On the Ongoing India-Pakistan Conflict and the Crisis in Jammu & Kashmir

>> Repost from International Viewpoint

The Jammu Kashmir Awami Workers Party (JKAWP) expresses grave concern over the recent escalation of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the horrific fundamentalist attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir. We strongly condemn this brutal act and mourn the loss of innocent lives. Violence against unarmed civilians — regardless of its source — is unacceptable and must be universally opposed.

This new wave of armed conflict and cross-border aggression has once again turned the region into a warzone. The working class and oppressed communities of Jammu and Kashmir are paying the highest price — in lives lost, homes destroyed, and futures shattered. This violence is not spontaneous; it reflects a long-standing strategy by both the Indian and Pakistani states to maintain instability, divide the people, and suppress any movement that demands freedom, dignity, and democracy.

JKAWP asserts that the governments of both India and Pakistan are using the current situation as a pretext to intensify state repression. Under the cover of “national security,” they are cracking down on pro-people, progressive movements — both in Indian-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan. Activists, students, workers, and journalists are being harassed, detained, or silenced for simply speaking out for rights and justice.

The Kashmir conflict is rooted in the colonial partition of the subcontinent by British imperialism — a sectarian division that has left behind an unresolved national question. Today, the ruling elites of both India and Pakistan continue to exploit this legacy to serve their own nationalist, capitalist, and military agendas. The people of Jammu and Kashmir remain denied their right to self-determination, while their land is militarized, their resources exploited, and their voices suppressed.

Instead of addressing the legitimate aspirations of the people, both states have escalated their proxy wars, fortified their military presence, and promoted religious extremism. These policies have not brought security or peace — they have only deepened the suffering and division.

JKAWP denounces the use of Jammu and Kashmir as a permanent battlefield. Border communities live under constant threat of shelling, arrests, surveillance, and displacement. Thousands have been killed or injured. Livelihoods, education, and healthcare have been devastated. The youth of Kashmir continue to grow up under the shadow of occupation and fear.

Despite this, the people’s call remains clear and unwavering: self-determination and reunification of the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir. This is not a demand for charity or concession — it is a democratic and historical right.

JKAWP calls on the international working-class, anti-imperialist, and democratic movements to stand with the people of Kashmir. The struggle of Kashmir is not isolated — it is part of the global fight against colonialism, militarism, and neoliberal exploitation. We appeal to trade unions, student organizations, social justice networks, and left movements around the world to raise their voices and support the just cause of the Kashmiri people.

JKAWP Declares:
We reject war, militarism, and proxy conflicts between India and Pakistan.
We reject religious fundamentalism, sectarianism, and state repression in all forms.
We reject the ongoing occupation and artificial division of Jammu and Kashmir.
We demand the immediate release of political prisoners, the restoration of civil liberties, and an end to the suppression of pro-people movements.
We demand the full and unconditional right to self-determination for all regions of Jammu and Kashmir, as one, undivided political and historical entity.

JKAWP stands unwaveringly with the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir. We believe that only a united struggle of the working class — beyond borders, religions, and ethnic divisions — can bring real peace, justice, and liberation.

Peace with justice. Reunification with dignity. Liberation through people’s power.

On the Ongoing India‑Pakistan Conflict and the Crisis in Jammu & Kashmir