DHIRKOT, Azad Kashmir (Kashmir English): Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has made it clear that the key to peace in South Asia region lies in the early resolution of the longstanding Kashmir issue.
He said that the issue now poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the region even.
He was addressing an Iftar dinner hosted in his honour here Monday. Chaudhry said that concerted efforts were needed to promote Kashmir cause effectively both at the national and world levels.
Referring to India’s relentless repression of Kashmiris’ political and religious rights, the President stressed on early and amicable settlement of the lingering dispute, which he said assumed dangerous proportions following the Modi government’s decision to abrogate articles 370/35A years back.
He said that neither lives of Kashmiris nor their dignity and properties was safe in Kashmir.
“Those who dare to challenge India’s illegal occupation are being killed in fake army encounters while legitimate political voices have been completely silenced by imprisoning political leaders.
He said those who challenge India’s control over the territory and seek resolution of the dispute in line with UNSC resolutions are made punished.
Kashmiris’ right to education denied
Barrister Chaudhry said India has also snatched from Kashmiris their rights to education, employment and property.
Terming the tactics by India as a clear violation of global laws, Chaudhry said that the global community must take effective notice and hold India accountable for the crimes.
Referring to his recent trip to Britain and the United States, the President said that he had effectively pleaded Kashmir case abroad and made it clear to the world comity that peace in South Asia was inescapably linked to the settlement of Kashmir dispute.
He said that Muslim nations should also play their much-needed role to resolve the dispute.
The President said that despite using all means of oppression and state terrorism, India cannot crush the Kashmiris’ spirit and their passion for freedom.
He hoped that the Kashmiris’ ongoing liberation struggle would reach to completion soon.
Barrister Chaudhry also denounced Israel’s aggression on Palestine, saying that the world community should play its role for the solution of the Kashmir and the Palestine issue.
Justice Retired Raja Sajjad Khan, Raja Shamshad Khan, Raja Mushtaq, Saba Shamshad Advocate, Presidential Advisor Sardar Imtiaz Khan and others were among those present at the Iftar dinner.
