London, July 19, 2023 (PPI-OT): Pakistan former Prime Minister, Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, has emphasized the need for urgent action by the international community to protect the human rights of the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a Kashmir Conference held at the British Parliament, he highlighted the plight of the people of IIOJK who have been facing the worst Indian state terrorism for the last over seven decades.
The event was attended by renowned personalities, including Debbie Abrahams, Chairperson All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, members of the British Parliament, members of the civil society, and Raja Najabat Hussain, Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Self-Determination Movement International. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani told the gathering about the tragic event of the massacre of 22 Muslim protestors who were brutally killed by Dogra forces in Srinagar in 1931. He emphasized that this crime against humanity had been repeated numerous times by India in IIOJK, perpetuating a humanitarian crisis that demands the attention of every freedom-loving individual.
The Senator maintained that the Kashmir issue was not limited to a dispute between Pakistan and India rather it was an international concern that stained the conscience of humanity. He expressed his appreciation for the strong resonance the Kashmir issue held within the United Kingdom, particularly among British Pakistanis and defenders of human rights. He commended the audience for their unwavering support and dedication to keeping the flame of the Kashmiri freedom struggle alive.
Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani pointed out that the Hindutva-inspired agenda aimed to erode the cultural and political identity of Kashmiris, further intensifying their suffering. He condemned the sinister project initiated on 5 August 2019 to turn the Kashmiris into a minority in their own land, which has been accompanied by the alteration of IIOJK’s boundaries, the settlement of non-Kashmiris in the region, and the erosion of fundamental rights. Senator Gilani drawing attention to the plight of Yasin Malik, a prominent Kashmiri leader, denounced the inhumane treatment meted out to him by India. Despite already serving a life sentence following a sham trial, Indian authorities are now seeking a death penalty, further exemplifying India’s consistent violation of human rights and usurpation of fundamental freedoms, he added.
The senator emphasized that India’s oppressive tactics had not deterred the Kashmiri people from their pursuit of their inalienable rights, which are fueled by the unwavering support of individuals like those in attendance. He stressed the urgent need for increased support and solidarity with the beleaguered people of IIOJK, who continue to suffer under the relentless onslaught of Indian atrocities.
The other speakers at the conference also expressed solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris and called upon India to end human rights violations in IIOJK. They expressed their commitment to supporting the cause and vowed to continue their efforts to bring justice to the people of IIOJK.
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