Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director, Kashmiri-American Council/Kashmir Center , said that the right of self-determination and the maintenance of international peace are interrelated. The denial of right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir has brought the region of South Asia to the brink of nuclear catastrophe." He was speaking at a conference at the Washington Convention Center, entitled, "Kashmir Issue � Centrality of Kashmiris' Rights." Other speakers included Lord Nazir Ahmed, Member, British House of Lords; Mr. Ole Lanke, Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Norway, Dr. Ghulam N. Mir, President, World Kashmir Freedom Movement; and Mr. Cihangir Isblir, Istanbul.
Dr. Fai said that basic principle of the Kashmir dispute is that the future status will be ascertained in accordance with the will and aspirations of the people. This principle is non negotiable. He also said the only way to ascertain the will of the people is to create an atmosphere that is free from coercion, intimidation and foreign domination.
Dr. Fai laid out four aspects that must characterize talks between Pakistan and India if they are to be meaningful: the talks should have clearly defined parameters; should be time-bound; must take into account wishes of Kashmiri people through their representation; and India must bring to an end the killings of the Kashmiris. He called for appointment of a US special envoy in accordance with President Obama's promise.
Ola Lanke said that "The price of the unsettled dispute of Kashmir is a huge amount of price. It is also extremely dangerous situation in Kashmir"
The world must do what it can to encourage a fair settlement of Kashmir," said the Norwegian parliamentary leader.
Lanke reminded President Barack Obama of his pre-2008 polls pledge to help resolve Kashmir dispute. He invoked the metaphor of Africans around the world seeing realization of their dreams in Obama's election, and said the history-making U.S. president should pay attention to the South Asian tensions that demand "high-level" attention.
The deputy speaker cited Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's call for US role toward resolution of the issue and felt "the opinion is getting momentum" on the need to move forward for a peaceful resolution of the issue.
"The negotiations (between Pakistan and India) should be firmly anchored and there must be a representative voice for the people of Kashmir; one that can contribute to giving the negotiations a legitimacy" he stressed.
"The access of humanitarian aid should be allowed to Indian Kashmir---we are concerned over discovery of mass graves on the Indian side of Kashmir and (believe) an independent investigation should be conducted," he said.
In his speech, Lord Nazir Ahmed made an impassioned call for immediate end to the sufferings of the Kashmiris. He condemned the killing of ordinary Kashmiris and their daily humiliation at the hands of Indian security forces.
"We talk about mass graves in various parts of the world- there were some in Iraq- the United Nations should also look into mass graves in Kashmir, and the U.S. congress should hold a hearing on the issue of mass graves in Kashmir." "There is a hope if we can go to Darfur and meet relatives of victims, if we can take notice of Gaza, Ramalah -- similarly the US Congress should listen to the victims of oppression and rape (in Occupied) Kashmir."
He argued that the issue of untold Indian excesses against Kashmiris should not be confused with any other issue. In the regional context, he condemned last year's Mumbai bombings but drew attention to the questions often raised about Indian role in a spate of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. "We also need to know who is providing equipment to Tehreek Taliban Pakistan-- we need investigation into this issue as well."
Dr Ghulam Nabi Mir, President World Kashmir Freedom Movement, said India has tried to silence Kashmiris for decades through heinous means. And it has been a long struggle and may take some longer yet, but some day, ultimately, the will for freedom shall succeed in shattering the will of occupation.
"India has attacked its neighbor (Pakistan) three times -- spent billions on its offensive budget, put 600,000 soldiers plus in a small valley --- but it can not succeed in making Kashmir permanently subjugated."
Dr. Mir said that the only peace process acceptable to the Kashmiri people is the one that includes Kashmiri leadership along with India and Pakistan.
Mr. Cihangir Isblir, representative of "The Union of NGO's of the Muslim World" Istanbul expressed his support to the just cause of Kashmir. He said that Union with its more than 150 chapters in 40 different countries is trying to build the bridge between Muslims and people of other faiths.
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