Indian actions in Kashmir attempt to escalate tensions: Imam

Parliamentary body passes resolution against atrocities, repeal of law in occupied Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir on Monday passed a unanimous resolution against Indian atrocities in Kashmir, including the use of cluster bombs on the civilian population as well as its decision to strip the occupied part of Kashmir of its special status, calling it an attempt by Delhi to escalate tensions with Pakistan and in the region.

The committee, which held an in-camera meeting on Monday, examined the current situation in occupied Kashmir arising out of the Indian government’s move to revoke Articles 370 and 35A, seen by many as attempt to change the occupied territory’s demographic makeup.

Indian army used cluster munitions against civilians in violation of int'l laws: ISPR

Chairman Syed Fakhar Imam presided over the meeting which was also attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur, former defence minister Khurram Dastagir, former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Mushaid Ullah Khan and Barrister Saif participated in the meeting. Mushaal Hussein Mullick, the wife of detained Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, also attended the meeting.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Imam said that the people of Kashmir would decide the fate of the region. “Pakistan’s stance remains that the Kashmir issue can be resolved in line with UN resolution,” he said while urging the global community to ensure that Kashmiris get to exercise the right to vote.

Imam, who was flanked by committee members, said that the meeting also examined unprovoked Indian ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, and that the committee unanimously passed a resolution against these atrocities. The resolution stated that the India’s action exposed the region to a grave threat, he added.

He went on to say that Prime Minister Imran Khan, during his recent tour to the US, had expressed willingness to seek third-party mediation to resolve the issue. “The US president offered to be the mediator but India has done a volte-face on that as well,” he said, referring to India’s insistence that it never asked the US president to mediate on the issue.

Imam also underscored the need to enhance contacts with international community in order to push India to seek a solution to the Kashmir dispute.