Speakers at a demonstration on Friday questioned the efficacy of 22 members of parliament (MPs) to raise the Kashmir issue at international level.
The demonstration was held outside the National Press Club (NPC) on the call of civil society which was participated by citizens, politicians, lawyers, journalists and students of different universities.
The event was aimed at showing solidarity with the people of Indian-held Kashmir, who are being subjected to brutalities by the Indian security forces.
A number of youngsters have died or become blind because of the use of pellet guns by the Indian forces.
Human rights activist Asma Jahangir, who is also advocate of the Supreme Court, while speaking on the occasion, said what purpose the envoys visit to Africa and Brazil will serve, when these countries have nothing to do with the Kashmir issue.
Governments have not been taking the Kashmir issue seriously, says Asma Jahangir
“Unfortunately, governments have not been taking the Kashmir issue seriously which can be gauged from the fact that in the past similar delegations were sent to different countries but they did not know whether Ladakh was part of Kashmir,” she said.
She said that civil society should demand demilitarisation of Kashmir, and the Pakistan government should also raise this demand at international level.
“After the death of Burhan Wani, youth of the occupied Kashmir came out of their houses on their own free will. That is why the Indian forces brutalities were even criticised by Hindus of Srinagar,” she said.
Burhan Wani, a Kashmiri freedom fighter, was killed by the Indian forces in July this year, which gave an impetus to Kashmir struggle.
“Youth in the Indian-held Kashmir is not ready to live with India and even they don’t want to live with Pakistan. They want freedom and we support them,” she said.
Senator Farhatullah Babar from PPP said that if Pakistan and India realised that Kashmir belonged to Kashmiris, the issue of Kashmir will be addressed within a few weeks.
“India cannot defeat Kashmiris by using pellet guns and making the youth blind,” he added.
“Pakistani rulers should know that those who send militants to Kashmir, can not serve the Kashmir cause. We also have to make our house in order,” he said.
Senior journalist Hamid Mir said that incompetent people were being sent to different countries to raise the Kashmir cause.
“It has been noticed at international level and soon a Kashmiri organisation will send a letter to the Pakistan government in this regard,” he said.
One of the participants Umair Pervaiz, who came from Rawalakot, said that 22 envoys were not competent to represent Kashmiris at international level.
“Most of the envoys are not aware about the issue of Kashmir and cannot speak on it. If government is really serious it should send competent people,” he said.
Journalist Ejaz Haider said that it was the responsibility of Pakistan to raise voice for the people of occupied Kashmir.
“Unfortunately in Pakistan most of the people are not aware of the issue of Kashmir. Important books on the issue have been written by foreign writers,” he said.
Member of Legislative Assembly of Kashmir Naseema Wani said people should be united for the cause of Kashmir.
Tags:
National