NEW YORK: On a remarkable day at the iconic Times Square in New York City, Kashmiri Americans, along with supporters of Kashmir, including women and children, gathered to denounce India’s settler colonialism and express unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
The momentous rally was jointly organized by all Kashmiri-American Diaspora organizations, exemplifying a strong and united voice calling for justice and human rights in the region.
The protesters held aloft placards and banners emblazoned with powerful messages such as ‘Decolonize Kashmir,’ ‘UN Wake UP UN,’ ‘Release Yasin Malik,’ ‘Kashmiris Reject Indian Occupation,’ ‘Kashmiris Demand Human Rights,’ and ‘Kashmir for Kashmiris.’ The fervour and determination displayed by the demonstrators sent a clear message to the world that the Kashmiri struggle for freedom and self-determination will not be silenced or forgotten, according to Kashmir Media Service.
Sardar Haleem Khan, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, North America, passionately appealed to the global community and nations with a commitment to peace to take note of the immense pain and suffering endured by the people of occupied Kashmir. He highlighted the prominent role of Mohammad Yasin Malik as an undisputed leader in the Kashmiri political resistance movement and called for the unconditional release of all political leaders, including Yasin Malik.
Addressing the crowd, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, condemned the dark chapter in Kashmir’s history that unfolded on August 5, 2019, when India abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A, paving the way for the enactment of the Domicile Law—a move intended to alter the demographic composition of the region. He asserted that India’s claim of being the ‘largest democracy’ is nothing but an illusion and the actions in Kashmir amount to modern settler colonialism.
Dr Fai underscored the importance of international intervention in Kashmir, referring to the recent attempt by the Modi administration to host a G20 tourism meeting in the region. However, major countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Oman, and Egypt boycotted the meeting, expressing their refusal to endorse India’s actions. Dr Fai called upon the United Nations Secretary-General to invoke Article 99 and intervene in Kashmir, given the grave risk of genocide looming over the region, as stated by Dr Gregory Stanton, Chairman of Genocide Watch.
Dr Imtiaz Khan, a professor at George Washington University Medical Center, shed light on the escalating human rights abuses in Indian-occupied Kashmir. He spoke passionately about the killings of youth and the molestation of women, which continue unabated since August 5, 2019. Dr Khan highlighted India’s policy of altering the demographics of the territory by providing domicile certificates and land to hundreds of thousands of militant Hindus and army personnel, resulting in the displacement of the local Muslim population.
The rally showcased the diversity of voices united in their support for Kashmir’s freedom struggle. Various speakers, including Sardar Sawar Khan, Raja Razak, Raja Mukhtar, Maqbool Gujjar, and Sardar Taj Khan, emphasized the importance of self-determination for the people of Kashmir and urged the international community to pay heed to their plight. They called for a collective effort by the American Muslim community to join hands with Kashmiri Americans in advocating for justice and human rights in the region.
The rally also highlighted the role of the media in shedding light on the situation in Kashmir. Speakers from media watchdogs such as Farooq Mirza and Muhammad Manzoor stressed the importance of press freedom in ensuring that the world remains informed about the ongoing human rights violations in the region.
The event featured the poignant accounts of Sister Amna Habib, who emphasized the vital role of women in the Kashmiri freedom struggle, particularly highlighting the sacrifices made by Aasia Andrabi, who has been incarcerated for years.
The Times Square rally echoed a resounding message of hope and solidarity, leaving an indelible impression on the hearts of those present. As Kashmiri Americans and their allies continue to raise their voices against India’s settler colonialism, they hope to draw the world’s attention to the plight of the Kashmiri people and their steadfast quest for freedom and justice. The rally served as a powerful reminder to the oppressed in occupied Kashmir that they are not alone in their struggle, and the global community stands with them in their pursuit of self-determination and peace.
