Jeddah, Oct 29: The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) believes the settlement of Kashmir is not far away and people of the state, “after so many years of suffering, deserve full respect for their legitimate right to self-determination.”
“Surely, it’s (settlement) not far away,” Abdullah Alam, assistant secretary general and special representative of the OIC secretary-general on the Jammu and Kashmir, told an event  organised by Pakistan International School and Pakistan Consul General here other day.
Alam said that OIC is examining all existing possibilities and authorities to help people of Jammu and Kashmir gain their rights. “The permanent inclusion of the Jammu and Kashmir issue on the agenda of OIC’s summits and ministerial sessions is a clear indication of the Islamic organization’s strong support and continuous solidarity with its people,” he said and added that the OIC is now trying to explore, through the OIC offices in New York and Geneva, the Human Rights Council, international human rights groups and humanitarian organizations to “prevent further violations of the human rights of the Kashmiri people and work toward helping them realize their right to self-determination.”
Muhammad Umar Badahdah of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, Pakistan consul general and members of the Kashmir Committee, also spoke on the occasion.
The speakers said that in recent months there had been an alarming increase in violation of human rights and indiscriminate use of force against Kashmiris, which has resulted in the killing of over 100 people and injuries to thousands.
“Government of India must realize that bullets and batons are not an answer to the demand of fundamental rights. It’s time to start a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan for the resolution of this longstanding dispute,” the Pakistan consul general said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST