Pakistan highlights Kashmir issue in speakers’ conference in Maldives

MALDIVES (92 News) – Pakistan has successfully highlighted Kashmir issue and plight of suppressed Kashmiris in speakers’ conference in Maldives on Sunday and knocked out India in the forum. Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri was leading the Pakistani delegation at the conference. Qasim Suri raised the Kashmir issue in the fourth South Asia speakers’ conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indian Lok Sabha speaker objected to Suri’s comments and termed Kashmir issue India’s internal matter. It was the first interaction between Pakistan and India at government level after India's unilateral action in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August. Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri effectively raised the voice of oppressed Kashmiris. The Pakistani delegation protested against the illegal move of BJP government that revoked the special status of Kashmir. On the occasion, Indian delegation in the conference tried to create hindrance during speech of Qasim Khan Suri but effectively intercepting Indian participants in the conference, he kept on speaking for 14-minutes. Addressing the conference, Qasim Khan Suri said a human crisis has emerged due to continuous curfew and lockdown in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK).

Participants strongly condemns India’s atrocities in IoK

The participants of the conference strongly condemned India's atrocities in IoK and urged international community to take notice of Indian brutalities. It is pertinent to mention here that the lockdown, curfew and communication blackout entered in 28th consecutive day today , on Sunday, in IoK. The Kashmir valley remains cut off from the rest of the world since August 05 due to continued blockade and suspension of internet, mobile and landline services and closure of TV channels. Publication of local newspapers remains suspended. The people of the Kashmir valley are facing acute shortage of essential commodities including food, milk and life-saving medicines due to curfew and blockade. Principal Secretary of occupied Kashmir, Rohit Kansal, confirmed to the media that over 4,500 people have been arrested under the draconian Public Safety Act. These 4,500 persons are among 10,000 Hurriyat leaders, political workers, traders, lawyers, social activists and youth who have been arrested since August 5 when India stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status by revoking Article 370 of its constitution.