The United Nations must play a leading role in protecting the human rights of the people of Kashmir and for a peaceful future in South Asia.

A roundtable discussion on ‘Resolving Kashmir Issue: Imperative for Regional Stability’ was held at Bangladesh Shishu Kalyan Parishad, Dhaka on February 5, 2024 at 10.00 am on the initiative
of South Asian Youth Research Center (SAYRC). The program was conducted and presided over by Md. Israfil, Research Director, SAYRC.

Dr Saifuddin Ahmed, faculty of Peace and Conflict Studies Department, Dhaka University supported the just rights of Kashmiris and said that October 27 is observed as ‘Black Day’ all over the world, because on this day India took control of the state of Jammu and Kashmir by force without any legal justification. The Kashmir Solidarity Day, commemorated each year on February 5, amplifies the voices of those in Jammu and Kashmir who continue to seek justice and freedom.

It underscores commitment to standing by the Kashmiri people in their struggle for their legitimate rights. He supported the right of Kashmiris and said that India should restore the rights of Kashmiri people by restoring Article 370. Kashmir can be Israel of future through Hindutva policy.
Kashmiris may have to accept the fate of Palestine. By repealing 370 all Indians will be able to purchase land in Kashmir. Due to this policy, the Muslim population of Kashmir may migrate in
the near future. The international community only asks Pakistan and India to exercise restraint, but no one works to solve the real problem of Kashmir. The United Nations must play a leading role in maintaining stability and a peaceful future in South Asia.

Security analyst Col. Retired Ashraf Al Deen said, “The news of torture of Muslims in Kashmir is not spread like the news of torture of Muslims in Palestine.” Most of the Muslims here are being
persecuted regularly. People of all countries including Bangladesh should be vocal against this torture. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of making SAARC effective. He emphasized
on taking necessary steps to stop human rights violations in Kashmir. He emphasized on the role of the United Nations and India in protecting the human rights of the people of Kashmir and
establishing a conflict-free Kashmir. He supported the right of Kashmiris and said that India should restore the rights of Kashmiri people by restoring Article 370. He also felt that the people of 2
Kashmir will not get their rights back until Kashmir becomes a country. Reminding of Bangabandhu’s support for the Kashmiri people, he said that the government and people of Bangladesh should stand by the Kashmiris.

Security analyst Barrister Major (retd) M Sorower Hossain commented that the Kashmir crisis is a threat to South Asia and the whole world. He said India has destabilized the region by revoking
the special autonomy (Article 370) of the Kashmiris. The Government of India must leave the poison of communalism and return the rights of the people of Kashmir. Bangladesh government
and people should stand by the Kashmiris. He also mentioned that the Kashmir crisis should be resolved to protect the stability of South Asia through a plebiscite under the supervision of the
United Nations. He urged the country’s government and political parties to support the freedomloving people of Kashmir. He thinks that decisions should be taken according to the opinion of
Kashmiris by holding a referendum through the United Nations. He called for an early resolution of the Kashmir issue to preserve human rights and establish stable peace in South Asia and
highlighted the plight of the youth there and the brutality of the armed forces against them. He said that Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have blamed and condemned India for
human rights violations like indiscriminate killings, disappearances, torture etc. in Kashmir. Research Director of South Asian Youth Research Center Md. Israfil said, we are all victims of
Kashmir crisis. We should all come together to solve the problem of Kashmir. Curfews, illegal detentions, murders, premeditated killings, sieges, home fires, torture, disappearances, rapes,
torture of Muslim women and killings through fake encounters have become daily occurrences in Kashmir. He called for the urgent intervention of the international civil society and the United
Nations to stop these deaths and torture. He urged the country’s government and political parties to support the freedom-seeking people of Kashmir.