Moscow: A webinar hosted by the Russian chapter of Kashmir Movement Europe took place in Moscow, focusing on the continuing situation in Kashmir following India’s legislative changes on August 5, 2019.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Ghulam Mohammad Safi, the Hurriyat Conference convener, detailed how India’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcated the territory into two union territories. He highlighted the significant changes imposed by India, such as non-residents now being able to buy land and settle in the region, fundamentally altering the demographic and political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Other speakers, including Tehreek Kashmir Europe President Muhammad Ghalib and PTV News anchor Yasir Rahman, discussed the international obligations to Kashmir and the economic impacts of India’s actions, which they argued failed to achieve their intended goals. Senior journalist Zubair Hussain called for increased international attention to Kashmir, paralleling global concerns about Palestine, and advocated for recognizing the shared struggles of both regions.

Rehana Ali, Information Secretary of Kashmir Movement UK, and Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of Kashmir Council Europe, emphasized the human rights abuses and religious restrictions imposed by Indian forces in Kashmir. They called for the international community to uphold its promises to the Kashmiri people regarding their right to self-determination.

Faheem Kayani, President of Kashmir Movement Europe UK, highlighted ongoing international advocacy efforts, including parliamentary debates and resolutions in the UK, which recognize Kashmir as a disputed region.

The webinar served as a platform for raising awareness and urging international support for resolving the Kashmir conflict in accordance with the aspirations of its people.