Intra-Kashmir Conferences imperative for final solution of Kashmir issue

Intra-Kashmir Conferences in all regions of Kashmir are imperative to find final settlement of Kashmir issue

(London 27 October 2009) Intra-Kashmir Conferences in all regions of Kashmir are imperative to find final settlement of Kashmir issue. This was stated by leaders of both parts of Kashmir in a reception hosted by Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in the honour of Awami National Conference Vice President Mr. Muzaffar Shah here in London.

Leader of Awami National Conference Mr. Muzaffar Shah while expressing his party's point of view said that participation in elections cannot dilute the nature of Kashmir issue, because the issue itself has a historical and geographical background. Mr. Shah emphasized that tripartite talks are of utmost importance and the cross section of people, irrespective of political affiliations, from all regions of the State should converge together and discuss what could be the best for Kashmiri people. Deliberating about Gilgit-Baltistan Mr. Shah said that the measures adopted by Pakistan have weakened the Kashmir cause.

Speaking on this occasion Lord Nazir Ahmed said that he believes that Gilgit-Baltistan is an integral part of Kashmir state but the double standards of certain section of Kashmiri leadership have confused the whole situation. He said that according to Pakistani government, leaders of Azad Kashmir including President and Prime Minister were taken into confidence about the Gilgit-Baltistan Package. He further said that those people who are on the payroll of India and Pakistan and are running Centres on their behest can not be legitimate representative of Kashmiri people on any forum. These people only project the ideology of their masters and we can not expect any good from them for Kashmiri people or for the freedom struggle. Lord Ahmed welcomed Mr. Muzaffar Shah and said that such interactions among Kashmiris are vital for resolution of Kashmir issue.

Professor Zafar Khan, Head of Diplomatic Committee of JKLF while speaking on this occasion said that it is very unfortunate that some leaders are confusing people about the “Definition of Kashmir State”. He said Pakistan’s package of Gilgit-Baltistan was a test for the Kashmiri leadership but unfortunately apart from few leaders most of them have failed miserably. He said that stand of Amanullah Khan, Syed Ali Gilani, Majid Malik, Khalid Ibrahim, and Shabir Shah about Gilgit-Baltistan has been consistent with the aspirations of the people. Prof. Zafar Khan expressed his concern about Pakistan’s move to give Gilgit-Baltistan a provincial like status especially since the region was not part of Pakistan but an integral part of the state of Jammu Kashmir whose constitutional and political future status is yet to be decided according the United Nations resolutions. He further said JKLF on both sides of the LoC has started a mass mobilisation of people against governor’s rule in Gilgit-Baltistan and in this regard a historical long march will held in Islamabad, Pakistan on 5th November.

The function was conducted by Mr. Zaffar Sharif Secretary of JKLF Diplomatic Committee, who at the end thanked Mr. Muzaffar Shah and Lord Ahmed for their presence. Zafar Sharif impressed upon Awami Nation Conference to play their role in order to bring the remaining mortals of Maqbool Butt Shaheed to Kashmir.

The reception was well attended by senior leaders of JKLF and other Kashmiri organisations in diaspora including Malik Latif, Mohammad Riaz, Mahmood Hussain, Mahmood Faiz, Javaid Rashid, Sanawar Hussain, Tehseen Gilani, Mohammad Shafi, Prof. Shahid Iqbal, Raja Ilyas and others.

Javaid Rashid,

Secretary,

JKLF (London Branch)