Former Norwegian PM calls for resolution of Kashmir issue

The Embassy of Pakistan Washington DC hosted a Webinar to mark 3rd “Youm-e-Istehsal”, the day when BJP-led Indian government in 2019 took unilateral and illegal actions in Indian illegaly occupied Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) to alter the special status of area and change the demographic character of IIOJ&K by converting Muslim majority into a minority.

The panellist included former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Deputy Leader of the House of Commons UK MP Afzal Khan, Ms. Shamim Shawl, Lord Wajid Khan and Kashmiri American Mr. Rizwan Kadir.

Former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik stressed upon the need for resolving the issue of Indian illegaly occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

He recalled his mediatory efforts in 2019 which included his visit to India, Srinagar, Muzzafarabad and Islamabad. He said that he will send an appeal to UN Secretary General to highlight the urgency of the issue.

He appealed to the Indian Government for release of Kashmiri leader Mohammad Yasin Malik.

Addressing the Webinar, Ambassador Masood Khan said that the developments that took place on 05 August 2019 continue to cast their shadow over the fate of the Kashmiris and peace and security in South Asia.

Masood Khan also demanded immediate release of political prisoners including Yasin Malik, Shabbir Shah, Asiya Andrabi, Qasim Faktoo and Mussarrat Alam, and others.

Senator Mushahid Hussain highlighted that 15,000 political prisoners have been incarcerated since August 5 2019. He pointed out a loss of $5.3 billion to the economy and half of a million jobs lost.

Senator Mushahid said that 4 million people domicile have been given to outsiders in IIoJK and 1.2 million people have been added to the voters list.

Deputy Leader in the House of Commons UK Afzal Khan pointed out that discrimination against minorities and hate speech have become normalized and institutionalized in India. He also expressed his serious concerns over the recent actions by Indian government to close trusts and incarceration of political activists.

Source: Radio Pakistan