By Farooq Ganderbali
Every year on 26 October, Accession Day marks a historic moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. In 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India following the invasion by armed tribal raiders who entered Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan on 22 October. The invasion brought immense suffering to innocent civilians, including reports of killings, looting and atrocities against women. This painful chapter of history must never be forgotten.
For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Accession Day is a symbol of pride, patriotism and national integration. Many celebrate this historic occasion with great enthusiasm and joy, no less than Eid, reaffirming their faith in India, democracy, peace and a brighter future. The declaration of a public holiday on 26 October by the Jammu and Kashmir Government further reflects the historical significance of this day.
Today, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing progress in education, healthcare, tourism, sports and women’s empowerment. Universities, colleges, medical colleges and improved healthcare facilities are creating new opportunities for people. Better sports infrastructure is encouraging young talent, while tourism and development are supporting livelihoods and strengthening the local economy. The aspirations of our youth are clear: quality education, employment, world-class sports facilities, peace and prosperity.
In contrast, people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly taken to the streets demanding affordable food, electricity, better healthcare, quality education, employment and accountability. Protests led by civil rights groups, including the Joint Awami Action Committee, have highlighted public anger over economic hardship, rising living costs and inadequate essential services. The people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir deserve dignity, democratic rights, better living standards and a government that responds to their genuine concerns.
Pakistan’s leadership must address the grievances of people living under its control instead of using the Kashmir issue for political purposes. The people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir deserve meaningful democratic participation, economic opportunities and a better future for their children. Allegations of excessive force and civilian deaths during recent protests also demand serious, independent investigation and accountability. The international community must not remain indifferent to credible reports of human rights violations.
Pakistan-sponsored terrorism remains a serious threat to peace, economic progress and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed, demonstrated the devastating human cost of terrorism. Such violence destroys families, frightens visitors and threatens the livelihoods of thousands who depend on Kashmir’s tourism industry. Terrorism has no place in a society that wants peace, progress and prosperity.
Jammu and Kashmir needs universities, hospitals, employment opportunities, sports academies and investment—not terrorism, radicalisation or extremist propaganda. Pakistan must take credible and verifiable steps to prevent cross-border terrorism and allow peace to prevail in the region.
The abrogation of Article 370 marked a significant constitutional change in Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, the region has witnessed renewed emphasis on development, tourism, sports, infrastructure and opportunities for young people. Despite continuing challenges, people are increasingly aspiring to a future defined by peace, cultural pride, unity and economic progress rather than violence and extremism. The people of Jammu and Kashmir want their children to succeed through education, talent and hard work.
Accession Day reminds us that the future of Jammu and Kashmir must be built on peace, unity, democracy, development and justice. Our children deserve quality education, patients deserve proper healthcare, women deserve equal opportunities, and young people deserve employment and the freedom to fulfil their dreams without fear. The path forward must prioritise public welfare, national integration and lasting stability.
The message is clear: Jammu and Kashmir wants peace, not Pakistan-sponsored terrorism; education, not radicalisation; development, not destruction; and unity, not hatred. On this historic Accession Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and united Jammu and Kashmir, where every citizen can live with dignity, opportunity and hope. The future belongs to its people and their aspirations for progress, prosperity and lasting peace.