Srinagar, Sep 15(KNS): Welcoming the statement of UN Human Rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein that an international probe was "needed crucially" in Kashmir, the incarcerated chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Ahmad Shah on Thursday condemned the Indian attitude in its response saying New Delhi is making a vain attempt to mislead the international community.
In a statement issued to KNS, Shah said Pakistan by inviting the UNHRC to the country and Azad Kashmir had left the ball in India’s court but the latter by denying access to the world human rights body to occupied Kashmir exposed itself.
“UN rights chief told the Geneva-based Human Rights Council that he received a letter from the Government of Pakistan on Sept 9 formally inviting a team from his office to visit Azad Kashmir. Now, the UN must seek response from India as to what prompted it from denying access to its team from visiting the disputed territory,” he said.
Shah said India instead of improving its human rights record in held Kashmir is resorting to rhetorical propaganda against Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. “But, New Delhi’s malicious attempts were foiled by Pakistan and Azad Kashmir in the UN forum,” he said, adding, “India suffered a humiliating diplomatic defeat at UN as whole world came to know about its illegal and forcible control over Jammu Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
The DFP chairman said despite unabated atrocities and reign of oppression over them, the people of Jammu Kashmir still demand the dispute be resolved through implementation of the UN resolutions or tripartite dialogue.
Hailing the pro-freedom spirit and resolve of people, Shah said such examples of sacrifices and steadfastness are rarely found in history. “I hope people will continue their struggle till the achievement of freedom. We must not lose hope but remain optimistic as truth is power; power is not truth,” he said.
Shah lamented over the brutal attitude of so-called government “which didn’t spare people on even the occasion of Eid”. He severely condemned the undue restrictions on Eid prayers and use of brute force against people on the festive occasion saying the puppet administration has to ultimately appear before people’s court.
Meanwhile, Shah paid tributes to Mustafa Ahmad Mir (Bandipora) and Shahid Ahmad She (Nagbal, Shopian) who were martyred on Eid by occupational forces and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families saying, “We’re guardians of the sacrifices of our martyrs”. (KNS)