Lankans express solidarity with Kashmiri people

Lasting peace in the world especially in the South Asian Region cannot be guaranteed unless Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people and the United Nations resolutions of 1948 and 1949.

This was the central theme of the speeches delivered by a number of speakers, who addressed a meeting convened here in Colombo 6 on 5 February to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Kashmir Study Forum Chairman Jamal ud Deen said: “It is the obligation of the world community to ensure a United Nations sponsored plebiscite in Kashmir according to the wishes of the people of Kashmir.”

He said that the people of Kashmir must get their right to self-determination. “It is our firm belief that when (the Kashmiri) people are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their cause, then nothing can stop them,” he added.

A cross-section of Pakistani community in Sri Lanka along with a large number of Sri Lankans attended the event, which was also widely covered by the local Media.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Journalist, Analyst and Deputy Editor of The Sunday Times Ameen Izzadeen recalled the genesis of the Kashmir problem and stressed the need for just and early resolution of the issue.

The United Nations Security Council resolutions of 1948 and 1949 provide for the holding of a free and impartial plebiscite for the determination of the future of the state by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.  

The complaint relating to Kashmir was initiated by India in the Security Council; however, India is adamant to implement the resolution for past 64 years.

The Security Council has explicitly and by implications, rejected India’s claim that Kashmir is legally Indian Territory. The Security Council has also rejected the Indian contention that the people of Kashmir have exercised their right of self-determination by participating in the “election” which India has from time to time organised in the held Kashmir.

Under the plan Kashmir was part of Pakistan but unfortunately soon after independence India occupied part of Kashmir and kept people of the territory under its yoke. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks and the commitment of the participants for continuing to extend support for the just resolution of the Kashmir issue.