Restore the rights of Kashmiri people: Discussion told

Speakers at a discussion meeting on Kashmir and the future of South Asia held in Dhaka on Thursday

The role of the United Nations is important for the preservation of human rights in Kashmir and the establishment of a peaceful Kashmir in maintaining stability in South Asia.

A discussion on "Kashmir and the Future of South Asia" was held at Dhaka Shishu Kalyan Parishad Auditorium on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 10.30 am on the initiative of Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolan. Conducted and presided over by KM Rakibul Islam Ripon, president of the organizing body.

Bangladesh Labor Party Chairman Doctor Mostafizur Rahman Iran has commented that the Kashmir crisis is a threat to South Asia and the whole world. He said that October 27 is observed as 'Black Day' all over the world, because 75 years ago on this day, India forcibly took control of the state of Jammu and Kashmir without any legal justification. India has further destabilized the region by revoking the special autonomy (Article 370) of Kashmiris. Since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution on August 5, 2019, till January 26, 2022, 439 freedom fighters of the valley have been killed by Indian forces. 22 people were killed in the shooting in January. The Government of India must leave the poison of communalism and restore the rights of the people of Kashmir. Reminding the support of Bangabandhu to the Kashmiri people, he said that the government and the people of Bangladesh should stand by the Kashmiris. He also mentioned that the Kashmir crisis should be resolved to protect the stability of South Asia through a plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations.

Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer and security analyst Advocate Md. Rahim said that Kashmir is very important for both India and Pakistan. The majority here are Muslims and they are regularly persecuted. People of all countries including Bangladesh should be vocal against this torture. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of making SAARC effective. He emphasized on taking necessary steps to stop human rights violations in Kashmir. He emphasized the role of the United Nations and India in protecting the human rights of the people of Kashmir and establishing a conflict-free Kashmir. He supported the right of Kashmiris and said that India should restore the rights of Kashmiri people by restoring Article 370.

Krisak Dal leader Md. Shahjahan called on India to practice democracy in a non-communal spirit. He supported the just rights of Kashmiris and said that India should restore the rights of the Kashmiri people by restoring Article 370. Kashmiris are imprisoned in their own homes, aliens in their own land, and unable to move freely on their own roads. Indian occupation forces have turned the occupied territory into the world's largest open-air prison. He also urged the country's government and political parties to support the freedom-seeking people of Kashmir. He thinks that decisions should be taken according to the opinion of Kashmiris by holding a referendum through the United Nations. He called for an early resolution of the Kashmir issue to preserve human rights and establish a stable peace in South Asia and highlighted the plight of the youth there and the brutality of the armed forces against them. He said that Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have blamed and condemned India for human rights violations like indiscriminate killings, disappearances, and torture in Kashmir.

Jagpa leader Asadur Rahman Khan said curfew, illegal detention, murder, well-planned killing, siege, homestead fire, torture, disappearance, rape, torture of Muslim women and killing through fake encounters have become daily occurrences in Kashmir. He called for the urgent intervention of international civil society and the United Nations to stop these deaths and torture. Since 1947, India has killed millions of people to suppress Kashmir's demand for independence and has turned Kashmir into a slaughterhouse for Muslims. He urged the country's government and political parties to support the freedom-seeking people of Kashmir. He also said that BJP is torturing the Muslims of Kashmir and India and exploiting Bangladesh as well. So now it is necessary to unite against India's policy of aggression.  Nationalist Matsojibi Dal Member Secretary Abdur Rahim, Joint Convener Omar Farooq Patwari, Kabir, BNP leader Mia Anwar and Shahjahan Mia also spoke on the occasion. – Press release