WASHINGTON: The Washington-based World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKAF) has expressed disappointment but not surprise at the recent decision by the Indian Supreme Court to uphold the Modi government’s illegal revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
The WKAF labelled the judgment as a continuation of a trend where Indian courts seem to align with the government’s agenda rather than impartially uphold the rule of law.
In a statement, the WKAF highlighted previous controversial decisions by the Indian Supreme Court, including the confirmation of the death sentence for Afzal Guru and the judgment allowing the construction of a Hindu temple in place of the Babri Mosque. The forum emphasized that the recent decision contradicts UN resolutions No. 122 and No. 126, both adopted in 1957, which prohibit any unilateral actions aimed at altering the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir.
The WKAF argued that the verdict poses a significant challenge to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue and exposes India’s expansionist ambitions, potentially leading to disastrous consequences for the region, which includes three nuclear-powered states. The statement called on the United Nations and the international community to intervene and dissuade India from pursuing its agenda in Kashmir.
Despite the setback, the WKAF asserted that the decision would not dampen the spirit of Kashmiris in their quest for freedom from Indian occupation. The forum pledged that the struggle for liberty, peace, and justice would persist, fuelled by the sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir.
In a scathing critique, the WKAF declared that the moral fabric of the Indian judiciary lies in tatters, and the rule of law has been abandoned in favour of a system akin to a jungle with hyenas. The statement challenged the Indian authorities’ belief that freedom voices can be silenced through such decisions.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by the people of Kashmir, with over 100,000 youth and the honour of over 11,000 sisters, the WKAF vowed that the struggle for freedom and justice would be invigorated. The forum called on the world powers to choose between a cataclysmic outcome of the struggle or restraining India to ensure peace, tranquillity, and justice in Kashmir.
Quoting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the WKAF reminded the international community of the UN’s stance on the region, governed by the UN Charter and applicable Security Council resolutions.
