Kashmiri Americans to rally at Times Square against Article 370 abrogation
Washington: Kashmiri Americans and their supporters will stage a peaceful protest at Times Square, New York on August 4, 2024, to condemn the abrogation of Article 370 and to advocate for the rights of the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in August 2019, the BJP-led Indian government had revoked IIOJK’s special status by repealing Article 370 of the constitution. The move allowed people from India to have the right to acquire property in the UN-recognized disputed territory and settle there permanently. Kashmiris, international organisations and critics of New Delhi had termed the move an attempt to dilute the demographics of Muslim-majority Kashmir with Hindu settlers.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, addressed a meeting at the residence of Sardar Aftab Roshan Khan in Virginia, describing the abrogation of these articles as a severe violation of international norms and UN resolutions. Dr. Fai emphasized that these actions by the Modi government could lead to severe consequences for the people of Kashmir, including the risk of genocide.
Sardar Shoaib Irshad, Joint Secretary of the Kashmir American Welfare Association (KAWA), announced that the protest will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the historic Times Square.
Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan called on the Washington metropolitan area residents to join the protest with their families and friends to show solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people.
Sardar Gulfara Khan Sahib, the chief guest, highlighted the significant sacrifices made by Kashmiri compatriots and urged the Kashmiri American community to participate in the protest to honor their struggle.
Malik Fayyaz Sahib, Director of Tourism AJK, stated that the Kashmir conflict remains a core issue affecting regional and global peace, and emphasized the need for a resolution in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and UN Security Council resolutions.
Ibrahim Khokhar Sahib from New Jersey underscored the urgency for the United Nations to take decisive action to restore peace in Kashmir, citing the unresolved conflict as a threat to international security.
The meeting was attended by various prominent figures including Professor Abdul Rashid, Professor Saeed, Sardar Tariq Khan, Sardar Mustafa Khan, Malik Liaqat, Sardar Shakil Anjum, Sardar Imtiaz Khan, Sorab Khan, Aftab Khan, and Danish Aftab.
