rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK): Former acting Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Raja Muzaffar, also Director of the Kashmir Empowerment Hub (KEH), Dallas, has expressed concern over remarks attributed to the US Ambassador to India describing Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India.”
In a statement released to the media on Thursday, Muzaffar called the remarks “unfortunate and surprising,” saying they were difficult to reconcile with the long-standing international dimensions of the Kashmir dispute.
He noted that when US President Donald Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, the offer reflected acknowledgement that the issue remained unresolved between the two sides.
However, Muzaffar cautioned against viewing the Ambassador’s remarks as an official change in the Trump administration’s Kashmir policy. He said diplomatic statements made in particular settings could have nuances and urged waiting for a clear statement from the US government or embassy.
Muzaffar expressed hope that Washington would continue supporting a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with international commitments and the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He stressed that Kashmiris should not be treated as spectators in decisions concerning their homeland and future, saying any durable settlement must recognise them as a principal party and provide them a meaningful voice in determining their political future.
Muzaffar said he remained hopeful that the United States would recognise the unresolved nature of the Kashmir question, respect the relevance of the United Nations framework concerning Jammu and Kashmir, and support a peaceful process taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He urged Washington to clarify its position and use its diplomatic influence to encourage dialogue rather than confrontation, engagement rather than isolation, and a peaceful political settlement in South Asia.