Speakers term atrocities in IOJ&K as the worst 'holocaust' of 21st century

Speakers at a seminar on Thursday termed the ongoing atrocities against the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) as the worst 'holocaust' of the 21st century and urged international community to intervene for realization of the right to self-determination to Kashmiris as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

They were speaking at a seminar organized by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) titled "Pakistan and the Kashmir Cause". The speakers included Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Syed Fakhar Imam, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur, former Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani and Director General SASSI Dr Maria Sultan.

They pointed out that India unilaterally and illegally altered the status of Jammu and Kashmir by abolishing its special status and altogether changed the dynamics of Kashmir conflict.

Syed Fakhar Imam gave the historic overview of the Kashmir dispute and how it has evolved over the years leading to recent Indian actions of revoking the special constitutional status of Indian-occupied Kashmir.

He said that the Kashmir dispute is a colonial legacy where the British imperialists looted the rich Indian Subcontinent and laid roots of the Kashmir dispute. He said that the recent Indian move in Kashmir is part of its larger domestic agenda of Hindu nationalism guided by Hindutva. "If India tries another Balakot-like attack, there will be a much bigger answer from Pakistan in response," he warned.

Ali Amin Gandapur, in his remarks, said that Kashmiris have only suffered bloodshed, rape and torture under the Indian occupation, but their determination to gain freedom despite Indian atrocities will not be weakened.

He said that the international community should do more against India and reminded the audience that Pakistan's support for the Kashmir cause will not waiver. The minister warned India that any military aggression against Pakistan will be met with more force and determination.

Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani (retd) shared his views on history of the Kashmir struggle and what challenges lie ahead. Jilani noted that India has miscalculated the Kashmiris' resolve and underestimated their resistance. He said that Kashmir will be the graveyard of Indian hegemony as Afghanistan was for world powers.

Dr Maria Sultan pointed out that nearly nine million Kashmiris will be made stateless when the newly enacted draconian Indian citizenship laws will be applied to "bifurcate" states of Jammu and Kashmir Valley.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood (retd), Chairman Board of Governors of ISSI, in his remarks said that Indian narrative on Kashmir has taken a major hit at the global stage, and with the enactment of the new citizenship laws, the image of Indian democracy has been exposed.

He said that the continuing resistance by Kashmiri Muslims against Indian brutalities is the only way forward. He thanked the speakers and the audience for taking time out and contributing to the national discourse on Kashmir.

Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry (retd) said that for years, Kashmiri patience has been tested severely. But since August 5, 2019 Indian action, their struggle has entered an entirely different phase as Modi has hit the Kashmiri identity, he added.

He said that international media has raised its voice against India and the global conscience has awoken to Indian actions in Occupied Kashmir. He said that Pakistanis stand with Kashmirs and "we should give them a message of hope."