ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Kashmir conference on Wednesday unanimously adopted the resolution condemning the Indian occupation of Kashmir and reaffirming support for Kashmiris’ self-determination.
The joint conference, held at the Kashmir House in Islamabad, was attended by Azad Kashmir’s political leaders, APHC representatives, academia, civil society, and the legal fraternity.
The conference discussed India’s suppression of the Kashmiri freedom struggle and unanimously adopted the resolution.
The resolution recalled the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, as affirmed in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, which mandate a free, fair, and impartial plebiscite to determine the region’s political future.
It also recalled the repeated assurances by the Government of India, at national and international levels, to resolve the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions.
Furthermore, the adopted resolution noted India’s ongoing violation of international law and failure to honor UN commitments, unlawful abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, and systematic human rights abuses in IIOJK, including detentions, killings, torture, and property destruction.
The resolution also noted India’s demographic engineering via non-resident domiciles and electoral gerrymandering to alter the region’s Muslim majority.
In addition to that, the resolution paid tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of the right to self-determination.
It also paid tribute to the resilience and commitment of Kashmiri political leaders, human rights defenders, and ordinary civilians imprisoned under fabricated charges, including the
Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Moreover, the resolution condemned brutal repression by Indian forces against peaceful protesters, the use of draconian laws (AFSPA, UAPA, PSA) enabling impunity, and the erosion of religious freedom, cultural identity, and movement in IIOJK.
It also condemned the widespread militarization in Indian occupied Kashmir through checkpoints and surveillance and forced constitutional integration to legitimize Indian occupation.
Additionally, the resolution added that the conference demands India to withdraw all military and paramilitary forces from IIOJK, repeal repressive laws, and ensure justice for victims.
It also demanded the reversal of the actions of 5 August 2019 and restoring pre-1947 status, halting demographic changes, releasing all political detainees, and returning confiscated properties.
“Allow independent investigations into all human rights abuses,” it demanded.
The resolution further urged the United Nations and the International Community to enforce UNSC resolutions on Kashmir and establish an independent international investigative commission, as recommended in OHCHR’s 2018 and 2019 reports.
“Press India to permit access for UN observers, international media and human rights organizations,” the resolution puts forward demand.
It further reaffirmed full support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination through all legitimate means and the unity of the Kashmiri freedom movement across political, ideological, and social lines.
It also reiterated that no amount of Indian state repression can crush the legitimate struggle for freedom.
In conclusion, the adopted resolution expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for their consistent and principled support of the Kashmiri cause.
“All political parties in Pakistan, with an appeal to utilize public diplomacy platforms to amplify Kashmir’s voice globally,” the resolution added.
The Conference declares that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in line with UN resolutions and Kashmiri aspirations, is essential for South Asian peace and pledges global advocacy until justice is achieved.
