Islamabad, Nov 4, (Asia Free Press): A youth delegate has urged the U.N. to resolve the Kashmir dispute according to the Security Council resolutions that promise Kashmiris their right of self-determination and hold India accountable for human rights abuses in the disputed territory, reported Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
The youth delegate Muzdalfa Ahmed, while addressing the U.N. General Assembly’s Third Committee, which deals with social, cultural and humanitarian issues, said, “As the voice of Kashmiri youth, I implore the international community to come forward and play its effective role.”
The committee is holding an informal debate on the U.N. secretary-General’s report “Our Common Agenda,” designed to strengthen and accelerate multilateral agreements – particularly the 2030 development Agenda – and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
The debate on Wednesday was organised to ensure the stronger participation of young generations in decision-making for the future. Ms Ahmed spoke on how the Secretary-General’s Common Agenda can help deliver more for young people, especially those affected by long and festering conflicts.
“As a youth delegate with Kashmiri roots,” she said, “I too come from such a background,” pointing out that the Kashmir region has been reeling under illegal Indian occupation for decades.
“Succeeding generations of Kashmiri youth and children have been forcibly denied their right of self-determination,” the Pakistani youth delegate said, adding that since 5 August 2019, these atrocities have redoubled.
Following its illegal annexation of occupied Kashmir, India has illegally detained 13000 Kashmiri youth, tortured many of them, summarily executed young boys, and put down protest violently, she said.
“The first and foremost goal for all Kashmiris, including its youth, is the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute under relevant resolutions of the Security Council which have promised the people of Jammu and Kashmir their right of self-determination.”
“Give Kashmiris the right to self-determination,” Ms Ahmed said in conclusion.