A conversation between an Indian Hindu citizen and two Kashmiri women in Pahalgam, occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has surfaced, reflecting the region’s public sentiment and firm stance against Indian dominance. The discussion was recorded when the Indian man questioned elderly women about an alleged terrorist attack in Kashmir.
During the conversation, the Indian man repeatedly attempted to assert that “We are citizens of India, we are one, Kashmir is part of India, say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.” However, the Kashmiri women firmly rejected his claims. One woman replied, “Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris, India is separate.”
When the man insisted they say “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” the women strictly refused, explaining, “We are Muslims, we cannot say that.”
The Indian citizen continued, saying, “India has Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, all communities, Kashmir is a part of India, we stand with Kashmiris, India is yours too, say Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Yet the women maintained their refusal to chant the slogan.
Towards the end of the conversation, the Indian man reiterated, “Kashmir is part of India and will remain so,” to which a Kashmiri woman responded, “Kashmir is separate, India is separate.” When he again asked, “Why don’t you say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’?” the woman replied, “Why should we? We are Muslims.”
Defense analysts commenting on the exchange stated that it proves India’s occupation over Jammu and Kashmir and that the Kashmiri people do not identify themselves as part of India. They added that the women’s outright rejection of the Indian slogan reflects their strong religious identity and desire for freedom.
