Int’l moot seeks resolution of Kashmir dispute based on UN resolutions

Lawmakers, diplomats, activists, and civil society members from Turkiye, Kuwait, and Pakistan express their views

ISTANBUL:

Calling for respect for the fundamental rights of people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), speakers at an international conference in Istanbul on Friday sought the resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on UN resolutions.

Lawmakers, diplomats, activists, and civil society members from Turkiye, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Kashmir expressed their views at the conference, which was hosted by Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK.

Among the distinguished guests of the ceremony were the Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey, Dr Yunus Junaid; Turkish Member of Parliament from the ruling AK Party, Tugba Isik Ercan; Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairman of Yeni Refah Party, Dogan Bekin; Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairman of Saadet Party, Mustafa Kaya; and Member of Parliament from Kuwait, Muhammad Al-Mutairi. Human rights lawyers Mejbel MM Al-Rashidi and Dalal Alajmi from Kuwait were also present as international speakers.

Several senior Kashmiri leaders and members of the Constituent Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir attended the occasion. Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar; former member of AJK Assembly, Abdul Rasheed Turabi; leaders of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Altaf Ahmed Bhat and Mahmood Ahmed Sagar; along with senior Kashmiri leader Dr Mubeen and the President of Tehreek Kashmir UK, Faheem Kayani, graced the event.

Read more: Youm-e-Istehsal: Delhi's fury in IIOJK rages on

Ahsan Shafiq, the head of the organising committee of the event, extended his gratitude to the speakers and the audience who came to Istanbul to support the Kashmiri brothers from different parts of the world.

“Today, we gather here to advocate for the fundamental rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Let us stand united in seeking a just solution based on UN resolutions,” said Dr Yunus Junaid while addressing the occasion.

Tugba Isik Ercan, Turkish Member of Parliament, said: “As a representative of the ruling AK Party, I extend our unwavering support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. We condemn the Indian atrocities and call for concrete measures to address this grave situation.”

Dogan Bekin, Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairman of Yeni Rafah Party, said that the plight of the oppressed Kashmiris demands urgent attention. “Let us join hands to raise our voices against injustice and uphold the principles of human rights and freedom,” he added.

Mustafa Kaya, Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairman of Saadet Party, said: “As a nation that values peace and justice, we must not remain silent on the suffering in IIOJK. Let our collective efforts pave the way for a peaceful resolution in line with international law.”

Muhammad Al-Mutairi, Member of Parliament from Kuwait, during his address, said that Kashmir's struggle is not just theirs, but a matter of global concern. “Together, we must urge the international community to take decisive action against the oppressors and stand for justice,” he added.

Mejbel MM Al-Rashidi, Human Rights Lawyer from Kuwait, said that rights violations cannot be tolerated anywhere. “Let us use our legal expertise to advocate for the rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people."

Altaf Ahmed Bhat, Senior Leader APHC and Chairman of JKSM, said that Kashmir's aspirations for self-determination cannot be suppressed and Modi has failed to suppress the aspirations of Kashmiris.

“The people of Indian occupied Kashmir sincerely hope for the continuation of this invaluable support from Turkiye and gulf countries, as we strive for freedom from Indian occupation,” he added.

Mahmood Ahmed Sagar, Convenor APHC, said: “We stand united in condemning the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. Let this gathering serve as a call for justice and accountability."

Delivering the resolution of the conference, President Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK Fahim Kayani said: “It is a fact that the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has dramatically changed, particularly since Aug 5, 2019, and it will not be an exaggeration to say that the people of occupied land are facing an existential threat.”

The house condemned Indian atrocities and its abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and called for strong action against India from the international community and bodies like the United Nations. Commemorative shields were presented to the guests at the end of the ceremony.