MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Monday termed the ongoing violations of fundamental human rights in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir a test case for the world’s conscience.

In his message on the eve of International Human Rights Day, he said the protection of human rights was the shared responsibility of nations, and December 10 reminded the world of the principles upon which global peace and human development were established.

“This day should be utilised to raise our voices against the atrocities being committed in occupied Kashmir,” he added.

The AJK premier pointed out that the people of occupied Kashmir were not only fighting for their right to self-determination but also for the fundamental human rights guaranteed under the United Nations Charter.

“The Indian state has not only deprived Kashmiris of their birth right but also their fundamental human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Charter, and other international covenants,” he said.

He noted that India’s illegal actions, including the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019, had intensified human rights violations, describing the move as “a brazen violation of the UN resolutions.”

Urging the international community to act decisively, he said: “It is high time for the UN and other influential world governments to focus their attention on resolving this lingering dispute, which has been the root cause of unrest and violence in the region.”

The principles of global peace and human development demand attention to the plight of the oppressed, he added. He reiterated his government’s commitment to intensifying efforts on international platforms to expose Indian atrocities and advocate for the basic human and democratic rights of the Kashmiri people.

“We are resolved to raise the Kashmir cause effectively at the global level and sensitize the world about the early resolution of the dispute to stop human rights violations in the region,” he maintained.

He also urged the Kashmiri and Pakistani diaspora to persist in their struggle by highlighting the plight of the oppressed Kashmiri people at every possible forum.

“Kashmiris and Pakistanis around the world must redouble their efforts and raise their voices against Indian brutalities at every forum,” he stressed.

Expressing confidence in the resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, the AJK premier said the day was not far when the sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri people would bear fruit, and their right to self-determination would be realized.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2024