Leaders and foreign policy experts at a roundtable discussion called for an end to atrocities in Kashmir. PHOTO: NNI
They expressed their concern at the fresh spate of violence and brutalities of Indian forces that had broken all records and demanded an immediate release of Kashmiri leaders.
They were speaking at a roundtable discussion on the current situation evolving in the Indian-administered Kashmir, organised by the Muslim Institute, an Islamabad-based think-tank and presided over by former ambassador Sarwar Naqvi.
The speakers included Altaf Hussain Wani, Syed Naseem Yousaf, Rana Abdul Baqi, Abdullah Gilani and Tahir Mahmood.
Dr Oya Ackgonence from Turkey shared her views through a video link.
The purpose of the discussion was to convey the viewpoint of Kashmiris to the world.
Even the chief minister of the Indian-held Kashmir has declared such acts as unconstitutional, they said.
India has also initiated demographic changes through Hindu settlements particularly in Jammu and such brutal acts had triggered massive protests in the valley, the speakers said.
Due to the killing of Burhan Wani and his companions the protest demonstrations had escalated during the last one week, they added.
They further said that India, which claims to be the largest democracy in the world, recently killed 36 Kashmiris and injured 1,400 to quell the protest.
The security forces also used pellets due to which the protesters lost their eyesight, they added.
The participants demanded an immediate release of Kashmiri leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Shabir Hussain Shah, Yasin Malik, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and others who had been besieged in their homes and were not allowed to commemorate Kashmir Martyrs Day.
They deplored the Indian government for trying to handle the situation with aggression and suppressing public opinion.
The speakers also noted that journalists were not being allowed to go to such areas and mobile and internet services had also been suspended.
They said India was creating false propaganda and has declared the freedom movement as terrorism.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2016.
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