Altaf Hamid Rao.
MIRPUR (AJK), (Parliament Times) : An International Kashmir Conference was hosted in Moscow, Russian Federation Wednesday by Kashmir Alliance Forum, Moscow, Russia, says,a message reaching and released to the media here on Wednesday.
Shahid Ghumma,, Chairman, Kashmir Alliance Forum, Moscow, Lord Nazir Ahmed, former member British House of Lords, Ambassador Malik Nadeem Abid, Secretary General, International Human Rights Commission, New York; Ali Raza Syed, Chairman, Kashmir Council EU, Brussels; Ghazala Habib, Chairperson, Friends of Kashmir,, USA; Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice, Washington; Mian Tariq Javaid, Chairman, Pakistan Overseas Global, Moscow; Raja Osman Ajmal, President, P.O.C Ireland; Raja Mukhtar Ahmed Soni, Nida-e-Kashmir Association, Spain; Asif Affan, Writer, Moscow; Syed Manzoor Ahmed Shah, chairman Islami Ittehad, Jammu & Kashmir; and Arsalan Asgar, Secretary General, Kashmir Alliance Forum, Moscow, addressed the conference.
Addressing the conference Lord Ahmed said that Modi’s Hindutva government used the opportunity of revocation of article 370 and 35A to impose Governor rule and to confiscate the Kashmiri land and rights. He added that the enactment of Domicile Law was designed to change the demography of Kashmir.
Lord Ahmed emphasized that the OIC and Muslim governments have not been able to persuade the Government of India to abide by her promises that she has given to the people of Kashmir at the United Nations. The people of Kashmir still hope that the Antonio Gutters, the UN Secretary General will persuade both India and Pakistan to come to the negotiating table along with the people of Kashmir and settle the Kashmir dispute for the sake of international peace and security.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai said that Kashmir issue cannot be resolved through military might. It is a political issue, and it needs to be resolved through political negotiations. The world knows that the military power did not bring political strength to the Soviet Union nor immunize South Africa because the rests of the world did not bend its knees to it. It is the deference shown by the West to India’s military and economic power that reinforces India’s obduracy. It is regrettable, Dr. Fai added that the atrocities committed by 900,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces to maintain its occupation of Jammu & Kashmir have not only remained unpunished but have actually been handsomely rewarded.
Dr. Fai highlighted that It is dumfounding that no degree of suffering, no scale of atrocities, no trampling of human rights, no thought of the danger of the peace in the subcontinent, at least of the fragility of that peace because of a festering dispute, has served to rouse the western powers from a supine posture. President Trump may recall what he said as 45th President of the United States that “It will be an honor to help resolve that hot, hot tender box of Kashmir.” It is now time to persuade Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a dialogue with the people of Kashmir and Pakistan and resolve the Kashmir conflict once for all.
Ambassador Malik Nadeem Abid said that the main objective of these conferences is to make the international community realize her responsibility to bring an end to the occupation of Kashmir. World powers, including the United States have the moral and legal responsibility to persuade India to accede to international law in Kashmir and to cooperate in holding a referendum.
India itself will benefit by the vast savings in military and paramilitary force in Kashmir, and by the more favorable investment environment that would follow on the heels of peace in Kashmir.
Ambassador Malik Nadeem added that Government of Pakistan has a golden opportunity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 20025-2026 to bring Kashmir back to the Security Council. Ambassador Munir Akram, a seasoned diplomat is the right person to pursue it at the right time.
Ghazala Habib, Chairperson of Friends of Kashmir said that on this significant day, 5th February, we stand united in solidarity with the people of Kashmir, reaffirming our unwavering support for their just struggle for self-determination and freedom. Kashmir Solidarity Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the resilience and courage of the Kashmiri people who have endured decades of oppression and hardship.
As the Chairperson of Friends of Kashmir, I urge the global community to recognize the plight of Kashmiris and to amplify their voices. The right to determine their own future is a fundamental principle enshrined in international law, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this right is upheld. Today, we honor the sacrifices of those who have laid down their lives for the cause of freedom and justice in Kashmir.
Ghazala Habib added that the situation in Kashmir demands urgent attention and action from the international community. The continued denial of basic human rights, the suppression of dissent, and the militarization of the region are unacceptable. On this day, we call upon world leaders, human rights organizations, and peace advocates to take concrete steps toward resolving the Kashmir conflict in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Let us not forget that peace in South Asia is intrinsically linked to a just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir issue. As Friends of Kashmir, we remain committed to raising awareness, advocating for justice, and standing shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Together, we must strive for a future where Kashmiris can live with dignity, freedom, and peace.
Ali Raza Syed, Chairman, Brussels-based Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU) said that it is the responsibility of the global Kashmiri diaspora that the unprecedented sacrifices given by the people of Kashmir should not go to waste. Kashmir Council Europe has always raised the issue of Kashmir at different forums with the European Union. We have also initiated a 1 million signature campaign, demanding that the United Nations must allow the people of Kashmir to exercise the right of self-determination. We have already collected signatures in more than dozen European countries and we are hope that the project will come to fruition in 2025.
Ali Raza Syed expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Pakistan who have always stood firm with their brethren in occupied Kashmir.
Mian Tariq Javaid said that Pakistan as a party to the dispute has a greater responsibility to galvanize the support of the international community to help settle the Kashmir dispute. We are dismayed, Mian Javaid added that the international community has maintained silence at the unending atrocities perpetrated on the innocent people of Kashmir.
Raja Mukhtar Ahmed Soni said that the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir demand that the Government and people of Pakistan, irrespective of their political affiliations must support the people of Kashmir at the diplomatic front. He said there is no doubt that the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir is a legitimate right which needs to be supported at all costs.
Raja Osman Ahmed said that Kashmiris are the real sufferers and unless they are taken on board no peace process can make any headway. The trade between India and Pakistan will not bring peace to the region but the resolution of Kashmir will, Raja Osman Ahmed added.
Arsalan Asgar said that the Kashmir dispute is one of the oldest issues pending on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. The United Nations resolutions need to be implemented and the people of Jammu & Kashmir should be associated with the peace process.
Shahd Ghumma thanked the audience for their participation. In particular he expressed her deep gratitude to the speakers for taking time from the busy schedules to participate in this important conference. Shahd Ghumma said that he has organized seven international conferences on Kashmir in Moscow which has been attended by diplomats, politicians, academics, human rights activists and students. He hoped that the world powers will realize that the key of peace in South Asia lies in the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute.