Ankara: Refah Party Istanbul Deputy Doğan Bekin convened a significant press conference at the Press Hall of the Turkish Assembly, alongside an esteemed delegation representing both the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The delegation included eminent figures from both sides of Kashmir. The delegation from both sides of state of Jammu and Kashmir comprised notable individuals such as Speaker of the AJK Assembly, Chaudhry Lateef Akbar; Convenor of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar; Senior Member of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Altaf Ahmed Bhat; Former Member of Legislative Assembly of AJK, Abdur Rasheed Turabi; and Senior Vice Chairman of Kashmir Diaspora Coalition, Dr. Mubeen Shah.
Highlighting the historical context, Deputy Doğan Bekin underscored that on August,5,2019, India government repealed article 370 and 35A, which guaranteed special status of the Jammu and Kashmir region, leading to far-reaching consequences for the local population. This press conference followed the International Kashmir Conference held in Istanbul, serving as a testament to the international concern and solidarity towards the region’s plight.
Indian Prime Minister Modi, while serving as the Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat before being elected as Prime Minister, endorsed the largest anti-Muslim program in Indian history. After assuming office as the Prime Minister of India,he adopted the Hindutva approach and began imposing Hindu supremacy, a version of the Islamophobia approach, against Muslims. Consequently, Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Bekin emphasized the vital need for the demilitarization of a region that has long been under military blockade by India. He stressed the significance of determining the future of Jammu and Kashmir through plebiscite as mentioned in United Nations (UN) resolutions, ensuring the participation of the people in shaping their destiny.
Bekin expressed profound concern over attempts to alter the demographic landscape in the region and establish Hindu supremacy. He drew parallels between the methods utilized in Jammu and Kashmir and those applied by Israel in areas like East Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza. Bekin called for the immediate removal of Indian military from the region, urging the international community, notably the United Nations, to take effective action.
In the face of these challenges, Bekin reiterated that the freedom of Muslims in the region is under threat. He called upon Turkey to take a leading role in safeguarding the rights and aspirations of Kashmiri Muslims. Bekin stressed the urgency of taking swift action and establishing parliamentary mechanisms to address the issue effectively.
The press conference witnessed the presence of a diverse delegation representing both sides of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This inclusive representation highlighted the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Kashmiri people.
The joint initiative of Turkish Deputy Doğan Bekin and the Kashmiri delegation in organizing this press conference underscores their shared commitment to raising global awareness about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The event highlighted the urgent need for collective international action to ensure the rights, well-being, and self-determination of the Kashmiri people.