News
Sunday, September 26, 2010
OIC deplores use of force by India in IHK* Foreign ministers call for ‘full respect’ of Kashmiris’ rights
* Reaffirm support for self-determination
UNITED NATIONS: Foreign ministers of Islamic countries voiced concern over the “indiscriminate” use of force by Indian security forces against unarmed civilians in the Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) and called for “full respect” of Kashmiri people’s human rights.
A communique issued after a ministerial-level meeting of member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on Friday called for “full respect” for the Kashmiri people’s human rights and for providing relief and comfort to them. “The meeting reaffirmed its principled support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realisation of their legitimate right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”
It called upon India to allow international human rights groups and humanitarian organisations to visit Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi raised the Kashmir issue at the daylong OIC annual coordination meeting, focusing on the recent events that have seen more than 100 Kashmiri civilians demanding an end to New Delhi’s rule gunned down by Indian security forces.
The meeting expressed concern at indiscriminate use of force and gross violations of human rights in IHK by Indian security forces. It noted that the violence had resulted in the death of scores of innocent and unarmed civilians and injured hundreds of others, including women, children and elderly.
The gathering commended Pakistan’s efforts and its readiness to engage India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. It urged the international community to play its due role in resolving the longstanding dispute and making efforts to improve relations between Pakistan and India to promote regional peace and stability.
The meeting also discussed other issues concerning the Islamic world. It condemned Israel’s continued imposition of collective punishment upon the Palestinian people and asked the Jewish state to lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip. The participants condemned rise in Islamophobia and systematic defamation of Islam. It also took note of discriminatory actions, such as banning of minarets and opposition to the construction of a mosque in the New York City.
Separately, speaking at the ministerial level meeting of the UN Alliance of Civilisations (AoC), Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan fully supported and was committed to the aims and objectives of the alliance, which aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among religions, faiths and cultures.
Referring to Pakistan’s unique status of being the melting pot of ancient civilisations, including Gandhara and the Indus Valley civilisations, Qureshi highlighted Sufism’s role in spreading the message of peace and love in the entire Indus region and beyond. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk