PMML Reaffirms Support for Kashmiris on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir

LAHORE: Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) President Khalid Masood Sandhu has said that 5 August 2019, when the Indian government revoked the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), marked a turning point in the Kashmir dispute. He said the move violated international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions and the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
In a statement issued on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, Sandhu said India had attempted to alter the disputed status of the territory by revoking Articles 370 and 35A. He alleged that subsequent measures, including changes to domicile and land ownership laws, were aimed at altering the demographic composition of the region in violation of international norms.
He said the people of Kashmir have continued to face human rights violations, arbitrary detentions and other restrictions despite decades of conflict. However, he maintained that such measures have failed to weaken the resolve of the Kashmiri people in pursuing what they consider their legitimate political rights.
Sandhu urged the Government of Pakistan to further strengthen its diplomatic campaign to highlight the Kashmir issue at regional and international forums. He also called upon the United Nations and the international community to play a more effective role in ensuring respect for international law, addressing alleged human rights violations and supporting a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
The PMML president reiterated his party’s political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Kashmir. He said the party would continue raising its voice for what it described as a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute and the protection of the Kashmiri people’s fundamental rights.