Terming resumption of peace process between Pakistan and India as positive, Toronto-based Kashmiri Leader, Mushtaq A. Jeelani on Thursday hoped the thaw could lead to resolution of all disputes including the Indian occupied Kashmir issue.
Addressing a press conference, here, he said, on Thursday, chances for peace between the two nations are better than ever and hoped the thaw could turn into a real breakthrough at this time.
He pointed out that human rights violations have further intensified since January this year.
The massive repression by India is clearly designed to suppress the people through sheer brutality bordering on genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Mushtaq Jeelani, Executive Director of Kashmiri-Canadian Council, said during the last month alone, Indian troops have killed 180 Kashmiris; raped 49 women, tortured and wounded more than 600 civilians; arrested 420 without any charges and demolished 41 residential properties.
More than 88,000 Kashmiris have been killed by Indian occupation troops while thousands have disappeared in Indian occupied Kashmir during last 15 years.
Indian occupied Kashmir, he said is not a territorial dispute, it is about the future of Kashmiri people which could resolved by granting them right of self-determination, an inherent right given by the United Nations.
The right to self-determination will not be extinguished until a "UN supervised plebiscite" is held to ascertain wishes of Kashmiris, he added.
He said Kashmiris' demand is simple and in accordance with the international law while the implementation of the UN resolutions for a plebiscite will determine the future status of the disputed region in a peaceful and democratic way.
Mushtaq Jeelani also termed the third party involvement in promoting peace between the two neighbours which is indispensable for settlement of all outstanding issues especially Indian occupied Kashmir.
Responding to a question regarding rift between APHC ranks, he urged the leadership to unite under one roof saying, the people of Indian occupied Kashmir have suffered too much, this disunity is further hurting Kashmiris and helping none, but India.
He said a united political platform would inject new blood not only in the movement, but also in Kashmiris' hope and confidence and it will give legitimacy to the leadership.
About Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between Pakistan and India, he said that along with other measures, the Indian occupation forces must be withdrawn from urban areas.
He also demanded immediate release of all Kashmiri detainees and end of all type of human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir.
Mushtaq Jeelani urged India to allow international human rights organisations to visit Indian occupied Kashmir to investigate and document human rights abuses there.
He also demanded an intra-Kashmiri dialogue from both sides of Kashmir saying this could serve as a cornerstone for promoting real peace in the region.