A webinar titled “How the world can support Kashmir?” was held in Moscow under the leadership of Ishtiyaq Hamdani, Chief Editor of Sada-e-Rus and Coordinator of Tehreek-e-Kashmir Russia.  Mian Tayyib, General Secretary, Tehreek-e-Kashmir from Norway opened the meeting by reciting few verses from Al-Quran. Speakers from various countries, including Europe, South Africa, and Pakistan, presented concrete proposals for global action on Kashmir. 

Ishtiyaq Hamdani said the time had come for the world to pay serious attention to the worsening situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Mohammad Ghalib, President Tehreek-e-Kashmir Europe, emphasized including Kashmiri scholars in Pakistan’s delegations.

Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai warned that India labels resistance as terrorism to mislead world opinion and evade mediation. Mehmood Ahmed Saghar called for Pakistan to intensify diplomatic outreach, while Salman Khan stressed diaspora unity.  Advocate Rehani Ali and Dr. Abida Rafique exposed India’s use of draconian laws to suppress dissent.

 Ali Raza Syed, Chairman, Kashmir Council, EU, said that European Parliament is a very important global forum. If we want to have a tangible progress on Kashmir issue, let the Kashmiri delegations knock the doors of important capitols of the world, including Brussels. Altaf Ahmed Butt, Hurriyat-AJK leader, said that freedom of speech in Kashmir is under threat.

Dr. Awais Bin Wasi, a well-known Academic and analyst suggested to compile all the recommendations which speakers put forth during the webinar to be sent to the concerned quarters for action. Ms. Manan Raja of France, travel blogger narrated her experiences while meeting with people of other nationalities and different background. She said we need to continue to raise the awareness about Kashmir at all forums.

If Scotland can have a referendum, why not Kashir, Manan Raja asked? Sheikh Abdul Mateen suggested to contact academic institutions and think tanks to organize seminar, conference and symposia on Kashmir. Other speakers including Sardar Taimor, Zubair Hussain, Ms. Samina Naz Gul, Raja Parvaiz and Raja Khan  urged global lobbying, international seminars, and awareness campaigns to push for Kashmir’s right to self-determination.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)