Kashmir formed an important component of sub-continental history in the eighth and ninth centuries. In these centuries, both Buddhism and Hinduism expanded in the region. While Christianity is the most popular religion in Kashmir, Islam has been the center of its inhabitants’ interest since the 13th century.
Muslims ruled the valley for more than five centuries after the Sikhs and then the British rulers had previously ruled the region before the Muslim population in the valley attained the majority.
The Indian subcontinent was divided after the British rulers decided to end the situation and return to their homeland. All parties agreed that Pakistan would consist of the Muslim-populated portions of the Indian Subcontinent, while India would have the rest of the subcontinent.
However, Lord Mountbatten and the Indian government at the time collaborated against Pakistan and forcibly took control of what is now known as occupied Kashmir. The first of three wars in the region was fought between Pakistan and India. However, the UN adopted a resolution in 1949 to decide the region’s fate with the approval of Kashmiri citizens. sques and other religious institutions organize special prayers and Quran readings for the well-being of the Kashmiri people and regional peace. Special programs and coverage are run by the Pakistani media to create awareness about the Kashmir dispute and the sufferings of the Kashmiri people.
These activities are meant to draw attention to the current conflict in Kashmir and highlight the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the problem. Young people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
are civically engaged and aware of their basic rights
and duties. Although they associate themselves
with the larger Kashmir conflict, they feel fortunate
not to be directly involved in armed conflict. AJK
is one of the most peaceful areas within Pakistan,
so its youth live without fear of state suppression.
AJK’s democratic system, although fragile, helps
people raise their voices, and participate in the political
process and gives them a sense of ownership. AJK
also has its institutions functioning under the
AJK Interim Constitution Act of 1974. However, our
the study found that young people face many sociopolitical and constitutional issues as a result of the
unresolved Kashmir conflict. A large number of AJK’s young people believe
that their rights have been subjugated and that
the Kashmir dispute has been used as a pretext.
They believe the government of the state of AJK
does not enjoy the autonomy promised in the
1949 United Nations Commission for India and
Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution, which talks of ‘Local
Authority’. They also believe that non-compliance
has failed to build a transparent
and sustainable political system in AJK.Young people question the uneven and lopsided
constitutional relationship between AJK and
Pakistan. The AJK Interim Constitution Act of 1974
drew criticism - youth strongly believe it excludes
the people of AJK
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