ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR) Pakistan chapter headed by its Secretary General Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani had a detailed meeting with the senior officials of the British High Commission in Islamabad on Wednesday, says a press release.
Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani had asked for this meeting to discuss and seek the clarification of a statement made by British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on Kashmir, allegedly advising Pakistan to delete Kashmir from any future dialogue with India.
Dr. Nazir Gilani has said that all member nations of the United Nations have a Charter obligation to support the principle of ‘equality’ and ‘self-determination’ of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Britain could not be an exception and has a higher burden of responsibility to defend the basic principle of UN Charter.
JKCHR secretary general apprised the British officials that the fundamental principles of UN Charter could not be berated as a mix with any other issue for any dialogue with India but need to be treated with full primacy and urgency.
He highlighted that any dialogue between India and Pakistan has to be consistent with the principles of UN Charter and UN mechanism agreed for ascertaining the free will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir under the supervision of the United Nations.
Dr. Nazir Gilani reminded the British Officials that British Kashmiris support the India-Pakistan dialogue provided it does not disturb their title to self-determination
“Indian government is required to provide support in maintaining law and order during the referendum, he added.
JKCHR secretary general pointed out that Indian army has remained engaged in a war with the civilian Muslims in the Valley and has killed a generation of Kashmiri Muslims.
“Indian soldier has violated the terms under which it was allowed admission into the state and has disregarded the restraints placed on its number, behaviour and location by the United Nations. It is an erring force and has committed war crimes as well. Therefore, there is need to reconsider its stay in the State and find alternate forces,” he added.
Dr. Nazir Gilani highlighted that British officials assured the JKCHR delegation that there was no change in British policy on Kashmir, except that Britain wants the dialogue process to continue. Dr. Nazir Gilani thanked the senior Officials for scheduling the meeting at such a short notice.
