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Thousands of petition Delivered to Canadian Govt. highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people.
9-10-2019
Surrey, BC. – On Monday September 9th, 2019 Members of “Kashmir Collaboration Committee” delivered in Person over 3000 postcards signed by the residents of Canada that urgently request Canada to take five specific actions in regards to Kashmir. This was in addition to 2500 postcards mailed to the Prime Minister’s office.
“Kashmir Collaboration Committee” is a joint platform of various organizations who are working together in solidarity with the people of Kashmir to highlight the current tragic and catastrophic plight of the Kashmiri people.
Current liberal MPs Sukh Dhahliwal, Ken Hardie, and Randeep Sarai met the Kashmir Collaboration Committee received the postcards in front of the members of the community at Surrey Jamea Masjid.
The MPs also expressed their concern regarding the devastating condition of the valley and assured to play their role in the best of their capacity.
On August 5, 2019, the Government of India unilaterally and against the will of the people of Kashmir, revoked Article 370 and Article 35A of the Indian constitution that granted autonomy to the disputed region. Since then, the entire population (more than 8 million people) are under severe military lockdown with complete shutdown of all modes of communication. Moreover, there are mass arrests of even young children in the region. People are suffering immensely as they lack the access to basic human needs and services. Even the journalists are denied entry into the region and no independent reporting is allowed. While this injustice seems unimaginably cruel, what is more unbelievable is the lack of response from the rest of the world. As a free nation that stands up for human rights, we are looking towards our great country of Canada and your leadership to voice your concerns on this dilemma.
Kashmir Collaboration Committee is looking towards Honorable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to standup against this inhumane act by the Indian Government who are sabotaging basic human rights of Kashmiris.
The committee raised the following demands:
1. What India has done goes against many UN Security Council resolutions!
UN has passed various resolutions in the past in support of the people of Kashmir. Canada secure a seat in the Security Council and should speak loud and clear in support of past resolutions.
2. The brutal siege of Kashmir is now over 5 weeks long!
People are suffering, including the elderly, sick, and children. They are struggling to get necessities. Over 6000 people have been detained without charges or due processes. We are looking forward to Canada to at least speak in support of human rights.
3. Human rights are human rights, whether they are in Hong Kong, Venezuela or Kashmir. Canada must not allow for any discrimination or prioritization of human rights.
4. Canada must re-establish its position as an honest broker in global affairs. That includes being steadfast in the face of a trade backlash. Canada should take the lead as global peace builder. If we will keep a blind eye to this issue, the fire will spread across the whole globe. This is dangerous for our future generations and us.
5. Please speak to the leaders of both Pakistan and India so that the matter can be solved with peaceful dialogues. Canada can take a leading role in deescalating and resolving this crisis before it becomes more severe as both Pakistan and India have nuclear weapons.
The Committee urged the Prime Minister to “stand by the oppressed, not the oppressor.”
The Committee Stated, “We cannot allow an entire population to be silenced, tortured, and subjugated to the will of a mightier power. They are as human as we Canadians are!”
“In this regard, we are looking towards our government, under your leadership, to step forward to facilitate this process, so that the people of Kashmir can regain their own fundamental rights to live their lives with dignity and freedom and are allowed to determine their own future.”
Members of Kashmir Collaboration Committee (KCC) Included :
Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver, Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians, Friends of Pakistan Canada Association, Global Peace Alliance Surrey, Global Peace Society, Kashmiris in BC, Muslim Student Associations, Pakistan Canada Association, Pakistani Canadian Women’s Society, Pakistani Canadian Community Association, Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association, Pakistani Youth Council, Stand With Kashmir, World Beyond War, and Young Ummah).
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