Opinion | Kashmir to Washington: A Letter to America from a common Kashmiri

Every word uttered by POTUS can create hundreds of headlines around the world, influence international policy, and, in this case, hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians while compromising the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.This letter serves as a firm reminder to POTUS—and to all those who mistakenly believe in the myth of a “Kashmir issue”—that there is no such issue within India’s borders. They should refrain from making weak, misinformed, and damaging remarks. If there is indeed a Kashmir issue, it lies not within India but within Pakistan—specifically in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

There was a time when violence in Jammu and Kashmir—terrorist attacks, bomb blasts, and targeted killings—was disturbingly routine. Dozens of civilians, police, and security personnel would lose their lives, and the national response seldom went beyond ritual condemnations. For nearly three decades, “mazamat” and “kadi ninda” (condemnation) were the standard phrases echoing in official statements.On 25 January 1998, 25 Kashmiri Pandits were massacred in Wandhama. Just two days later, Prime Minister I.K. Gujral visited the region to condemn the killings—but also inaugurated winter sports in Gulmarg, reflecting the lack of seriousness in addressing terrorism. In July–August 2000, 100 civilians, including 21 Amarnath yatris, were killed in Pahalgam. On 1 October 2001, 40 people perished in a fidayeen attack on the Srinagar Legislative Assembly. Yet again, the reaction was limited to condemnation. It was only after the Parliament attack on 13 December 2001 that India demonstrated some degree of resolve, with Prime Minister Vajpayee threatening an “aar paar ki ladai” (a decisive fight).However, even after horrifying incidents like the 1993 and 2008 Mumbai bombings or the 2002 Akshardham Temple attack, India’s counterterrorism doctrine remained largely unchanged. This status quo was disrupted on 14 February 2019, when 40 CRPF personnel were martyred in Pulwama. That event marked a watershed moment. India’s response was swift, unconventional, and assertive.More recently, when 25 tourists and a Kashmiri ponywallah were martyred in Baisaran, Pahalgam, the Indian response was again immediate and resolute. Within hours, it was evident that the attack would have “unconventional consequences.” Between 7 and 12 May 2025, India executed Operation Sindoor, reflecting the evolution of its new doctrine of deterrence. Retaliatory strikes like the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor in 2025 have demonstrated India’s uncompromising stance against terrorism. These decisive actions are a testament to New India’s firm policy of “zero tolerance for terrorism.”This new doctrine has been strongly supported by the Indian public. Across the country, there has been an outpouring of patriotism, unwavering support for the government and security forces, and calls for national unity. Kashmir was no exception. In fact, Kashmiris were among the frontrunners in such patriotic and flag-waving marches.Earlier, such sentiments—though present in the hearts and minds of Kashmiris—remained concealed due to fear of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. Public demonstrations of patriotism, like rallies or marches, were rare. People feared for their lives if they openly supported the Indian state. However, over the last decade, the Indian government and security forces have lifted the veil of fear and repression. Today, Kashmiris express themselves freely, openly voicing their love for India and their contempt for terrorism and its perpetrators. They have gone beyond their limits to embrace and support India’s doctrine of deterrence.After the recent Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025, which shocked the entire nation, it was the people of Kashmir who mourned the most. They stood by the affected families and demanded justice and retaliation. From civil societies to religious clerics, everyone condemned the cowardly attack on defenseless civilians. Candlelight marches were held, and Tiranga (national flag) rallies demonstrated an unprecedented display of unity and national solidarity.Kashmiris have convincingly and openly participated in national moments—whether in sorrow, joy, pride, or duty. Their patriotism is not limited to times of crisis. In the world of sports too, Kashmiris celebrate India’s victories with unmatched enthusiasm. When India wins a cricket match—especially against arch-rival Pakistan—the joy in Kashmir is overwhelming. Following India’s victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup, the valley erupted in celebration, with fireworks lighting up the skies for days. These jubilant scenes speak volumes. They scream patriotism and dispel long-held myths. Kashmiris are as Indian as any other citizen of the country. Their allegiance is unwavering and eternal.This also momentarily nullifies and thoroughly refutes the false narrative of a so-called “Kashmir issue” propagated by Pakistan,the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and misinformed global leaders. There is no Kashmir issue. Those who claim otherwise should visit Kashmir and see how the people have wrapped themselves in the warm embrace of the Tricolour. The notion of a Kashmir dispute is a fabrication—constructed by Pakistan’s army, intelligence agencies, and censored media. Its foundation was laid with the Kabali invasion right after Partition, which was fiercely resisted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.The “Kashmir issue” is as fictitious as Pakistan’s democracy—fabricated, non-existent, and confined to manipulated media narratives.

The latest tweet by the President of the United States (POTUS) regarding Kashmir where he called for it called thousand year old issue and offered mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir has sparked global controversy and given momentum to Pakistan’s baseless and dangerous narrative. Such a fragile and insensitive remark should never come from someone in such a powerful position. Every word uttered by POTUS can create hundreds of headlines around the world, influence international policy, and, in this case, hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians while compromising the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.This letter serves as a firm reminder to POTUS—and to all those who mistakenly believe in the myth of a “Kashmir issue”—that there is no such issue within India’s borders. They should refrain from making weak, misinformed, and damaging remarks. If there is indeed a Kashmir issue, it lies not within India but within Pakistan—specifically in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Pakistan audaciously and falsely refers to it as “Azad Kashmir” or “Free Kashmir,” but the world must recognize that this region is illegally occupied. International pressure should be directed at Pakistan to return PoJK to India in its complete and original form, shape, and size.

Furthermore, the recent $1 billion IMF bailout disbursed to Pakistan immediately following the Pahalgam terror attack represents a new low for international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF. These funds, intended for economic stabilization and welfare, are too often misused—not to support the Pakistani people, but to finance terrorism against India, particularly in Kashmir.In Pakistan, where the real power lies with the military rather than the civilian government, such international aid becomes a weapon. It is used to fuel anti-India narratives, fund terror operations, and destabilize the region. The IMF must be cautious. It must recognize and resist such manipulation by rogue elements. Continuing to fund a state that sponsors terrorism undermines regional security and erodes the credibility of global institutions.

The misinformation surrounding Kashmir not only distorts the truth but also undermines India’s sovereignty and security. It is crucial for global leaders, especially those in influential positions like the President of the United States, to exercise caution and responsibility in their statements. Recognizing the reality—that the true Kashmir issue exists in Pakistan-occupied territories—is essential for fostering peace and stability in the region. The international community must apply pressure on Pakistan to end its occupation and respect India’s territorial integrity, thereby paving the way for lasting peace and justice.

The writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com