We the people of Kashmir felicitate you on your historic visit to India. We hope and expect that the visit proves fruitful not only for Indo-American relations but also a milestone for people of Kashmir towards achievement of their long standing demand for exercise of inalienable right to self determination. Mr. President Kashmir is a long standing issue on the agenda of The United Nations. It pertains to disposition of a territory inhabited by more than 10 million people. The territory continues to be divided by a bloody Line of Control between states of India and Pakistan. Being a territory inhabited by people, it is entitled to exercise of Right of Self-determination as guaranteed by the very first common Article of The Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and The Covenant on Economic-Social and Cultural Rights. Kashmiris also aspire for realization of self determination because it remains a universally accepted norm and principle for resolution of disputes pertaining territories inhabited by people. Self determination has been promised to the people of Jammu & Kashmir state through several resolutions of various bodies of the United Nations and accepted by both India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, Kashmir for a long time has been perceived to be a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan and has remained hostage to Geo-Politics of Cold war era. With the end of Cold war in early 90’s people of Kashmir expected to get rid of their subjugation on the pattern of Central Asian, Baltic and East European Republics. Unfortunately, it did not happen solely because the world remained focused on Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. Kashmiris kept on fighting the ruthless Indian state without any attention from the world powers. The attacks on world trade tower too contributed to the indifference of the world towards Kashmir. Unfortunately even legitimate insurgencies were mistakenly conceived as manifestations of terrorism. Kashmir struggle for self-determination too was portrayed in the same color. Kashmir resistance has since re-oriented itself into a peaceful, non-violent struggle which is still continuing in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the form of Quit Jammu & Kashmir Movement. This constitutes the first resistance within Muslim lands which has seen a transition from armed insurgency to a non violent people’s movement. Its success will have a impact at global level as those who have taken up arms in different parts of the world will realize the advantages of peaceful resistance. Kashmiris have abandoned their business, universities, colleges, offices, factories and every other avenue of engagement to impress upon the world indispensability of restoration of their inalienable right to self-determination. Indian state has responded to our peaceful movement with blatant use of force. They have let lose their army against unarmed population. One hundred and twelve (112) civilians (mostly children) have been killed since June 11, 2010. Hundreds injured and handicapped. Thousands detained under draconian laws. Media has been subjected to strict sensor ship. Local TV channels have been banned and access to International media restricted. Even local SMS services have been suspended.In spite of unprecedented mass mobilization right of self determination continues to be denied to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The often cited pretext for this denial remains misplaced portrayal of existence of minorities. Heterogeneity of population is not Kashmir specific but has been associated with so many issues recently attended and resolved by the international community. These include the problem of Eritrea, Montenegro, East-Timor, Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo. We remain open for any solution that is achieved through the exercise of Right of Self-Determination as it is a universally accepted principle that majority decision will prevail. Those who differ from the outcome of the vote too remain entitled to equality of status and protection of identity as per internationally accepted norms. Rights of minorities remain a sacred trust and obligation for us. The unprecedented mobilization of Kashmir deserves an immediate response, indifference of the world towards a peaceful resistance may plunge Kashmir into another cycle of violence. Such an eventuality does not auger well neither for Kashmiri nor for the world at large. World has paid a heavy price for its indifference towards Afghanistan. Ramifications of any conflict don’t remain confined to a specific territory within globalized world. World has to attend and focus on Kashmir issue in its own interest. Kashmir also deserves to be attended for the sake of upholding the principles and the purposes for which United States and UN have been working. We expect you to impress upon your hosts to address the issue immediately as it will help in eradication of tensions within which world has plunged in recent past. American alliance with an oppressive India against Muslim majority of Kashmir can trigger a negative impression within already alienated Muslim world. Solution of the problem with American assistance on the other hand will go a long way in eradication of trust deficit between US and the MUSLIM WORLD. We hope and expect you to use all influence at your disposal for restoration of right of self- Determination for people of Jammu & Kashmir state.
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