Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has said that the key to peace in South Asia lies in the resolution of the longstanding Kashmir dispute that poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.  According to Kashmir Media Service, while addressing an Iftar dinner hosted in his honor at Dhirkot, the president said that concerted efforts were required to promote Kashmir cause effectively both at the national and international levels. 

Referring to India’s relentless repression of Kashmiris’ religious and political 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 and 35A. He said that neither Kashmiris’ lives nor their properties and dignity was safe in Kashmir. 

“Those who dare to challenge India’s illegal occupation are being killed in fake encounters while legitimate political voices have been completely silenced by imprisoning political leaders who challenge India’s control over the territory and seek resolution of the dispute in line with UNSC resolutions”, Barrister Chaudhry said.  India, he said, has also snatched from Kashmiris their rights to education, employment and property.

Terming the tactics by India as a clear violation of international law, he said that the international community should take effective notice and hold India accountable.  Referring to his recent trip to Britain and the United States, Barrister Chaudhry said that he had effectively pleaded Kashmir case abroad and made it clear that peace in South Asia was inescapably linked to the settlement of Kashmir problem.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)