WEBINAR:“Indian Oppression in Kashmir:A Burden on Humanity’s Conscience”
Kashmiri American Welfare Association hosted a webinar “Indian Oppression in Kashmir:A Burden on Humanity’s Conscience” on 04 August 2020.
Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan participated in the webinar. Other speakers included, Dr.Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General World Kashmir Awareness Forum, Mr. Afzal Khan, MP Labour Party,UK, Ms. Helene Sejlert, Political Analyst and Human Rights Activist, Colonel Wesley(Wes) Martin, US Army (Retired)
Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan, in his remarks, gave an overview of how India’s long and cruel occupation had brought immense sufferings to the people of Kashmir and how India is determined to unleash more violence and cohersion to subdue Kashmiris. The inauguration of Ram Mandir on 5th August 2020 and celebrations of dislocation of Babri Mosque are links of the same chain. The Ambassador said that the Indian atrocities coupled with human rights violations, remains a big challenge to the conscience of the international community and he emphasized on the need for a global reaction towards a peaceful solution for Kashmir. He added that it is a duty and responsibility of International Community to speak for Kashmir. The Ambassador drew attention to India’s recent move of re-imposing curfew yesterday as a clear indication of the resistance coming from across Kashmir. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s position to seek peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute and reiterated the strong resolve of the government and people of Pakistan to continue extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri brethren and appreciated the role of Kashmiri American Welfare Association in this regard.
Other speakers also called out the Indian extremist government for denying the people of IIOJ&K their basic human rights. Ms. Helene remarked August 5 as the day of mourning as it is a reminder of the barbaric violence committed by Indian forces in the state of Kashmir and the silencing of global media towards the entire scheme of things. She also drew attention of world community towards how India is targeting international journalists and placing bans on social media platforms. While expressing her dismay she said “we have failed Kashmir in every single way over these72 years and therefore we should stand with Kashmiris until their AZADI”
Dr. Fai spoke at length regarding the practice of issuance of domicile certificates to non-kashmiris who are basically people from Indian army and Indians staying in Kashmir since last seven years however it is denied to people who were born in Kashmir but couldn’t go to Kashmir since last seven years not out of their will but are denied entry by Indian government. He emphasized on how such actions of India are geared towards changing the demography of Kashmir and aims at making Kashmiris a minority in their own homeland. He warned that if left unattended the Kashmiri cauldron could trigger explosions and destroy the peace of the region.
Colonel Martin said. Indian atrocities in the occupied territory, coupled with communications blackout, and an unending siege with deployment of additional troops had turned IIOJ&K into an open-air prison and detention centres for Muslims in India are exactly like concentration camps of Hitler. He urged the World community and in particular the People of India to stand up and stop these acts of violence.
Mr. Afzal Khan expressed his concerns over the trajectory of Indian actions in the past one year as the defining feature of these being Hindutva ideaology. He further added that the minorities in India itself are falling a victim to it which should be a global concern as it would have repercussions for world peace. He also added that a peaceful solution to Kashmir is linked with the credibility of United Nation Security Cousel.
The webinar was watched by a large number of people through live broadcast on Facebook and Twitter.
Washington, DC, 04 August 2020
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