LONDON, 06-Jan: British Kashmiris organised various functions in Slough, Watford, Birmingham and Luton in connection with the Right to Self-Determination Day.

The main function under the auspices of the Kashmir Centre London was organised at Dallow Centre Luton. It was presided over by former AJK minister, Mahmood Riaz while Lord Qurban Hussain was the chief guest.

The President of the Advisory Council of the Centre, Raja Mohammed Ayub welcomed the guests. The function was conducted by former Mayor of Luton Riaz Butt. Others who spoke on the occasion included Tariq Malik, Councillor, Chaudhry Mohammad Ayub, Deputy Mayor Luton, Fazil Zia, Councillor, Shoaib Akber Nazish, Masood Rana, Laiq Ali Khan and Chaudhary Sarwar Hussain.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl reaffirmed the Kashmiris’ resolve to continue their genuine struggle for right to self-determination. “We will continue to raise our voice on the unabated violations of human rights in occupied Kashmir and expose the Indian high handedness in every fora of the world,” he stated. Shawl maintained that the Kashmiris believed in engagement and dialogue and no dialogue between India and Pakistan could be fruitful without involving the Kashmiris in the process.

Lord Qurban Hussain declared that India was an oppressor and was using disproportionate force to silence the genuine demand of Kashmiris. “The case of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is of their fundamental freedoms and basic rights,” he said and asked the people to support all those people who were sincere with Kashmiris.

He appealed to the international community to take solid initiatives to stop the occurrence of human right violations in the occupied territory. He welcomed Pak-India talks but invoked the two countries to include genuine Kashmiri leadership in these talks. He informed the participants that he would continue to work in close collaboration with the Kashmir Centre London.

Winding up the debate Mahmood Riaz thanked the government and people of Pakistan for supporting the Kashmiris’ liberation struggle. He maintained that a strong and stable Pakistan was essential for the liberation of Kashmir.

Many resolutions were also adopted reiterating support of British Kashmiri Diaspora for the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.