Peace and normalization between Pakistan and India cannot be achieved without resolution of the Kashmir dispute: PM Nawaz Sharif
NEW YORK – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strictly demanded an independent inquiry and a UN fact-finding mission to investigate extra-judicial killings and brutalities by security forces in Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK) to punish those found guilty.
In a firm speech at the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, PM Nawaz said, ‘The United Nations should send a fact-finding mission to Occupied Kashmir to investigate brutalities perpetrated by the Indian occupying forces so that those guilty of these atrocities are punished.’
‘The Indian brutalities are well documented, and Pakistan will share with the UN Secretary General a dossier containing detailed information and evidence of the gross and systematic violations of human rights committed by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir,’ he added.
Nawaz Sharif reminded the world leaders that, ‘Indian brutalities will not suppress the spirit of the Kashmiris. It will only intensify their anger and fortifies their determination to see India end its occupation of Kashmir. A new generation of Kashmiris has raised spontaneously again India’s illegal occupation demanding freedom from occupation, he said. Bruhan Wani, who was martyred by the Indian forces, has emerged as the symbol of the latest Kashmiri intifada.’
“The men, women and children come out to demand freedom everyday and Pakistan stands with the people of Kashmir,” Sharif said in his address at the UN General Assembly session in New York.
Around 100 people have been killed and thousands injured in violent protests triggered by the killing of a young popular freedom fighter Burhan Wani by Indian security forces in the disputed Himalayan valley on July 8.
“Pakistan fully supports the demand of the Kashmiri people for self-determination, as promised to them by several Security Council resolutions. Their struggle is a legitimate one for liberation from alien occupation’ PM Sharif stressed, reminding United Nations of its promises.
‘On behalf of the Kashmiri people; on behalf of the mothers, wives, sisters, and fathers of the innocent Kashmiri children, women and men who have been killed, blinded and injured; on behalf of the Pakistani nation, I demand an independent inquiry into the extra-judicial killings, and a UN fact-finding mission to investigate brutalities perpetrated by the Indian occupying forces, so that those guilty of these atrocities are punished,’ the premier emphasized.
The Prime Minister also demanded immediate release of all Kashmiri political prisoners; an end to the curfew; freedom for the Kashmiris to demonstrate peacefully; urgent medical help for the injured; abrogation of India’s draconian laws; and removal of the foreign travel ban on Kashmiri leaders.
He urged the United Nations to take measures to de-militarize Jammu and Kashmir and undertake consultations with India, Pakistan and the true representatives of the Kashmiri people to implement the resolutions of the Security Council.
Peace and normalization between Pakistan and India cannot be achieved without resolution of the Kashmir dispute, he added.
The prime minister said on terrorism that Pakistan’s priority goal of economic development requires internal peace and stability. “My country has been the principal victim of terrorism including that supported, sponsored and financed from abroad,” he told the 193-member Assembly.
Hurriyet Leader’s Reaction:
Hurriyet leaders and other Kashmiri organization have lauded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif efforts to highlight Kashmir cause in UN General Assembly.
Syed Ali Geelani has said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s speech in UNGA has won the hearts of Kashmiri people. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq thanked world leaders for their support to the Kashmir cause.
Hurriyet leader Shabbir Ahmad Shah termed the speech of Nawaz Sharif as the voice of the oppressed people of Kashmir. He hoped that the world leaders would play a positive role in settling the Kashmir dispute.
Yasin Malik in his statement said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had exposed the real face of India.