India’s intransigence impeding Kashmiris’ right to self-determination: Safi, other leaders
Muzaffarabad: Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) Chapter, Ghulam Muhammad Safi has asserted that while the United Nations and the international community have recognized the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, India’s intransigence and dishonesty have denied them this fundamental right.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking at a press conference at the Muzaffarabad Press Club, Ghulam Muhammad Safi emphasized that Pakistan has consistently championed Kashmir cause on the global stage and vocally supported Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He reminded attendees of the iconic statement by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, declaring Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan. He further urged for unity among all Kashmiris to organize and intensify the ongoing struggle against India.
Taqdees Gilani, AJK Minister for Welfare and Population, shared poignant remarks, recalling the tragic sight of her brothers and sisters’ bodies floating in the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. She stressed that it is the responsibility of Kashmiris to give voice to these victims of Indian tyranny. She underscored that the Kashmir dispute is not just about the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir but affects all Kashmiris living on both sides of the Line of Control. She reaffirmed that the right to self-determination is an inherent and non-negotiable right for every Kashmiri.
AJK Health Minister Nisar Ansar Abdali called for strengthening the base camp and providing unwavering support to the people of IIOJK. He highlighted that unity and solidarity are crucial at this juncture, and when Kashmiris unite, India will be unable to maintain its occupation of Kashmir for much longer.
Khawaja Farooq, a member of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed deep personal concern, noting his strong connection to occupied Kashmir, where many of his relatives endure Indian oppression. He expressed pride in contributing to the Kashmir freedom movement.
Muzaffarabad Mayor and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sikandar Nisar Gilani vowed that Kashmiris would never relent in their pursuit of self-determination. He reaffirmed the unity and resolve of the people in the face of India’s occupation.
PPP leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir declared that the freedom struggle would continue unabated until occupied Jammu and Kashmir is liberated from Indian slavery and becomes an integral part of Pakistan.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sheikh Aqeel-ur-Rehman reiterated his organization’s unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause and called on the international community to take decisive action in securing Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Pasban-e-Hurriyat Chairman Uzair Ghazali emphasized the necessity for the global community to recognize that India stands as the primary obstacle to the fulfillment of Kashmir’s self-determination aspirations. He affirmed his organization’s continued support for Hurriyat Conference’s endeavors.
During the press conference, all leaders united in declaring that January 5, Sunday, would be observed as Right to Self-Determination Day, sending a powerful message to the world that Kashmiris will never surrender their fundamental right.
The press conference was attended by prominent Hurriyat leaders including Pervez Ahmed Shah, Mushtaq Ahmed Butt, Raja Khadam Hussain, Zahid Safi, Sheikh Majid, Mohammad Ashraf Dar, Nazir Karnai, Manzoor Shah, Syed Gulshan, Mushtaqul Islam, Shoaib Shah, Abdul Majid Mir, Riyaz Ahmed Awan and Usman Ali Hashmi.
