Washington, Kashmiri and Pakistani Americans, along with international supporters, convened in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, drawing attention to the longstanding conflict in South Asia and condemning the human rights abuses in Indian-administered Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the rally featured speeches from activists and academics who highlighted the ongoing struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination and freedom. Dr. Imtiaz Khan, a professor at George Washington University Medical Center, commemorated the sacrifices of Kashmiris in their resistance against occupation and called for global awareness of their plight.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman of the World Forum for Peace and Justice, described the Kashmir issue as a clear case of a larger nation suppressing the rights of a smaller populace in violation of international norms. He advocated for a peaceful resolution through a UN-supervised plebiscite, criticizing India’s military approach to the region.
Sardar Zarif Khan, an advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir, and other speakers underscored the dire consequences of ignoring the Kashmiri quest for self-determination, including the risk of escalating tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. Community leader Malik Hamid called on the Biden administration to prioritize the Kashmir issue, highlighting its significance for global security.
Interfaith scholar Dr. Maqsood Choudhary and other participants appealed to international powers to take decisive action to prevent further conflict in the region, drawing parallels with historical crises in Kosovo and Bosnia. The speakers urged the global community to recognize and address the disparities in responding to human rights situations worldwide.
The rally concluded with a unified call for increased advocacy and international intervention to achieve a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing the responsibility of the global community in fostering peace and justice in the region.