BOSTON, United States (Kashmir English): The launching ceremony for Kashmiri author Saud Sultan’s book “Jammu and Kashmir – The Forgotten Narrative: From Distorted Origins to Denied Freedom” was held at Harvard University, Boston.
The event was attended by Chaudhry Irfan ul Hassan, Chaudhry Ijaz ul Hassan, Saeed Aziz, Sardar Sajid Saur, Professor Suhail, Chaudhry Atiq-ur-Rehman, Chaudhry Muhammad Atif and various other political and social figures.
Addressing the ceremony, Chaudhry Ijaz ul Hassan described Saud Sultan’s book as an important addition to the historiography of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.
He said that Saud Sultan, who is the son of Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has kept his research impartial, authentic, and based on archival evidence, eyewitness accounts, and suppressed historical facts.
He urged the youth to read Saud Sultan’s book and learn about their history.
While speaking on the occasion, Saud Sultan said that the most significant aspect of his research is that it directly challenges India’s official narrative presented at the United Nations.
He proved that the Maharaja did not sign the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947 as claimed by India.
British historian Alastair Lamb’s research also supports this conclusion, confirming that India’s military intervention was entirely illegal.
Kashmiri struggle
He further stated that the Kashmiri struggle began in the 1830s and on July 19, 1947 the Muslims of Kashmir had already decided to accede to Pakistan.
He described the Jammu Massacre as an act of genocide which drastically reduced the Muslim population in the region.
Saud Sultan emphasized that the narrative presented in his book is crucial to informing the international community, especially after the May 2025 India–Pakistan tensions when the Kashmir issue once again drew global attention.
He concluded by expressing hope that one day the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir will surely achieve their birthright — the right to self-determination.
