Pakistan’s government must realise that formal statements to condemn Indian brutalities will work no more
GUJRANWALA: Recent protests by Kashmiris for self-determination are faced with relentless atrocities by the Indian army. Last week, clusters of youth popped out daringly to participate in Burhan Wani’s funeral, overtly conveying a message to Indian authorities that they stand firmly with his ideology. Unfortunately, whenever Kashmiris raise their voices against state terrorism, it is suppressed forcibly. India’s claim on Kashmir as its integral part is hollow with the fact that in central India, crowd control is achieved using water cannons whereas in Kashmir, bullets and pellets are fired on unprotected people.
The protests have left dozens dead and hundreds of people wounded. It is beyond comprehension why the international community has turned a deaf ear to the cries of innocents and is blind to the cruelties practised there. It is lucidly evident that the hitherto lava of hatred for Indian security forces has been seething underneath, which has erupted immediately after Burhan Wani’s death. The presence of troops in Kashmir and the violation of human rights is not acceptable in any case. Vibrant initiatives are required more than ever to mobilise the cause of Kashmir and settle this dispute according to UN resolutions as early as possible. Pakistan’s government must realise that formal statements to condemn Indian brutalities will work no more. It has become inevitable at this stage to hoist awareness about the deplorable condition of Kashmiris at international forums.
Hassan Basit
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2016.
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