Digital advertising trucks flash messages of appreciation for President Trump

The World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKAF), a Washington-based advocacy group, rented digital advertising trucks in Washington to appreciate President Triumph’s statesmanship in defusing tension between two nuclear countries in South Asia–India and Pakistan.

The electronic screens on the trucks carry messages such as: “With President Trump’s Intervention Hostilities Cease: He Deserves Nobel Prize for Peace”; “Kashmir Problem Requires Final Resolution: President Trump Need Your Intervention”; “Talks on Kashmir Should Ensue: President Trump Thanks for Raising the Issue”;  “Kashmir Conflict Should be Heeded: Mediation of President Trump is Highly Needed”; “Kashmiris Condemn Killings and Yearn for Tranquility: President Trump Urge Parties to Exhibit Rationality”; “Ceasefire Without Addressing Kashmir Problem Cannot Sustain: Pressure on India for Negotiations Should Remain”; “Kashmir Problem Can Lead to Annihilation: World Demands President Trump’s Mediation”;  “When Kashmir becomes nuclear flash point, it is no longer a bilateral issue but an international one.”

Dr Ghulam Nabi Mir, President, World Kashmir Awareness Forum and Chairman, Kashmiri Diaspora Coalition (KDC) said that 77 years of often bloody wars between two nuclear powers with burgeoning mostly impoverished populations, brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a nuclear Armageddon only a week ago – all that because of the Indian occupation of Kashmir and Kashmiris’ unrelenting yielding love for freedom.

Dr Mir added that the United States has always taken a principled stand to support their right to self-determination, and President Trump has become the latest champion of that cause. There is no reason for India to believe that Permanent peace can be achieved with the barrel of a gun from either side!

Dr Imtiaz Khan, Kashmiri American scholar, said that the current fracas between India and Pakistan, although paused, has not altogether terminated. If it were not forthe timely intervention by President Trump, the danger of a full-fledged war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours with catastrophic outcomes for half of the world population could not be ruled out. It is very fortunate that we have Donald Trump as President of United States, a person with exemplary sagacity and nature to deal with intricate international problems with poise and aplomb.

Dr Khan added that the people of the region should profusely express their gratitude to President Trump, who played a predominant role in abating the skirmishes which otherwise could have led to unmitigated disaster. His insightful and discerning approach is exhibited by addressing the root cause of distrust and conflagration between the two neighbours: “protracted and unsolved issue of Kashmir”. Over the last more than seventy-seven years, officials of the two countries have interacted on hundreds of occasions with dismal outcomes. It is abundantly clear that bilateralism, as advocated by India, has met with total failure. It is abundantly clear that without the intervention of the leader of the free world, this highly complex problem cannot be resolved. President Trump has fathomed the situation and offered his good offices to mediate between the two countries, which are on the brink of major conflict.

“It should be noted that jingoism and sabre rattling by India is increasing every day, and a nightmarish situation can come true very soon unless utmost attention is paid to this issue. President Trump has suggested negotiations at a neutral venue, which is a plausible step, but also should include the genuine leadership of occupied Kashmir. Time and again, Kashmiri activists and leaders have warned the international community of a potential nuclear scourge in the region if the problem is left unattended and UN resolutions are not implemented.  Unfortunately, it has fallen on deaf ears, and there has been total inaction against India’s belligerent and non-cooperative attitude. With President Trump, hope of Kashmiris has been rekindled and aspiration to breathe in their land free of occupation has revived,” Dr Khan warned.

Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace and Justice, appreciated the assiduous efforts of President Donald J Trump in preventing the conflagration between the two nuclear-armed neighbours – India & Pakistan - by brokering the timely ceasefire. Without his statesmanship, millions of people would have been devoured by war, and coming generations would have suffered from the consequences of a nuclear holocaust.

Dr Fai added that the people of Kashmir have lofty expectations from President Trump. It is their firm conviction that his sagacious leadership, astute approach to world problems, unwavering commitment to peace and the protracted problem of Kashmir will find a just, amicable, and equitable resolution. The resolution of the Kashmir dispute will bring unparalleled honour to the one who helps to achieve it. That honour could be yours, Mr President.

Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir said that the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, though short-lived, highlighted the ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly over Kashmir. However, the intervention of President Trump is a significant step towards de-escalation and peace in the region. We hope this ceasefire will pave the way for lasting dialogue and improved relations.

Sardar Zarif added that the ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, offers a much-needed opportunity to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. This expression of appreciation recognises the efforts of those involved in reaching this agreement and expresses hope for a future where peace and understanding prevail.

Sardar Zubair Khan, representative of Voice of Justice in Kashmir, said that the Kashmiri American community need to show our appreciation for the incredible leadership role shown by the 47th president of the United States.

Sardar Shoaib Irshad, General Secretary, Kashmir American Welfare Association (KAWA) said the recent escalation between India and Pakistan brought the two neighbouring countries to the brink of nuclear catastrophe. However, President Trump’s mediation offer renews focus on Kashmir after India-Pakistan clash risked broader war.

Raja Liaqat Kayani, President, Kashmir House, Washington, said that it was the ceasefire that ultimately saved the region from a nuclear catastrophe. It's time to rally our collective thanks and gratitude for President Trump’s willingness to mediate.