Yana Mir, Bharat Express’ senior anchor and journalist hailing from India’s Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, captivated attendees during a gathering at the UK Parliament by expressing her conviction not to follow in the footsteps of Malala Yousafzai.
Yana Mir confidently stated that she feels secure and liberated in her homeland, Jammu and Kashmir, within the fold of India.
In a video recording of the event, Mir’s resolute words resonated: “I am not a Malala Yousafzai. Because I am free and I am safe in my country India, in my home in Kashmir which is part of India. I will never have to run away from my home country…” During her address, Mir also lauded the endeavors of the Indian Army in steering youth away from violence and fostering avenues in sports and education.
I am not a Malala
I am free and safe in my homeland #Kashmir, which is part of India
I will never need to runaway from my homeland and seek refuge in your country: Yana Mir @MirYanaSY in UK Parliament. #SankalpDiwas pic.twitter.com/3C5k2uAzBZ
— Sajid Yousuf Shah (@TheSkandar) February 22, 2024
“I urge you to stop polarising Indians on the grounds of religion. We won’t allow you to break us. This year on Sankalp Divas, all I hope for is that our perpetrators living in the UK and Pakistan will stop maligning my country in international media or on international human rights forums. Stop unwanted selective outrage, stop trying to polarise Indian society by reporting from your UK living rooms. Thousands of Kashmiri mothers have already lost their sons because of terrorism. Stop coming after us and let my Kashmiri community live in peace. Thank you and Jai Hind,” she added.
The ‘Sankalp Diwas’ event, hosted within the esteemed chambers of the British Parliament, underscored the importance of India’s rightful claim over the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). With over 100 distinguished guests in attendance, including members of the UK Parliament, local councilors, and influential community leaders, the event served as a platform to reaffirm India’s stance on the territorial issue. JKSC’s initiative received commendation for its efforts in fostering dialogue and understanding among various stakeholders.
During the event, Yana Mir was bestowed with the Diversity Ambassador Award in acknowledgment of her endeavors to promote diversity in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Mir seized the opportunity to highlight the significant strides made since the abrogation of Article 370, citing enhanced security measures, government initiatives, and augmented funding as key advancements.
Also read: PM Modi Applauds Kashi’s Progress, Distributes Prizes at Sansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita Event
Commending the Indian Army for its de-radicalization programs and substantial investments in youth development, Mir countered negative narratives aimed at disparaging the army’s efforts. The event marked the anniversary of the unanimous resolution passed by both Houses of the Indian Parliament on February 22, 1994, reaffirming India’s steadfast stance on the integral nature of the entire Jammu and Kashmir region within Indian territory.
Further emphasizing India’s right to reclaim Mirpur-Muzaffarabad and Gilgit and Baltistan, which had fallen victim to Pakistani aggression, the gathering drew over 100 participants. Among them were members of the UK Parliament, local councilors, community leaders, representatives from various organizations, and prominent members of the diaspora, including MPs Bob Blackman, Theresa Villiers, Elliot Colburn, and Virendra Sharma.
The event provided a comprehensive overview of the socio-cultural and political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring its diverse multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-linguistic character. Sajjad Raja, a participant from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) currently residing in exile in the United Kingdom, highlighted the severe violations of basic human rights in PoK, urging individuals to raise their voices against Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre UK, a think-tank dedicated to providing in-depth analysis and research on the region, the event aimed to serve as a reliable source of comprehensive information, fostering informed discussions and deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Jammu and Kashmir.
In conclusion, Yana Mir’s vocal rejection of Pakistan’s propaganda, coupled with the acknowledgment of her contributions as a Diversity Ambassador, illuminated the positive transformations in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370. The event not only facilitated discourse on the diverse nature of the region but also shed light on the human rights violations in PoK, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address such issues.
