On Sept 10, 2019 the “Kashmir Collaboration Committee” arranged a community forum about the human rights violations in Kashmir. This committee is a joint platform of various organizations who are working together in solidarity with the people of Kashmir to highlight the current tragic and catastrophic plight of the Kashmiri people. The forum was held at the community room of Surrey Jamia Masjid. There were around 100 attendees.
The main purpose of the forum was to hand over the postcards collected over the past few weeks asking Canada to take action on the Kashmir situation. Over 2500 postcards were mailed to the Prime Minister’s office and another 3000 postcards were handed over at the forum. The postcards were signed by the residents of Canada and urgently requests Canada to take five specific actions in regards to Kashmir. These postcards were handed over to respectable MP Mr. Sukh Dhaliwal and he promised to deliver them to the Prime Minister.
In attendance at the forum were the local liberal MPs Sukh Dhahliwal, Ken Hardie, and Randeep Sarai. The MPs also expressed their concern regarding the devastating condition of the valley and assured us that they would play their role to the best of their capacity. Various community representatives expressed their concern that Canada is not doing enough to address the serious human rights violations occurring in Kashmir.
The five points in the postcards were:
1. What India has done goes against many UN Security Council resolutions!
UN has passed various resolutions in the past in support of the people of Kashmir. Canada secure a seat in the Security Council and should speak loud and clear in support of past resolutions.
2. The brutal siege of Kashmir is now over 5 weeks long!
People are suffering, including the elderly, sick, and children. They are struggling to get necessities. Over 6000 people have been detained without charges or due processes. We are looking forward to Canada to at least speak in support of human rights.
3. Human rights are human rights, whether they are in Hong Kong, Venezuela or Kashmir. Canada must not allow for any discrimination or prioritization of human rights.
4. Canada must reestablish its position as an honest broker in global affairs. That includes being steadfast in the face of a trade backlash. Canada should take the lead as global peace builder. If we will keep a blind eye to this issue, the fire will spread across the whole globe. This is dangerous for our future generations and us.
5. Please speak to the leaders of both Pakistan and India so that the matter can be solved with peaceful dialogues. Canada can take a leading role in deescalating and resolving this crisis before it becomes more severe as both Pakistan and India have nuclear weapons.
The Kashmir Collaboration Committee has been active over the past few weeks with various actions including rallies, MP visits, and forums. There is much more to be done. If any other organization or group want to join the Kashmir Collaboration Committee please contact Furquan Gehlen at 604-603-8741
or FJGHOME@yahoo.com.
