Jamil Siraj
Canberra
To commemorate Kashmir Siege Day, a virtual seminar titled “ A year of unabated human rights & humanitarian ordeal, military siege and oppression in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)” was held at Pakistan High Commission, Canberra.
The lead speakers included President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, former Senator Ms. Lee Rhiannon, Mr. David Shoebridge, Member of the Legislative Council in the New South Wales Parliament, Dr. Claude Rakisits, Hon. Associate Professor ANU, Professor Samina Yasmin, Director Centre for Muslim States and Societies, and High Commissioner for Pakistan, Mr. Babar Amin. The webinar was attended by many scholars, intellectuals, journalists, members of Kashmir Solidarity Council, Pakistani community and Australians from all states and territories. A significant number also physically participated in the event at the High Commission of Pakistan Canberra, while observing the Covid distancing regulations.
The President, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan said that the latest happenings in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir should be an eye-opener for the international community. Though there is a greater awareness about the heart wrenching ordeal of Kashmiris, many countries were reluctant to speak about it due to their political, strategic, and economic interests with India. The Indians he said, are blatantly trampling human rights, international humanitarian laws and threatening the global peace. The silence of major countries is, unfortunately, only further encouraging it. He emphasized that the ongoing struggle in IIOJK is an issue of protecting human values and dignity. It is a matter of safeguarding what the whole of mankind stands for.
The President AJK briefly informed the audience about the history and genesis of the Kashmir issue. He also apprised the participants about the illegal action, draconian steps, human rights violations, and humanitarian crisis in IIOJK, during the last one year of its military siege. Sardar Masood Khan stated that the Indian inhuman measures were aimed at silencing every voice for the freedom and the right to self-determination in Kashmir. The President AJK stressed on the participants of the webinar to take the voice of the Kashmiri people to the MPs, top government officials, media, and the civil society of Australia.
Mr. David Shoebridge MLC highlighted the Human Rights violations in Kashmir and stressed on the need for resolution of the Kashmir dispute on the principle of right to self-determination. He read out the text of the Motion presented by him at the parliament of the New South Wales today, to mark the completion of one-year of siege, human rights violations and need to respect the right to self-determination of Kashmiris,. Lamenting the indifference of the international community including Australia, to the plight of the Kashmiris, he vowed to take up the issue on other forums as well.
