Washington, DC: In a historic and powerful display of solidarity, the leadership of the Kashmiri American diaspora, represented by the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, joined forces with the African American diaspora, under the banner of the Sierra Leone Muslim Jamaat. Together, they co-hosted an interactive panel discussion titled “Unity Across Continents.” The event’s primary objective was to rally for Civil Rights Actions at local and global levels, aimed at alleviating the long-standing suffering endured by the people of Jammu and Kashmir due to the presence of Indian occupation forces for over seven decades.
Imam Teslim Afghali, speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Muslim Jamaat, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the World Kashmir Awareness Forum for choosing their community to host this crucial Kashmir awareness event. Imam Afghali encouraged attendees to approach the discussion with open minds and offer their utmost attention to the voices of the Kashmiri American community. He reminded everyone of Kashmir’s unique beauty, its snow-covered mountains, diverse forestry, historical monuments, handicrafts, and renowned local hospitality, making it truly a “paradise on earth.”
Imam Afghali emphasized that both India and Pakistan have recognized the right of the people of Kashmir to determine their own future. Drawing parallels to the African heritage, he stressed that understanding the pain and suffering of their Kashmiri brethren should not be difficult. The purpose of the dialogue was to explore various facets of the Kashmir issue, examining it from a human rights and cultural perspective within its historical context. Quoting the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Imam Afghali reminded everyone that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Imam Afghali also highlighted a significant achievement: Prince George County’s unanimous adoption of a resolution declaring “Kashmiri Muslims Remembrance Day.” He urged the audience to join the peaceful struggle for Kashmir, emphasizing that human rights are universal, encompassing Islamic, Christian, and God-given rights. The Imam called upon the community to unite with the Kashmiri American diaspora in their shared pursuit of justice and human rights.
Dr. Ghulam N. Mir, President of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, and Dr. Imtiaz Khan, a professor at George Washington University and a Board Member of the Kashmir Diaspora Coalition, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the host community and its remarkable leadership for their support and solidarity with the Kashmiri Muslim community. Dr. Mir recounted the tragic historical events of the Poonch Massacre and the Jammu Genocide of 1947, which resulted in the deaths of 237,000 Kashmiri Muslims and the displacement of many more into newly created Pakistan. Dr. Khan shed light on the horrifying massacres and gang rapes, including the infamous Kunan-Poshpora incident.
The leaders from Kashmir in attendance proposed strengthening ties between the Sierra Leone Jamaat and the Kashmiri American diaspora through regular communication and the sharing of social and religious bonds. Their aim is to advance the cause of peace, harmony, and social justice, both in the diaspora and in their homelands of Sierra Leone and Kashmir.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General of the World Kashmir Awareness Forum, highlighted the significance of this unity across continents, emphasizing its potential to reach entirely new audiences. He pointed out that the African Union comprises 56 countries with a combined GDP of 3.6 trillion dollars, making it impossible for the Kashmiri diaspora to ignore such a vast continent. Dr. Fai also invoked the wisdom of Nobel Laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu, who advocated for peace, justice, and stability in Kashmir through dialogue and negotiations rather than the use of force.
Additionally, two distinguished guests from Turkey, Dr. Cihangir Irisbilir and Brother Sinan Celikkol, attended the event. Dr. Irisbilir, President of the Istanbul-based Divan Research and Education Association (DREA), commended the event for shedding light on the enduring plight of the Kashmiri people. He expressed his joy at witnessing the African community in Washington advocating for the Kashmir cause, emphasizing the importance of such global solidarity.
