Kashmir Freedom Movement (KFM) Intensifies Diplomatic Campaign for Jammu Kashmir
The Kashmir Freedom Movement (KFM), a leading Kashmiri political party, has stepped up its diplomatic campaign to champion the people’s resistance movement against foreign occupation in Jammu and Kashmir. KFM is committed to amplifying the voice of the people and asserting their right to represent the foreign affairs of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Historic Diplomatic Engagement with UN Agencies
In a significant move, KFM’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sardar Aftab Khan, has initiated diplomatic engagement with multiple UN agencies and members of the UN Security Council (UNSC).
In his letter to the President of the UN Security Council, H.E. Ambassador Maria Cristina Perceval, he highlighted the volatile situation in Jammu and Kashmir, warning of a growing threat to international peace and security. He also called attention to the ongoing violations of the right to life, liberty, and security of the people living in the disputed territory.
Sardar Aftab Khan stressed that while the UNSC has addressed the “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict” in its discussions, it has largely ignored the plight of Kashmiris suffering under the conflict. “For far too long, the suffering of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir has been overlooked by world powers. However, we still hold faith in the United Nations and believe it can help bring an end to the Kashmir conflict by ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are given the opportunity to present their case directly at the UN,” he stated.
Exposing Human Rights Violations in Jammu and Kashmir
Highlighting the grave human rights violations, Sardar Aftab Khan recounted the recent abduction and killing of four civilians—Zaafran (son of Ghulam Sarwar), Shahzaman (son of Mohammad Younas), Wajid Akbar (son of Ali Akbar), and Faisal Iqbal (son of Sher Zaman). These individuals, who were gathering medicinal plants near the unmarked dividing line in Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu Kashmir, were allegedly taken by the Indian Army on July 29 and later found executed across the Line of Control (LoC).
An Indian publication, Firstpost, cited an FIR registered in an India-held territory police station, revealing that the Indian army had classified the four victims as “unidentified Pakistani intruders” and had killed them near Katwar Post.
Additionally, three more civilians were killed, and many others injured due to cross-LoC firing between Indian and Pakistani forces in the past two weeks. While the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) is present to monitor artillery fire violations, its limited mandate does not account for the civilian casualties and suffering resulting from these conflicts.
Demand for Kashmiris’ Right to Represent Themselves at UNSC
Sardar Aftab Khan criticized the UN Security Council’s inaction over the past 66 years, stating that no mechanism has been established for Kashmiris to present their case before the UNSC. He urged the President of the UNSC to address the ongoing crisis and ensure that Kashmiris have a voice in discussions on civilian protection in armed conflicts.
“We want to end this cycle of misery and helplessness. We call upon the UNSC President to raise the plight of Kashmiris during discussions on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and urge the UN Secretary-General to take a proactive role in addressing the Jammu and Kashmir conflict under Articles 98(2) and 99 of the UN Charter,” he asserted.
KFM remains resolute in its commitment to seeking justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and continues to push for international intervention to end the ongoing oppression in the region.
