Kashmir issue was highlighted for the very first time in French Parliament in a symposium organized by Mr. Jean Bernard Sempastous, the President of Pakistan France Friendship Group in the French National Assembly in Paris.
According to a press release received from Paris the conference held on the theme, “Kashmir the oldest conflict of the World”, was attended by the members of the French parliament, scholars, researchers, human rights activists and French and Pakistan media in large number.
Mr Jean Bernard Sempastous in his remarks said that the Kashmir conflict was 70 years old and had caused thousands of deaths. He stated that as there was little knowledge about Kashmir conflict in France, the Friendship Group decided to organize this event many months ago.
After a new historical turning point since August, reflection on this oldest conflict of the world deserved our full attention. He stressed the need for early resolution of Kashmir dispute and called upon both Pakistan and India to exercise maximum restraint and take steps to resolve the issue by peaceful means.
He also stressed the need for restoration of fundamental freedoms of the people of Kashmir. The four panelists representing French think tanks, educational institutions and human rights organizations shed light on the Kashmir dispute from the historical perspective, current developments and future prospects.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to France Moin ul Haque speaking at the event thanked the French National Assembly for organizing this first-ever conference on Kashmir. He highlighted the plight of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who for the last seven weeks were facing an unprecedented lockdown and curbs on their fundamental freedoms.
The Ambassador also conveyed the message from President of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan in which he requested the French parliament to hold an open debate on the humanitarian emergency in Jammu and Kashmir; France to lobby with relevant UN and international organization to establish a humanitarian corridor for the people of Jammu & Kashmir; and for France to play its role as permanent member of the Security Council for peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute as per UN Security Council resolutions.
The President AJK expressed the hope that the people of France, who are the harbingers of universally recognized fundamental freedoms and human rights, would also raise their voices for the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
No respite for the people of Kashmir as life continues to remain crippled on the 52nd consecutive day, today (Wednesday) due to military clampdown and communications blackout in the Indian occupied territory.
The valley is under a continued military siege since August 5 when Narendra Modi-led Indian government repealed the special status of occupied Kashmir and imposed a curfew in the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, millions of people have been besieged in their houses as heavy contingents of the Indian troops continue to be deployed in every nook and corner of the valley.
Kashmir issue getting attention from European countries as it is highlighted in the french parliament for the first time.