rki.news | Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Aug. 21: Azad Jammu Kashmir State President Ch. Latif Akbar has strongly condemned remarks reportedly made by the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, describing Jammu and Kashmir as an “integral part” of India during his visit to Srinagar.
In a statement issued Friday, Akbar said the remarks were deeply regrettable and disregarded the political and historical aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He said they were also contrary to the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Akbar maintained that administrative control by one country over part of a disputed territory does not determine its final legal or political status. He said the Kashmir dispute has remained on the UN Security Council agenda for decades, with resolutions recognising the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their future through a free and impartial process.
He said the United States had previously recognised Kashmir as a dispute and supported dialogue and a peaceful settlement. Endorsing the position of one party, he added, could undermine Washington’s role as an impartial and constructive participant.
Akbar stressed that Kashmir should not be treated as an internal matter of India and said no lasting solution could be achieved without the participation of the Kashmiri people.
He urged the U.S. administration and international community to uphold international law, relevant UN resolutions and the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
“The disputed status of Jammu & Kashmir cannot be changed by any diplomatic statement,” he said.
Akbar also urged the international community to press India to address alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, release political prisoners and create conditions conducive to a peaceful settlement.
He reiterated that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir should be determined through the free will of its people rather than force, occupation or unilateral measures.