Turkish MP advocates for Jammu and Kashmir, calls for international action

Refah Party's Doğan Bekin, alongside a Kashmiri delegation, advocates for disputed region, urges international action

ANKARA:

In a significant press conference held at the Press Hall of the Turkish Assembly, Refah Party Istanbul Deputy Doğan Bekin, together with a distinguished delegation representing both the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), emphasised the critical need to address the ongoing challenges faced by the region.

The joint initiative between Turkish Deputy Doğan Bekin and the Kashmiri delegation, consisting of prominent figures from both sides of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted their shared commitment to raising global awareness about the situation in the region. The event underscored the urgency of collective international action to ensure the rights, well-being, and self-determination of the Kashmiri people.

Bekin, while emphasising the historical context, expressed concern over India's repeal of Article 370 and 35A, which previously granted special status to the Jammu and Kashmir region. He drew parallels between the methods used in Jammu and Kashmir and those applied by Israel in areas like East Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza. Bekin called for the immediate removal of Indian military from the region and urged the international community, especially the United Nations, to take effective action.

Read more: AJK Assembly rejects Delhi’s abrogation of Article 370

Bekin stressed the vital importance of demilitarising a region that has been under military blockade by India for an extended period. He underscored the need to determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir through a plebiscite, as stipulated in United Nations (UN) resolutions, ensuring the active participation of the local population in shaping their destiny.

In light of these challenges, Bekin highlighted the threats to the freedom of Muslims in the region and called upon Turkey to play a leading role in safeguarding the rights and aspirations of Kashmiri Muslims. He emphasised the urgency of taking swift action and establishing parliamentary mechanisms to effectively address the issue.

The press conference brought together a diverse delegation representing both sides of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Kashmiri people. This inclusive representation exemplified the shared commitment to advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and raising awareness on a global scale.