Int’l community urged to halt Indian brutalities in IIOJK

TeK UK president highlights overwhelming support from people in UK and other European countries for Kashmir cause

The rising human rights violations and arrests of political leadership in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) must be highlighted at international forums like the United Nations UN, European Union EU and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to exert pressure on the Indian government to stop excessive use of force to crush the indigenous ongoing political movement in the occupied valley.

These views were expressed by speakers at a seminar on “IIOJK after August 5, 2019, and the role of diaspora and Azad government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir”.

The seminar was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) in connection with “accession to Pakistan week” which started on July 19 to mark Kashmiris' accession to Pakistan announced on July 13, 1947, in Srinagar.

During the event, President Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, Raja Fahim Kayani, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He highlighted the overwhelming support from people in the UK and other European countries for the Kashmir cause.

Kayani expressed that the diaspora communities in these regions are eager to contribute to the cause and play an active role in advocating for the rights of the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“It is only overseas Kashmiris and Pakistanis who are still committed and intact with Kashmir freedom struggle. People in Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, Scotland and even Ireland came on the streets after August 5, 2019, when India abrogated the special status of Kashmir and merged it into India while dividing it into two pieces Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” he added.

Kayani said that the AJK government must earmark a special fund for the promotion of Kashmiri’s freedom struggle at international level, stating that all the lawmakers and elected representatives of AJK must have basic knowledge about the Kashmir dispute.

Former chief justice of AJK Supreme Court Justice Manzoor Gilani said that ground realities must be accepted that Pakistan’s poor economy dented Kashmir cause.

Also read: India boosts security for G20 meeting in IIOJK after attacks

He said that only Pakistan’s economic stability will ensure the permanent settlement of IIOJK. He urged upon the diaspora to hire intellectuals in the UK and other Western countries and brief them on the Kashmir dispute so they will influence the powerful circles to get their support for the permanent settlement of this vexed issue that has put the South Asian countries’ peace and security at stake.

Former deputy Amir Jamaat-e-Islami AJK Sheikh Aqeelur Rehman grilled the AJK government, saying that they have turned the "base camp into race camp" for their personal gains and interests. He said it is time to evolve a joint national strategy for the settlement of IIOJK.

Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) Altaf Ahmad Bhat said that the AJK government has immense resources but priorities are different which is dangerous for the Kashmir cause.

Bhat appreciated the line adopted by the government of Pakistan and its establishment to keep the Kashmir issue on priority both at the national and international levels.

The JKSM chairman further said that it is time for both the AJK government and civilians to keep the Kashmir issue on priority.

Bhat said that various areas are open and the AJK government in collaboration with other stakeholders can highlight the Kashmir cause vehemently.

Former Additional Chief Secretary General Farhat Ali Mir said that the instrumental role of the AJK government is vital for the diaspora and appealed to the AJK government to appoint a plebiscite advisor aimed at highlighting Kashmiris’ freedom struggle with full pace. He also hailed the role of overseas Kashmiris and Pakistanis for Kashmir cause.