ISLAMABAD: In connection with commemoration of Kashmir Solidarity Day, a seminar and exhibition on “Reflections of resilience: showcasing Kashmiri identity through art” was held here on Friday.

Organised by India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), the objective of the event was to go beyond the political and diplomatic lenses and view the Kashmiri resistance from the art, literary and cultural prisms.

The seminar brought together Kashmir movement’s political figures, academics, artists and think-tanks to share insights on the distinct Kashmiri identity and their struggle for self-determination.

The chief guest on the occasion was Mushaal Hussein Mullick, special assistance to the prime minister on human rights and women empowerment.

Speakers at seminar say India propagates negative narrative of Kashmir through films

A short documentary on Kashmiri resistance towards illegal Indian occupation was presented. The speakers included Dr Memoona Khan, who is head of the department of fine arts, FJWU, Rawalpindi; Sardar Waheed Khan, commissioner Muzaffarabad; and Altaf Hussain Wani, chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR). A young Kashmiri artist, Zohaib Zaman, presented musical rendition of a patriotic Kashmiri song.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, who is director general ISSI, said art transcended traditional boundaries of resistance and showcased the political struggle of Kashmiris under Indian illegal occupation and relentless oppression. The art exhibition underscored the power of artistic expression and encapsulated the essence of the Kashmiri struggle, he said.

A peaceful resolution of the dispute, upholding the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, remains imperative, he said.

Mr Mahmood said art was the voice of the unheard and each stroke of the brush or each word flowing from the pen was a reminder of the conflict-stricken land and the trauma, resilience and collective struggle of the Kashmiri people.

Ms Mullick appreciated ISSI’s initiative to engage the young Pakistani and Kashmiri artists to explore the heritage and culture of Kashmir. She said the event expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people in a most meaningful way and helped uplift the spirits.

She said New Delhi had depended on its cultural diplomacy to project a softer image of India to the world. In reality, the RSS-led ‘Hindutva’ brigade in occupied Jammu and Kashmir continued to attack the Kashmiri leadership, Kashmiri people and even foreign tourists. She said India had propagated a negative narrative of Kashmir through films that projected the wrong image Kashmiri culture and identity. An occupier, she emphasised, depended on obliterating the original culture and identity of the occupied people and replacing it with its own identity and culture.

Ms Mullick said art was freedom of expression, but only one per cent of Kashmiri businesses had the licence to export Kashmiri culture and artworks. She proposed collecting and disseminating Kashmiri art through social media for the whole world to see. She also recommended using artificial intelligence, theatre, music, commercial films, infographics, literature, Kashmiri festivals and coffee table books for the projection of Kashmiri struggle.

Dr Memoona Khan, in her presentation, showcased the powerful artwork of various resistance artists from history. Art is an important source to arouse the awakening of the world and, therefore, the work of Kashmiri artists needed to be preserved and presented to the world to raise awareness about their struggle, she said.

Sardar Waheed Khan apprised the participants of the historical political struggles of the Kashmiri people. He stressed the importance of Kashmiris and Pakistanis working together for the promotion of the Kashmir cause along with Kashmiri diaspora living around the world. He noted that the resistance was adapting to challenges and life experiences that took a toll on mental and physical health.

Altaf Hussain Wani said art was internationally recognised and had a wider reach and, must be promoted. He highlighted the work of respected cartoonist Mir Suhail and his depiction of the struggle of Kashmir through art. He recommended that Pakistan must continue reaffirming solidarity with and standing by the Kashmiri people.

Prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners and participants of the art competition.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2024