HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY IN KASHMIR VS POVERTY AND OPPRESSION IN POK

The Indian subcontinent is home to a region of breath-taking beauty and complex geopolitics: Kashmir. The region has been a source of contention between India and Pakistan since the partition of India in 1947. The Line of Control separates the Indian administered state of Jammu and Kashmir from the Pakistan occupied Kashmir. This article aims to explore the stark contrasts between the two regions, highlighting the relative happiness and prosperity in Kashmir versus the poverty and oppression in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Despite facing its share of challenges, the region has made significant strides in recent years. The region has witnessed a marked improvement in infrastructure, education and healthcare. The Indian government's initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Development Package and the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Development Strategy have contributed to the region’s growth.

A significant sector in Kashmir has been thriving with visitors drawn to the region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and hospitality. The region’s economy has also benefited from the growth of industries like handicrafts, horticulture and sericulture.

The people of Kashmir have access to quality education with several reputable institutions including the University of Kashmir and the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu. Healthcare facilities have also proved with the establishment of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar and other hospitals.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir is a region plagued by poverty, lack of infrastructure and human rights abuses. The Pakistan government exercises significant control over the region suppressing dissent and opposition. The people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir face numerous challenges including limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

The region's infrastructure is underdeveloped with inadequate roads, electricity and water supply. The lack of investment and economic opportunities has led to widespread poverty with many residents struggling to make ends meet.

Human rights abuses are rampant in Pakistan occupied Kashmir with reports of torture, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances. The region’s judiciary is not independent and the media is heavily censored. The people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir are denied their right to self-determination with the Pakistan government controlling the region’s administration.

The contrasts between Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir are stark. While Kashmir has made significant progress in recent years, Pakistan occupied Kashmir remains a region of poverty and oppression. The people of Kashmir enjoy relative freedom, access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, whereas, the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir face numerous challenges including human rights abuses, limited access to basic services and economic hardship.

The reasons for these contrasts are complex and multifaceted. The Indian government's investment in Kashmir’s infrastructure and economy has contributed to the region's growth. Whereas Pakistan government's control over Pakistan occupied Kashmir has stifled the region's development and led to widespread human rights abuses.

Kashmir has made significant progress, Pakistan occupied Kashmir remains a region of poverty and oppression. The international community must take note of the human rights abuses in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the region’s lack of development. The people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir deserve their right to self-determination and the region’s administration must be transparent and accountable.

The happiness and prosperity in Kashmir stand in stark contrast to the poverty and oppression in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The region's future depends on the actions of governments, international organizations and civil society. It is essential to promote peace, stability and development in the region, ensuring that the people of Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir can live with dignity and respect.