Buenos Aires, 21 March 2022 (TDI): A seminar was conducted on Sunday by the Islamic Center of Argentina, Buenos Aires, to express solidarity with the struggle of the people of Kashmir against oppression.
The Conference raised awareness of the worsening humanitarian situation in Kashmir among the audience, which came from diverse backgrounds. The situation in India’s Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was highlighted through a photo exhibition, presentations, and speeches.
The speakers included the President of the Islamic Center of Argentina Anibal Bashir Bakir, Professor Ricardo Elia, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Argentina, Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz.
The speakers condemned the Indian atrocities. Furthermore, they expressed grief over the human rights violations and denial of legitimate rights to the people of IIOJK. The speakers also explained the historical trajectory of the conflict to the audience.
Presentation by Ambassador of Pakistan to Argentina
Ambassador Ejaz spoke about the crimes against humanity in Kashmir in detail.
He noted that due to the crisis in Ukraine, the world has become more sensitive to the effects of conflicts and violations of international law. It is high time to raise awareness regarding Kashmir as the international community is speaking out against conflict and human rights violations in the context of the war in Ukraine.
In addition, he stated that India had turned Kashmir into one of the most highly militarized zones in the world. He pointed out the reports by international human rights NGOs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, that have repeatedly documented the egregious violence against girls, women, and children of the IIOJK. In the last year, there have been reports of rape, molestation, and bodily damage of more than 161 women and girls in IIOJK.
Moreover, the Ambassador highlighted that Indian authorities have used pellet guns against peaceful protestors, imposed collective punishments, engaged in hundreds of extra-judicial killings, and stripped the citizens of Kashmir of their democratic rights.
He also pointed out the Indian government’s efforts to silence the freedom of expression and change the state’s demographics.
The Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peaceful settlement of the dispute according to UN resolutions.
Dr. Ejaz acknowledged Argentina’s contribution to the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). He asked the Pakistani community to reach out to the human rights groups in Argentina to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
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