Jammu and Kashmir journalist Yana Mir’s powerful speech in the UK Parliament, countering propaganda against the region, has gone viral. Yana Mir, a social activist and journalist, was honored with the Diversity Ambassador award in the UK Parliament at an event hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre, UK.
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
In her speech, Yana Mir asserted that she is “not a Malala Yousafzai,” the Nobel Peace Prize winner from Pakistan, who sought refuge in the UK. Mir emphasized that she is safe and free in her homeland, Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, and she has no intention of seeking refuge elsewhere.
Addressing the issue of alleged oppression in Kashmir, Mir criticized those who fabricate stories without visiting the region and urged against polarizing Indians on religious grounds. She objected to the labeling of Kashmir as “oppressed” and called out individuals who defame India without proper understanding.
Mir concluded her speech with a plea for peace, asking to be left alone and expressing the desire for the Kashmiri community to live in harmony.
The video of Yana Mir’s speech has garnered over a million views on social media, with widespread support and congratulations pouring in, including from actor Anupam Kher. The event, ‘India’s Sankalp Divas,’ hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre (JKSC), aimed to address issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.
Yana Mir’s strong stance against propaganda and her rejection of the “Malala” comparison have resonated widely, emphasizing the importance of nuanced perspectives and an accurate understanding of complex issues.
