Online Desk: The July 19th Resolution adopted by the Kashmiri leadership in 1947 was a significant event in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, passed a historic resolution seeking Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan in view of its existing religious, geographical, cultural and economic proximity to Pakistan and in accordance with the aspirations of the majority population of the state.
The development took place at a time when the subcontinent was at the threshold of a monumental change – the change that immensely altered the region’s history as well as its geography. The promulgation of Independence act by the British government same year had created a new geopolitical reality, making Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan a pragmatic choice.
It was the first formal statement from a party that represented the wishes and sentiments of nearly 80% of the state’s population while asserting and affirming their inherent right to determine its political future. The event also marks a key moment in the state’s journey towards eventual accession to Pakistan besides shaping its political trajectory and its relationship with Pakistan. The Resolution favouring Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan has a long legacy, which continues to influence the Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle against India.
So-called liberals and secularists criticized the move terming it biased, however, history proved it beyond any reasonable doubt that the decision was not solely driven by the religious considerations but also by political, economic, and cultural factorsThe main objectives of the “Äccession to Pakistan Resolution” were to protect the interests of the majority population and safeguard its political, economic, and cultural interests. Many historians viewed it (this resolution) as a reflection of the Kashmiris’ earnest desire to protect the future of coming generations. It is worth recalling here that the Kashmiri Muslims, which had seen the worst type of exploitations and oppression during Dogra rule, was highly conscious about their political future. A rebellion against the despotic rule had already started in north western areas of the state and the Kashmiris were ostensibly fighting for their rights as subjects of the Maharaja
