Every year the 5th of February is observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day globally. It is to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Kashmir. This year, it will be observed under special circumstances where India has revoked its own constitution. And changed the special autonomous status of Kashmir, imposed a curfew, deployed 900,000 troops. Kashmir is a disputed territory among China, India, and Pakistan, well recognized internationally. Indian unilateral action in Kashmir is an open violation of the UN charter and all norms of the international community.
A high-level consultative meeting was convened on 31 January 2020, as part of the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee, Syed Fakhar Imam, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad, with former ambassadors, academicians, researchers and activists from AJK.
The Consultations were aimed at discussing all aspects of the situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) where Indian occupation forces are committing crimes against humanity. The participants applauded the resilience of the Kashmiri people and strongly condemned the blatant violations of the UN Charter as well as international human rights and humanitarian laws in IOJ&K especially during the last six months, while 900,000 troops have imposed a curfew.
The participants also condemned India’s belligerent rhetoric and war-mongering statements as well as the deliberate targeting of the civilian population and intensified ceasefire violations by India. The participants stressed that these aggressive actions increased the risk for peace and security in the whole region. The participants categorically rejected all attempts by the Indian government to change the status quo.
The participants reiterated the urgency of implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir as the situation continues to become untenable, with frequent “genocide “alerts being issued by human rights activists. Participants emphasized that the struggle of Kashmiri people has been acknowledged internationally as just, peaceful and for the right cause.
The Chair of the Kashmir Committee and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment for the Kashmir cause and highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the main pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Parliament and state institutions attach supreme importance to Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Pakistan would continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for the right to self-determination, which is legally binding.
Pakistan was extending political, and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir. While the conscious of the international community is awakening from time to time. Prime Minister Imran Khan, deliver a heart-feeling speech at UN General Assembly in September 2019, where the whole world was touched. Since then, the International media has been awakened and reporting the limited information what so ever is available, as India has suspended all internet and mobile phone services in Kashmir. All journalists and foreign tourists were banned to travel to Kashmir. Media is restricted to report ground realities.
It is expected that this year the Kashmir Solidarity Day will be observed with the strong spirit to resolve the issue according to UN resolutions. The suffering of Kashmir people for 73 years may reach to an end. Kashmiris are not the people of lesser God, their sacrifices may be acknowledged and their genuine struggle for self-determination may be supported.
My message to India, on this Day is “India used its full strength and all tactics to suppress the struggle of self-determination of Kashmiri people, including political, social, and excessive use of force. But the last 73 years has witnessed complete failure. It is understood that the brave Kashmir people will not surrender until they achieve their goal of Self-determination. India may not win in the future too. It is better for India to leave Kashmir, the sooner the better”.
Respect the UN Charter! Respect Humanity! Observe the Solidarity Day! Free Kashmir!
