New York: A significant protest erupted in New York as demonstrators, mainly Kashmiris and Sikhs, voiced their opposition against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The protest highlighted demands for Kashmir’s independence and criticized Modi’s policies.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesters declared Modi unwelcome, accusing him of involvement in violence both in Indian-occupied Kashmir and internationally, including incidents in Canada and the United States. Chants such as “Freedom for Kashmir!” “Stop Modi’s Brutality!” and “Long Live Khalistan!” resonated through the streets, underscoring the intensity of the demonstrators’ sentiments.

The demonstration was orchestrated by Friends of Kashmir International, a group steadfast in its resolve to see Kashmir liberated from what it describes as Indian tyranny. Ghazala Habib, the Chairperson of the organization, emphatically stated, “We won’t back down until Kashmir is free,” signaling a prolonged commitment to their cause.

The UN General Assembly’s high-level week, which runs from September 23-27, focuses on critical global issues such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and global health crises under the theme “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.” This session is a convergence point for world leaders to discuss and drive progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Adding to the geopolitical discourse at the UNGA, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif is expected to address the assembly on September 27, 2024. He plans to highlight the issues of Kashmir and Palestine to the 193-member world forum, potentially adding more layers to the ongoing debates surrounding these regions.