Independence Day Celebration of Pakistan And India Sparks Renewed Calls for the United and Independent State of Jammu and Kashmir, from Aksi Chin to Mangla and from Lakhanpure to Hunza.

As the clock ticks down to August 14 and 15, 2025, India and Pakistan are gearing up for their annual Independence Day festivities, but the air in Jammu and Kashmir is thick with a different kind of fervor. Viral videos from Rawalakot and Kotli, shared by Sohaib Khan on X, have ignited a firestorm of debate, capturing throngs of people passionately chanting for an independent state of Jammu and Kashmir. These scenes, set against the backdrop of national celebrations, underscore a simmering demand for self-determination that refuses to be silenced.

A Divided Region, United in Aspiration

The partition of 1947 left Jammu and Kashmir fractured, its fate hanging in the balance as India and Pakistan clashed over its territory. Decades later, the region remains a tinderbox, with the Line of Control (LoC) separating not just land but families, dreams of autonomy. The today's videos from Rawalakot and Kotli are a stark reminder of this unresolved tension. In Rawalakot, the crowd waves the Azad Jammu and Kashmir flags while roaring for the United and Independent State of Jammu and Kashmir, a paradoxical blend of national loyalty and regional identity. In Kotli, the sentiment is equally fervent, with participants defiantly calling for "Azadi" (freedom), a word that echoes through the valleys and resonates with a history of unfulfilled promises and go back the history of resistance.
The Vision of a New FutureThe idea of allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to chart their own course is not just a pipe dream—it's a potential game-changer. Imagine a process where:

1. Elections Ignite Hope: Free and fair elections on both sides of the LoC would empower the people to choose representatives who truly reflect their aspirations.
2. A Constitution Born of the People: These representatives would collaborate to draft a constitution tailored to the region's unique needs, adjusting and accommodating all nationalists diversity within the borders of the state possibly paving the way for sharing sovereignty with its neighbours.
3. A Triangular Dance of Diplomacy: India, Pakistan, and China would need to agree on this document, a monumental task that would require unprecedented cooperation and possibly international mediation.
4. The People's Verdict: A referendum would then put the power back in the hands of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, allowing them to decide their future to approve, amend or reject the subject draft constitution in a way that honours their heritage and hopes.

This vision aligns with the original UN resolutions and could finally address the long-standing demand for self-determination, offering a beacon of hope in a region marred by conflict.The Stakes Couldn't Be HigherThe presence of three nuclear powers—India, Pakistan, and China—bordering Jammu and Kashmir amplifies the urgency of finding a peaceful solution. The armies of both India and China while patrolling their border don't keep weapons is a progressive approach. The risk of escalation is ever-present, with each skirmish threatening to spiral into a catastrophe. Yet, the opportunity for peace is equally compelling. The concept of sharing sovereignty a successful experience of Europe is lesson for Jammu and Kashmir and its neighbours, reducing tensions and fostering stability in South Asia.A Global Stage, a Local StruggleThe international community has watched the Kashmiri political and armed opposition unfold for decades, often calling for dialogue but rarely seeing action. Now, with the world’s eyes on India and Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations, the time is ripe for a bold move. Neutral mediators and global organizations could play a pivotal role in facilitating a resolution that respects human rights and self-determination as the method mentioned above.The Path Forward: Courage, Compromise, and ChangeAs fireworks light up the skies over Delhi and Islamabad, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are sending a clear message: the status quo is untenable. The path to peace will require courage from leaders, compromise from states, and a commitment to change. The rewards? A stable, prosperous region that honours the will of its people and secures a brighter future for South Asia.

In the words of a local proverb, "The mountain does not move, but the river finds its way." Perhaps it's time for India, Pakistan, and China to let the river of Jammu and Kashmir’s aspirations flow freely, guiding the region towards a destiny of its own choosing. The world is watching—and waiting.