), we must realise the significance of the day, which, to some, may appear to be little more than a public holiday. The Kashmiris in the India-occupied valley are continuing to use every occasion to let the world know about the tyrannical attitude of the Indian government. They, the Kashmiris, deserve all the support we may provide them in this regard.

The recent protests marking India`s Republic Day once again underlined the fact that, contrary to Indian claims, the reality happens to be different. To understand what constitutes a genuine republic, it is essential to grasp the true meaning and spirit of the term. A republic, in its most authentic form, represents more than just a political system; it embodies the values and ideals that unite a society.

At its core, a republic is a political structure in which the head of the state is chosen bythe people ortheirrepresentatives, highlighting the importance of citizenship, the rule of law, and the safeguarding of individuals` rights.

The essence of a republic is not just found in its framework, but in the principles that guide the relationships between the government and its citizens, as well as among the citizens themselves. It is about striking a balance between freedom and responsibility, and being dedicated to justice, equality as well as collective wellbeing.

In the case of India, its constitution guarantees all sorts of fundamental rights across the board. However, despite such constitutionalassurances,the state of India hasfailed to protect these rights.

Over the years, numerous reports and investigations have highlighted ongoing human rights violations, from discrimination and violence against marginalised communities to abuses of power by theauthorities. The situation in India-occupied Kashmir represents one of the most severe human rights crises in India. The region has long been a flashpoint for political, ethnic and religious tensions, with Indian security forces committing allsorts of atrocities,resultingin an ongoing humanitarian disaster.

International human rights organisations, the United Nations and independent observers have documented widespread abuses in the region, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and torture.

Since the late 1980s, Kashmir has been the site of a significant insurgency, with locals demanding the right to selfdetermination and union with Pakistan.

India has consistently rejected UN resolutions calling for the right of Kashmiris to determine their future. The Indian government has deployed a large number of security forces to suppress the region against the expressed will of the Kashmiri pe ople.

The situation worsened dramatically following the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution in August 2019, which had granted the region special autonomy. This move intensified human rights violations and sparked anger among the Kashmiri people.

In response, Indian authorities arrested a large number of people, including several political leaders. Many of the detainees have been imprisoned far from their hometowns, making it difficult for them to challenge their detention in court.

The harsh reality of human rights violations and atrocities committed by India in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir is evident to the global community, which firmly rejects India`s claim to be a true republic. There is an immediate need to put pressure India to cease flagrant violations of human rights in Kashmir.

Abdul Basit Alvi Muzaffarabad