Directorate of External Linkages & Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, QAU co-hosted October 27th Kashmir Raise Voice & Express Solidarity – A Seminar to commemorate Kashmir Black Day, primarily for young audience. Attended widely by students and faculty members, the speakers Ms Farzana Yaqoob, Former Minister AJK Assembly & CEO Mantaq Center for Research , Mr Altaf Hussain Wani, President Kashmir Institute for27 Oct International Relations & Dr Shabana Fayyaz Chairperson DSS Department – highlighted various aspects of the Kashmir Issue, debunking popular myths, correcting the course of history and how imperative settling the longest pending agenda on the UNSC platform is, for the life, livelihood and survival for the Kashmiri people. The Session was moderated by Air Commodore Retd Khalid Banuri, Adviser PAF, renowned scholar and educationist, with expertise in International law.
Ms Farzana Yaqoob, places in this occupied beleaguered paradise are remembered by the massacres that they have faced, Poonch, Jammu, Kunan Pashpura all stand witness to what happened on their soils. She further stated that this is an anomaly that India follows what Isreal does, rather the systematic genocide and atrocities India is carrying out in Kashmir have provided a precedence for Isreal and the atrocities committed in Gaza are a witness to it.
Mr Altaf Wani in his conversation debunked and corrected several myths and misconceptions about the saga of the Dogra Mahraja’s accession to India, how New Delhi used excessive force to illegally occupy not only Jammu and Kashmir but other princely states as well, who refused to accede to New Delhi, as per the Lawful right accorded to them under the Accession Plan.
Dr Shabana Fayyaz focused on the digital disconnect, actively pursued by New Delhi specifically since 2019, she stressed on the need to revisit Pakistan’s Kshmir Policy, given how diplomatic channels now have gone beyond the traditional and historic means. Also that there is a need to develop critical thinking and what is happening in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir is not just a digital blackout but a systematic and organised denial of all aspects of rights and facilities, whether they be education, health, gender related aspects – with a greater impact specifically on Kashmiri women.
The Moderator of the session, Air Commodore Khalid Banuri highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir is not only in our hearts but also how we think of it mentally. With new challenges faced, we must understand the history, past, present and contemporary developments through a logical yet empathetic lens. It is not a political rhetoric but a reality which can be alongside other efforts dealt through the legal lens. Appreciating the panel for their candid views, he also highlighted the significance of collecting and maintaining data needed for building and supporting valid perspective, specially in case of Jammu & Kashmir, where Indian impunity remains persistence.
At the end Dr Salma Malik Director External Linkages, QAU offered her vote of thanks to the speakers and the moderator and stressed on the need for more such awareness seminars, which are factual, spoken from the heart and appreciate the strong presence of students who not only attended the seminar but also participated actively through a very thought provoking Q&A session.
Leave a Comment