In London, a two-day International Conference titled 'Kashmir-A way Forward' has urged that the long standing Kashmir dispute would continue to imperil peace and security in South Asia and its early resolution was not only in the interest of the people of the region but also of the entire world.
The conference has been organised by the Kashmir Centre London at Palace of Westminster, House of Commons, KMS reported. Speaking at the plenary session of the conference the UK MP and Secretary All Parties Parliamentary Group, Martin Salter stated that Kashmir was the longest outstanding issue, which needs to be resolved, adding that 60-year old problem is the main cause of the tension in South Asian region.
Welcoming the delegates the Executive Director of Kashmir Centre, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl said that the struggle of Kashmiris reveals that essential ingredient is the people's empowerment for the restoration of their fundamental freedoms, their dignified identity and the freedom to end the political uncertainty, which surrounds them. He said that Kashmiris are struggling for their right to self-determination in different forms.
President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Zulqarnain Khan, while appreciating India-Pakistan dialogue process has urged the inclusion of Kashmiris in the talks process. He reminded Britain of its moral responsibility to address the sufferings of people of Jammu and Kashmir and help in bringing this traumatic situation to an end by facilitating a resolution.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that no solution to the Kashmir dispute within Indian constitution or under the aegis of the Election Commission of India was acceptable to the people of occupied Kashmir, adding that elections cannot be construed as referendum as had been envisaged in the UN Resolutions and cannot be taken as exercising of right to self-determination.
He said, it is historical reality that fraudulent elections were held in disputed territory to legitimise the occupation of Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir. Even the United Nations Security Council in its resolution of 1957 had in categorical terms stated that any election held in Jammu and Kashmir couldn't be substituted for holding of plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations.
It is high time for the international community to know that holding of fraudulent elections in occupied Kashmir can only vitiate the atmosphere required for taking forward the peace process towards the resolution of the Kashmir problem.
Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan High Commissioner to UK stated that there has been progress in ongoing Pak-India dialogue process since 2004 but more needs to be done to address the issue. She said Line of Control is part of problem not a part of solution.
The First Technical Session of the Conference was presided over by Ambassador Arif Kamal. The Panellists in this session were Dave Anderson, MP Paul Goodman, MP Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director Kashmir Centre, Washington, Zahid G Muhammad, a Kashmiri columnist and APHC leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan.
Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai said, the denial of the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir by India has made the lives of Kashmiri people miserable, adding that this principle was recognised by the United Nations and upheld by India and Pakistan and UN Security Council.
British Member of Parliament, Paul Goodman pleaded that India cannot become a member of Security Council if it does not improve human rights record in Jammu and Kashmir. Nayeem Ahmed Khan said that United Nations has successfully intervened in some conflict zones and done a commendable job but its intervention in long lingering Kashmir dispute is still awaited.
Zahid G Muhammad urged the international community for facilitating the two countries to find out a solution of the Kashmir problem based on justice and fair play in tune with the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.