WASHINGTON: Former head of the political wing of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, Sardar Anwar, met US Congressman Blake Moore in the United States and discussed the Kashmir dispute, regional tensions and the imprisonment of Yasin Malik.
During the meeting, Sardar Anwar briefed the congressman on the historical background of the partition of the Indian subcontinent and the subsequent control of Jammu and Kashmir by India and Pakistan.
He discussed the wars fought over the disputed territory, the economic migration of Kashmiris and the social and political challenges faced by the people of the region.
Sardar Anwar also highlighted the imprisonment of Yasin Malik in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, describing him as a symbol of resistance and the voice of national freedom for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He raised concerns regarding the policies of the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged plans to impose the death penalty on Malik. A written memorandum on the issue was also presented to Congressman Moore.
According to Sardar Anwar, Yasin Malik had engaged with political leaders, intellectuals and journalists from both India and Pakistan to advocate what he described as a roadmap for an independent Jammu and Kashmir and regional prosperity in South Asia.
He further said Malik had previously met representatives of the US State Department, members of Congress and senators during visits to New York and Washington, where he discussed peaceful solutions to the Kashmir dispute.
Sardar Anwar stated that the Kashmir issue has remained on the agenda of the United Nations since 1948 and warned that continued tensions among India, Pakistan and China over the region posed a threat to regional and global peace.
He argued that an independent and secular Jammu and Kashmir could serve as a bridge of peace, trade and friendship among the three countries and described the region as a potential “Switzerland of South Asia”.
During the meeting, he also urged Congressman Moore to support efforts for the release of Yasin Malik and other detained political leaders, activists, journalists and women prisoners.
Sardar Anwar additionally briefed the US lawmaker on the public rights movement in Pakistan-administered Kashmir led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, including a planned long march and sit-in protest scheduled for June 9 regarding implementation of the group’s charter of demands.
According to the statement, Congressman Blake Moore assured Sardar Anwar that he would raise the issues with the US State Department and play his role in addressing the concerns presented during the meeting.
