Ali Raza Syed applauds an EU’s statement on Kashmir’s situation
BRUSSELS, August 31 (SABAH): Chairman Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) Ali Raza Syed has applauded the recent statement of Josep Borrell, the High Representative and Vice President of European Union on current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a letter in response to a joint letter of a group of Members of European Parliament (MEPs) concerning current situation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir, Josep Borrell Fontelles shared his and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen concerns on the situation.
The letter of EU’s vice president said, “We share your concerns about the human rights situation in the territory, and raise them on opportune occasions with our Indian counterparts both in New Delhi and Brussels, as well as at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.”
Giving detail of various occasions, the EU VP’s letter said, even individuals cases of human rights such as that of Khurram Parvez, Kashmiri human rights defender were raised during the dialogues on human rights with India.
About EU’s participation in the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi in second week of September, Josep Borrell said, although a delegation from EU will represent the EU in the G20 summit but the Union considers that any allegation of human rights abuse should be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently, in line with international human rights obligations.
He however said, “We continue to encourage India and Pakistan to find a lasting solution to the situation in Kashmir, through engaging in a positive dialogue, and by involving as far as possible the Kashmiri people on both sides of the Line of Control.
Resolving differences between India and Pakistan around Kashmir should have a major positive impact on peace and stability across the region. The EU will also remain closely engaged in discussions with local stakeholders and advocacy groups.
Chairman Kashmir Council Europe Ali Raza Syed said, remarks given by the EU’s high ranking leader are very significant and it shows that EU gives special worth to the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ali Raza Syed also appreciated the members of EU’s parliament who wrote a letter to the EU’s higher authorities concerning the situation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
It is important to mention that eight MEPs from different countries wrote a letter the EU’s President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Vice President of the Commission/High Representative Josep Borrell and expressed their deep concerns on severe situation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir. The letter was sent on 5th August 2023, the 4th Anniversary of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy by the Indian government. Indian government has revoked special status of Jammu and Kashmir and increased human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, 2019.
Names of the MEPs who wrote the letter are CASTALDO Fabio Massimo, PIGNEDOLI Sabrina, D’AMATO Rosa, SATOURI Mounir, SOLÉ Jordi, PONSATÍ OBIOLS Clara, KOULOGLOU Stelios and INCIR Evin.
In their letter, they communicated to the EU’s leaders, “With deep concern and a heavy heart, we write to you once again about the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The exchange of correspondent between the MEPs and EU’s authorities and expressing concerns on human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir took place at the time when India is preparing to hold a G20 summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023. The MEPS clearly demanded from the EU to firmly address these issues with our Indian partners.
Ali Raza Syed also asked international community including G20 and EU to raise their voice against the human rights violations in Indian held Kashmir and play their role for just resolution of Kashmir problem.