BRUSSELS, 27 JAN (DNA) – Speakers have asked Indian authorities to end brutalities against the oppressed people of Kashmir.  An event at Brussels Parliament, they also stressed upon a peaceful and just resolution of Kashmir issue according to the wishes of Kashmiris.

The program comprising an important conference and a cultural exhibition was held on the occasion of “Black Day” on Tuesday at the parliament in Brussels in order to highlight the Kashmir issue through peaceful means.

The Kashmiris in both parts of Kashmir and in diaspora celebrate the Indian Republic days as Black Day every year. People from different walks of life including members of European Parliament (MEPs) and Members of Brussels Parliaments (MPs), diplomats, intellectuals and media persons attended the program.

The Kashmir Cultural program titling, “The Culture of Kashmir: Future Prospects” was hosted by Member of Brussels Parliament Dr Zahoor Ellahi Manzoor and organized by International Council for Human Development (ICHD) and Kashmir Council EU.

In his address Member of European Parliament Raja Afzal Khan said, peace is essential for the prosperity of South Asia and Kashmir issue which is connected with peace in the region, should be resolved through peaceful means. He added, people in South Asian need urgent peace as even as in India 55 million people live below poverty line including a large number of jobless and homeless, settlements of their problems is possible in a peaceful environment.

He hopes for earlier end of sufferings of the people of Kashmir and said, we wish the Kashmiris will see peace and prosperity soon. Addressing the conference, host of the event Member of Brussels Parliament Dr Zahoor Ellahi Manzoor said, Kashmir has a rich history and culture and today Kashmir conflict is a core issue in the South Asian region which requires attention of the world community.

He also appreciated the efforts of Kashmir Council EU headed by Mr Ali Raza Syed for highlighting the Kashmir issue at the international level. Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed also addressed the inaugural session of the program and the conference in the second session of the program as well.

He said, there is an urgent need of international attention on Kashmir as both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers and delay in resolution of conflict of Kashmir can cause a severe disaster in the region.

He said, then Indian Prime Minister Johar Lal Nehru had promised to the people of Kashmir for their right of self determination and these oppressed people are still waiting for fulfilling of the Indian historic assurance.

Analyst and PhD Researcher Syed Sibtain Shah also addressed the conference in which he highlighted the miseries of people of Kashmir by reciting a poem of great eastern philosopher Allama Iqbal on Kashmir which also upheld rich brain and culture of the Kashmiris. He said, a long long ago, Iqbal recited the poetry about the hardships of the oppressed people of Kashmir but this is regrettable for the whole humanity that these people are still waiting for justice in the 21st century.

The speakers said, the Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) is witness of severe violations of human rights as Indian authorities deny the basic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the people of the region are suffering from the state terrorism for a long time.

They said, People want to have right of self-determination and settlement of issue according the desire of the people is extremely crucial for peace and prosperity in the region.  Earlier in the first session of the program, the cultural exhibition was opened with welcoming speeches by Dr Zahoor Ellahi Manzoor and Mr Ali Raza Syed.

The exhibition was also visited by MEP Dr Sajjad Karim and Pakistan Ambassador to Belgium and EU Ms Naghmana Hashmi and other diplomats and members of Belgium and Brussels Parliaments.

The famous handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir including handmade decoration pieces, poplular craft of Papier Machie and cloths represented the rich culture of the beautiful region as the event aimed to promote noble cause of Kashmir through peaceful cultural activities.

 Some of books and reports on human rights situation in Indian Held Kashmir particularly a comprehensive report compiled by International Peoples’ Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Indian Administered Kashmir (IPTK) and Association of Parents Disappeared Persons (APDP) were also displayed in the exhibition.

The Participants including parliamentarians, intellectual, journalists, research scholars and students showed their keen interest in the exhibition. The exhibition was followed by lunch with specialties of food from the region. DNA

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