The World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKA) has reiterated the call for peaceful resolution of Kashmir and urged the United Nation to play its due role for the cause.

In a statement in connection with Right to Self-Determination Day, the forum said: “Today, we join in solidarity with Kashmiris in the diaspora and throughout the world to recognize the Right to Self-Determination Day.

“On January 5, 1949, the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan adopted a resolution that guaranteed Kashmir’s right to self-determination through an impartial plebiscite. We call on the United Nations to reinforce the commitment made to the indigenous people of Kashmir and on the international community to support our brothers and sisters for a free and fair plebiscite in the occupied Kashmir.”

It added: “For more than 75 years, the civilian population, including men, women and children of Jammu & Kashmir have faced systematic persecution at the hands of Indian forces. For far too long, our people have suffered under Indian occupation. With increased violence, sexual assaults, unlawful imprisonment being used to censor Kashmiri voices, we need the United Nations to make good on the commitment to the people of Kashmir to institute peaceful resolutions and self-determination.  

The forum said: “We ask that the international community stand against India’s cruel oppression of our people and help us to uplift indigenous calls for a free Jammu & Kashmir. We are incredibly proud to be Kashmiri-Americans and for the efforts that are being done on the ground and across the world by activists, journalists and scholars to bring awareness to this critical issue. We will forever stand with the people of Jammu & Kashmir.”