Pakistan PM condemns India on 1947 Jammu massacre anniversary

ISLAMABAD: On the anniversary of the massacre of Kashmiris by Indian forces, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on Thursday, said the events of November 6, 1947, remain a painful memory for Kashmiris decades later. 

PM Sharif said Kashmiris worldwide commemorate the date each year in condemnation of the "first massive genocide" of Kashmiris by Indian armed forces.

"In the history of Jammu and Kashmir, November 6, 1947, is marked as the darkest day and is etched in the minds of Kashmiri people as a fresh wound even after decades," Sharif said. "Each year, Kashmiris across the world commemorate it in condemnation as the 'first massive genocide' of the Kashmiris by brutal Indian armed forces."

The prime minister said Indian forces and extremists killed 237,000 Kashmiris in November 1947 in an attempt to change the demographic and religious makeup of the region's population. He said efforts to alter the Muslim majority in Kashmir continue today, citing actions taken on August 5, 2019, as an extension of the same pattern.

"In November 1947, Indian forces and extremists brutally tortured and massacred thousands (237,000) of Kashmiris in a genocidal attempt to change the demographic and religious majority of the Kashmiri population," he said. "Such an illegal and unilateral attempt by Indian forces to artificially alter the demographic majority of Muslims in Kashmir continues to date."

The PM paid tribute to Kashmiris who died in the struggle for freedom. 

"Pakistan pays homage to the thousands of Kashmiri martyrs, especially of November 1947, who sacrificed their lives in this long struggle for freedom," Sharif said. "In utter denial of United Nations Security Council resolutions and in violation of international law, India has held illegal usurpation and illegitimate occupation of Kashmir."

He said Pakistan and others who support human rights condemn India in the strongest terms, adding that "India is guilty of protracted violation of fundamental human rights, right to self-determination and international law."

The prime minister described the day as representing the courage and determination of people in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to secure their right to freedom. He said generations of Kashmiris have resisted Indian forces.

"This day incarnates the exceptional courage and unwavering determination of the people of IIOJK to secure their inalienable right to freedom," he said. "This day also testifies that generations of Kashmiris valiantly challenged Indian forces and never succumbed to Indian brutalities and atrocities."

PM Sharif said Pakistan's government and people pay tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiris and extend support to the people in the disputed region.

"Today, the government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan pay heartfelt tribute to the valued sacrifices of Kashmiri brothers and sisters," he said. "Pakistan extends unequivocal support to the oppressed people of IIOJK."

He said Pakistan will continue to raise the Kashmir issue on the global diplomatic stage and provide political, diplomatic, and moral support to Kashmiris.

"Pakistan also reiterates its commitment at the global diplomatic front that Pakistan will continue to ardently raise the issue of Kashmir and will continue to extend its political, diplomatic, and moral support to the people of Kashmir," he said.

The prime minister called on the international community to voice concerns about the continued human rights violations by India in the region. He said Pakistan maintains that the Kashmir dispute must be resolved according to UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiris.

"The international community must emphatically voice its concerns about the continued violation of human rights and international law by India in IIOJK," he said. "At every international diplomatic forum, Pakistan has this principled position that the Kashmir dispute must be resolved in line with UNSC resolutions and as per the just aspirations of Kashmiris."