Srinagar, July 27: The United States based Kashmiri American Council (KAC) on Wednesday said that it is a  non profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of the Kashmiri people. 
“Organized in 1990, its sole aim is to pursue and secure the right of self determination for the people of Kashmir as promised by successive United Nations resolutions.  Membership in the organization is open to anyone and everyone who espouses the Kashmiris' right to self determination,” a KAC spokesman said in a statement e-mailed to Greater Kashmir. 
“The KAC's board of directors have met repeatedly since the arrest of its Executive Director, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai.  The Board categorically denies the charges casting aspersions on Dr Fai, and further denies any hint or innuendo that its activities are prepared, propagated or otherwise vetted by any agency of any foreign government.  The KAC's activities are planned, organized and funded by donations received from the organization's United States based membership and well wishers,” he said. “The KAC denies knowingly receiving any funds from any sources emanating from beyond the United States' borders.  There are no agents or other interested parties working within the KAC or its Board that are otherwise affiliated with, or conducting business, at the behest of any outside party.”
“The KAC Board denies any knowledge of any individual alleged to have worked for, or on behalf of, the KAC, known as Zaheer Ahmad, and denies all press and other reports attempting to link Zaheer with the KAC.  The Board reaffirms its support to Dr Fai and his family and requests that his family's privacy be respected.  The Board further requests that the judicial process surrounding Dr Fai be open and transparent, allowing for an unbiased weighing of the facts and evidence,” the spokesman said.
“Finally, the KAC pledges to carry forward its mission of working towards the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, first and foremost taking into account the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.  The Board promised to pursue the mission with full commitment and vigor, and requested all like minded organizations to do so as well,” he said. “Dr Fai's current situation neither maligns nor discredits the peaceful and principled struggle of the Kashmiris in search of their right to self determination.  The Board again calls upon all parties, including the international community, all human rights organizations and people of conscience to help remove all unreasonable impediments and create a situation conducive to trilateral and tripartite talks designed to lead to a resolution of the Kashmir dispute while keeping the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people paramount.”

Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST