“Although, I am still confined to bed due to the latest surgery, but I have decided to participate in the peaceful rally on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the United Nations, New York during the speech of Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India,” this was stated by Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir and founding Chairman, Kashmir American Welfare Association (KAWA).
He was addressing the meeting via zoom, which was attended by Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan, Sardar Zubair Khan, Sardar Shoaib Irshad, Sadaqat Hayat, Dr. Imtiaz Khan and Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice aired his fears that Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India may not tell the following facts to the heads of state and government, attending the 79the session of the United Nations General Assembly which begins on September 10, 2024; that i). Kashmir is at the brink of genocide; ii). Kashmir has become the hell for its people; iii). India has stationed more than 900,000 of its military and paramilitary forces in the Valley of Kashmir, one for every eight adult Kashmiris: iv). News media in Kashmir is at the brink of extinction; v). There are more than 12,000 half widows in Kashmir. They are half widows because they do not know whether their husbands are dead or alive.
Dr. Fai added that the people of Kashmir simply demand an end to the military occupation of their land by India. They demand what they have been pledged by both India and Pakistan and guaranteed by the Security Council, with the unequivocal endorsement of the United States – demilitarization of Kashmir from both sides of the ceasefire line and a free vote organized impartially. Fai asked should India get away with the flouting of international agreements. And should India be granted license for genocide?
Dr. Ghulam N. Mir, President, World Kashmir Awareness Forum & Chairman, Kashmir Diaspora Coalition said that Kashmiris have not only a right, but also a moral responsibility to call out Indian Prime minister Narender Modi for shamelessly showing up and speaking at the 79th session of the United Nations General in New York on behalf of India even as his nation continues to brutally occupy the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir for the last 77 years.
Dr. Mir added if that wasn’t enough, Mr. Modi abruptly abrogated the laws enshrining the limited autonomy of the state on August 5, 2019. After the initial state terror that lasted nearly eight months, people of Kashmir continue to remain under the deadly grip of the most violent, ruthless and massive India’s military force. Kashmiris are ruled by New Delhi-appointed Lt. Governor’s diktat. Kashmiris dare say not a word in matters that affect their life and limb. The so-called civilized western world is mum, beholden only to its economic and commercial interests for which mammoth population of India is an ever-hungry market. That is why Kashmiri American diaspora, and their friends are protesting year after year at UNGA in New York.
Dr. Imtiaz Khan, Kashmiri American scholar explained that we should demonstrate during Modi’s speech at UN for the following reasons: 1. We have to send a strong message to Modi and Indian establishment that Kashmir remains an unresolved issue that needs to be resolved according to UN resolutions. 2. We need to remind Modi that abrogation of article 370 and 35A has not altered the status of Kashmir and this act by Indian parliament is against international law and norms. 3. We need to convey to Modi that his actions pose a strong threat to world peace and persistence of Kashmir problem can lead the region to the brink of nuclear holocaust. 4. It needs to be emphasized that Modi’s utterances on UN podium (present and past) is deceit, distortion, deception and fabrication that is unacceptable to peace loving people of world. 5. Modi should be told that world has not forgotten his primary role in Gujrat massacre, where under his direct orders innocent Muslims were brutally massacred. The gory details of mass rapes send shudders to average human being. 6. Modi may be Prime Minister of India, but he is no statesman, known as “Butcher of Gujrat”. In the annals of history his name will be described along with Pol Plot of Cambodia or Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia.
Sardar Zulfiqar Roshan Khan said that he will contact the company that deals with the buses.
Sardar Zubair Khan suggested to have meetings with the heads of various parties to urge them to participate in this meeting rally.
Sadaqat Hayat emphasized that the least Kashmiri diaspora can do is to send the message to our brethren in Kashmir that they are not alone. We are with them.
Sardar Shoaib Irshad suggested that those interested to participate in the rally should assembly at Brookfield Plaza, Springfield at 11.00 a.m.