Kashmir Event Held in Brooklyn, New York
New York, December 29, 2013. “The period of incarceration provided me an opportunity for introspection. It was also an opportunity to reflect and to learn from the past and re-focus on the future. This process of self-examination undoubtedly strengthened my inner self and beliefs. It also opened the doors of understanding and growth” said Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai at a reception organized in his honor by Sardar Sawar Khan, former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. The reception was held at Pakeeza restaurant, Brooklyn, New York and was jointly sponsored by Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conferences; Peoples Party of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir; Jammu Kashmir Muslim League; Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, Jamaat-e-Islamic Azad Kashmir; Jammu Kashmir Liberation League; Jamait-e-Ulama-e-Islam, Azad Kashmir.
Dr. Fai said that during his incarceration, he was uniquely blessed to have the visitations from more than 70 people and the correspondence from 93 persons. He said that It was beyond doubt that it proved to be a source of strength and encouragement during this time of trials and tribulations. Dr. Fai conveyed his deepest appreciation to all his well-wishers for keeping him in their thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Fai appreciated that the latest round of talks between the Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif and Dr. Manmohan Singh that took place in September 2013 in New York. He, however, underlined the importance of making future talks tripartite — between Governments of India & Pakistan and genuine leadership of the people of Kashmir. He reminded the audience that the history of past sixty-six years testifies to the fact that the bilateral talks between India and Pakistan have been always fruitless. In fact any attempt to strike a deal between any two parties without the association of the third party, will fail to yield a credible settlement.
Dr. Fai said, although there are three parties concerned with the Kashmir dispute: India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir. But the primary and principal party is the people of Kashmir, because it is ultimately their future, the future of 18 million people of Jammu & Kashmir that is at stake.
Sardar Sawar Khan, the main organizer of the event said that the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir demand that the Government of Pakistan, irrespective of its political affiliation must support the people of Kashmir at the diplomatic front. He said there is a consensus is Pakistan that the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir is a legitimate right which needs to be supported at all cost.
Sardar Sawar Khan said that the Kashmir dispute is one of the oldest issues on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. The United Nations has passed resolutions that have given the people of Jammu & Kashmir the right to decide their future. Sardar Sawar Khan said that no solution would be acceptable to the people of Jammu & Kashmir unless the negotiations include the Kashmiri leadership.
Sardar Haleem Khan of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front and the M.C. of the event said that the Kashmiri resistance demands the unity of action among the leadership not only in Azad Kashmir but in Indian Occupied as well. He said the world powers should respect the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir which is the elementary right of every human being in any civilized society.
Sardar Sarwar Choudhary of Peoples Party of Pakistan highlighted the contribution of Mohtarma Bainazir Sahiba in internationalizing the cause of Kashmir. He also spoke about the huge sacrifices given by the people of Kashmir in seeking their birth right of Azaadi.
Mr. Khalid Awan highlighted the presence of 700,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces which has made Kashmir virtually the hell for its inhabitants. He said that the United States has a moral responsibility to come to the rescue of the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sardar Mohammad Taj of Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference spoke about the mass graves which have been discovered in the Valley of Kashmir. He quoted Mr. Gautam Navlakha who spoke on December 22, 2013 about the latest discovery of more than 6,700 mass graves in Kashmir.
Mr.. Imran of Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Kashmir told the audience that Kashmir is not a border dispute but an international conflict that demands just and fair settlement to the satisfaction of all patties concerned. Mr. demanded that the rights of peaceful association, assembly and demonstrations in Indian Occupied Kashmir must be respected.
Mr. Gilgati reiterated that the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgat Baltistan were promised the right to determine their future status through consecutive United Nations resolutions in 1948 and 1949. This was agreed upon by both India and Pakistan but was never honored until today. He emphasize that the action by the united Nations is urgently needed to address the grave human rights situation in Kashmir