ORGANIZATION of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has finally moved beyond mere lip service and passing resolutions.
The action plan on Jammu and Kashmir adopted by the 48th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers indeed is the first major practical step to heal the wounds of those facing atrocities at the hands of oppressor over the last many decades.
The action plan envisages greater coordination amongst the member states on this outstanding dispute.
The most important point of the plan is that the member states in their bilateral engagements with New Delhi will raise the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and press for its peaceful resolution in accordance with UN resolutions and underscore respect for the fundamental human rights of the Kashmiri people.
Most of the countries in the OIC, especially those in the Gulf have excellent relations with India and during the last few years have bolstered their economic and trade relations with it.
These countries indeed are in a position to use their influence and push India to halt its ongoing oppression campaign against innocent Kashmiri people and pursue the course of dialogue and peace with Pakistan.
The very adoption of the action plan is a clear manifestation that the OIC countries are genuinely concerned over the plight of Kashmiri people.
And this indeed will give a lot of strength and courage to the oppressed people of the valley that they are not alone.
The action plan also encompasses the formation of a panel of international eminent personalities to explore legal, political and diplomatic avenues for peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute.
If a tiny country like Gambia can take the matter of Rohingya Muslims to the International Court of Justice, the OIC forum collectively can also knock at its doors for the protection of rights of Kashmiri people.
If this happens, this will send a very clear message that the entire Muslim Ummah stands in solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiri people, and India will be left with no option but to move towards its resolution.
A united Ummah really can do a lot to address the current situation in IIOJK and Palestine.
