Renowned academician and scholar Waleed Rasool has strongly criticized India’s actions on August 5, 2019, describing them as illegal and unilateral.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan in connection with Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, he said that these actions were intended to alter the disputed status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to effect demographic changes that undermine the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

He emphasized that such moves have been widely rejected.

Waleed Rasool condemned India’s portrayal of the situation in IIOJK, characterizing its narrative as fabricated and deceptive.

He expressed disappointment over the misuse of international law by India to further its own interests.

He said that Youm-e-Istehsal will be observed on Monday to express the Kashmiri people’s rejection of India’s illegal occupation and to protest the Indian government’s decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

He also condemne
d the Indian government’s decision to change the names of places, languages and curriculum of students, which he sees as an attempt to erase the cultural identity and heritage of the Kashmiri people.

Highlighting the need for international solidarity, Waleed Rasool called on Pakistan and the Kashmiri people to strengthen their efforts in garnering global support for the Kashmir Cause.

He reiterated that the core of the Kashmiri struggle is to achieve a free, fair, and impartial UN-sponsored plebiscite, allowing the Kashmiri people to determine their own future.

Waleed Rasool urged media professionals to play a critical role in countering Indian plans and exposing its actions to the global audience.

Despite the severe human rights abuses reportedly committed by India in IIOJK, he asserted that these efforts would not dampen the Kashmiris’ spirit for freedom, noting that their morale remains strong.

Source: Radio Pakistan