Kashmiris observe Right to Self-Determination Day today

Islamabad (Web Desk): Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and across the world, are observing Right to Self-Determination Day today (Monday) to once again draw global attention to the unresolved Kashmir issue and to remind the international community of its pledged commitments. 
The observance was announced by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC).

Throughout Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a series of peaceful activities such as demonstrations, rallies, seminars, and awareness programs are taking place at both divisional and district levels.

In Muzaffarabad, the capital, public assemblies and processions have been organized by the Kashmir Liberation Cell, Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, and the International Forum for Justice.

As part of these events, participants are moving peacefully toward the United Nations (UN) Observer Mission office in the city.

To mark the day, all three local radio stations are broadcasting special programs focusing on the significance of the right to self-determination.

January 5 carries historical importance, as on this date in 1949 the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a key resolution declaring that the future status of Jammu and Kashmir—whether it would accede to India or Pakistan—should be decided through a free and unbiased plebiscite.

At the same time, the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party has sent an urgent appeal to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging the world organization to ensure the implementation of its own resolutions that recognize the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to decide their future.

In his letter, the party’s Acting President, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, referred to the annual observance of January 5 and highlighted what he described as a worsening political climate and human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a territory recognized by the UN as disputed and under India’s illegal occupation.

Recalling the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan resolution of January 5, 1949, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar emphasized that the final status of the former princely state must be settled in accordance with the wishes of its people, to be expressed through a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the supervision of the UN.