APD | Denial of the right of self-determination to Kashmiris by India is a heinous crime

Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. (E-mail: [email protected]).

On Jan. 5, 1949, the U.N. passed a resolution recognizing the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the global body. Each year, Kashmiri on both sides of the Line of Control mark this day as the Right to Self-Determination Day.

Pakistan strongly condemns the despicable and totally unacceptable harassment and insult of Muslim women on the internet and purpose-built online application in India.

In a completely obnoxious and repugnant act, aimed at humiliating, harassing, and insulting Muslim women, their doctored images have been placed on the internet application with outrageous captions for “auction”. Hate-mongering followers of such applications attacked the dignity of nearly 100 influential Muslim women by “bidding” on them with deeply offensive remarks.

This is the newest low in the violent streak of hate attacks against minorities in India whereby cyberspace – with a purpose-built online platform(s) and social media – has been used yet again, to demean and harass women, particularly Muslim women, to create a feeling of fear and shame amongst the Muslim community. These horrifying occurrences have left Muslim women traumatized and in deep fear.

Under the Hindutva-inspired BJP-RSS combine dispensation in New Delhi, space for minorities particularly Muslims is continuously shrinking in India.

It is reprehensible that no action has been taken against the perpetrators of a similar abhorrent act six months ago auctioning dozens of influential Muslim women in India on a social media platform.

The deafening silence of the BJP leadership and absence of discernible action against ‘Hindutva’ proponents openly calling for the genocide of Muslims should send alarm bells across the international community about the gross and systematic human rights violations of minorities particularly Muslims in India.

Pakistan reiterates its calls on the international community, particularly the United Nations and relevant international human rights and humanitarian organizations to fulfill their responsibilities to stop the rising xenophobia, Islamophobia, and violent attacks against minorities in India and ensure their safety, security, and well-being.

India's occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is illegal, with Delhi’s brutality intensifying after it scrapped the disputed region’s special autonomy on Aug. 5, 2019. “Around 900,000 occupation forces have converted the region into the largest prison in the world. Around 8 million people are under siege. It is the largest curfew which has halted the life of 8 million people. Post-Aug. 5, 2019, India has unleashed a new reign of terror in India Occupied Kashmir, locking the region down and abusing the human rights of innocent people especially women, children, and the elderly with impunity. Kashmir is completely blackout and isolated from the rest of the world. Internet and mobile phone services have been suspended. No journalist or foreigner is allowed to travel to Kashmir. Before imposing Curfew on the 5th of August, India has asked all visitors and tourists to leave Kashmir.

Kashmiri people on both sides of the line of control are the same people and bonded with blood relations, which was divided by force by Indian troops. Pakistan has a firm commitment to extend moral and political and diplomatic support on humanitarian grounds to just struggle of Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination, which was granted by the United Nation.

Indian action on the 5th of August 2019, the suspension of the legal status of Kashmir is against the UNSC resolution, against the spirit of the Simla Agreement, and against any norms of the international community. Kashmir is a recognized disputed territory among China, Pakistan, and India. Unilateral action by India is considered a severe violation of International law.

India used all dirty tactics to suppress the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination, including excessive use of force. Around 1 million Indian troops are deployed in Kashmir, but, for the last 73 years, India failed to change the mindset of the Kashmiri people, and could not succeed to suppress their struggle. India must have learned the lesson that the People of Kashmir cannot be suppressed. Sooner or later India has to surrender and leave Kashmir for Kashmiris. The sooner is the better.

The people of Kashmir appealed to the international community, particularly the United Nations, to conduct an impartial plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir so that the Kashmiris can decide their future themselves. The APHC also condemned the continued lockdown of the territory by the Indian government.

Trust, nations, and individuals with human consciousness may raise their voice in favor of Kashmiris and their suffering may reach an end soon. Immediate lifting of the curfew, withdrawal of one million troops from Kashmir, and stopping the violation of human rights in Kashmir, are the urgent steps to be taken by India.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)