Islamabad, Apr 19: Terming unity as key to success, Kashmiri leaders hailing from both sides of Line of Control today maintained that in view of the changing world scenario there was dire need to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to take the ongoing struggle for right to self-determination to its logical end.
 Kashmiri leaders made these assertions while speaking at a luncheon held in honour of JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik by Ameer Jammat-e-Islami Abdul Rashid Turabi here on Thursday. Besides the APHC convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Nabi Nowsheri, columnists and media representatives were present on the occasion.
 Speaking on the occasion, the JKLF chief said that the recent history of Kashmir is witness to the fact that Kashmiris have offered matchless sacrifices during the ongoing struggle.
 “It is very unfortunate and indeed painful for Kashmiris when people talk about freezing Kashmir or putting it on back burner. It was not at all acceptable to the people of Kashmir, who have rendered huge sacrifices over the last several years,” Malik said.
 He said after 9/11 Kashmiris started a peaceful, non-violent and democratic struggle to achieve the cherished goal. “Now it is the moral responsibility of international community to reciprocate and respond positively to the Kashmiri people’s demands”, he maintained.
 He said that instead of wasting much time, the two countries should come forward in a big way to resolve this long pending issue to ensure lasting peace in the region.
 Regarding Indo-Pak dialogue Malik said that Kashmiris have made it clear time and again that they were not averse to talks. “But one fails to understand that on one hand they talk about strengthening peace and dialogue while on the other separatist leadership were being denied of any political space in Kashmir. It is a big question mark on the ongoing dialogue process,” he said.
 “What sort of peace process is it that restrictions are being imposed on political activities in Kashmir”, he added. Malik also termed crackdown on Facebook users in Kashmir as an assault on freedom of expression.
 He also expressed dissatisfaction over the role of Pakistan media saying that the K-issue has been deleted from Pakistani press.
 Speaking on the occasion the JI chief said that presently the Pakistani political leadership, main opposition parties and the incumbent regime’s stance on Kashmir issue was not in line with the prevailing situation on ground in Kashmir.
 He said that it was a crucial time for the Kashmiri leadership to deal with the challenges both at national and international level. He said that there was dire need to have a comprehensive strategy to meet the challenges.
 APHC convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar said that by resolving the core issue of Kashmir all the peripheral issues like Siachen and other issues would be automatically resolved. At this very critical juncture, he said that Kashmiri leadership on both sides should evolve a joint mechanism to take the ongoing struggle to its logical end.
 Moulana Nowsheri, stressed the need for complete unanimity within the ranks and files of separatist leaders. He also praised the JKLF chief for his indomitable role in the freedom struggle.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST