Islamabad: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering position on the Jammu and Kashmir issue, honoring the memory of those killed in the Jammu massacre of November 1947. In a message delivered on Jammu Martyrs’ Day, President Zardari paid tribute to the innocent Kashmiri Muslims who lost their lives and expressed solidarity with the families affected by the violence and displacement.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari emphasized the historical context of the massacre, where forces of the Dogra ruler, aided by extremist militias, systematically targeted Jammu’s Muslim population. The violence resulted in the deaths of thousands and forced many to abandon their homes, fundamentally altering the region’s demographic composition. He underscored the importance of remembering the events of November 6, 1947, as a means to prevent such atrocities in the future.

President Zardari highlighted reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, documenting arbitrary detentions, restrictions on peaceful dissent, and suppression of media freedom in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that UN human rights experts have expressed concern over reports of torture, custodial deaths, and collective punishment, calling for international attention to these issues.

In his address, President Zardari criticized the promotion of hatred against Muslims and other religious minorities by right-wing political figures in India, warning of the potential for increased persecution and international instability. He called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to address these concerns and ensure accountability for human rights violations.

The President urged India to release those arbitrarily detained, protect journalists and human rights defenders, and conduct independent investigations into alleged abuses. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to raising the Kashmir dispute at international forums and providing support to the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.