India must be held accountable for war crimes in Occupied Kashmir: AJK President

ISLAMABAD: President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan on Monday expressed solidarity with the people of India-Occupied Kashmir and said that they will continue their struggle for freedom despite the atrocities of the Indian occupation forces.

Addressing a press conference with a British parliamentary delegation in Islamabad, the AJK president said that exactly one year ago on April 9, eight Kashmiris were killed in Budgam District and over 100 were seriously injured adding that that such killings have become a norm and India must be held accountable for these war crimes.

“In Kashmir, the blood of youth and children is spilled, children are being made orphans and women widows, houses are being destroyed and a reign of terror stalks the entire territory. Enough is enough; this must come to an end,” said Masood Khan.

The Kashmiris are not even allowed to defend themselves, he added.

The AJK President said that United Kingdom, as the permanent member of the United Nations’ Security Council, should raise the issue in the council chambers and the world body should send a fact-finding mission to IOK to impartially investigate the massive killings of Kashmiris under the cover of the draconian laws such as Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Public Safety Act.

Masood Khan concluded his address by saying that when it comes to issue of Kashmir, all political parties and the people of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan stand united.

Lord Nazir Ahmad and Ms. Ishrat Naz Shah, Mayor of Slough also addressed the press conference.

Lord Nazir said that under the patronage of the Indian government, the Indian occupation forces and Hindutva elements are busy in committing human right violations.

He added that in a coordinated manner on the eve of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit, he will raise the issue of Kashmir in the UK in a peaceful manner creating awareness on this pertinent issue.