UN report heartening: Malik

Srinagar: “UN report on Jammu Kashmir is heartening but should be followed by concrete steps to resolve the basic issue of Jammu Kashmir,” said the chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malikon Friday.
In a statement issued to GNS, Malik termed the report as an encouraging gesture towards the “oppressed” people of Jammu Kashmir. “At a time when oppressed Kashmiris felt to have been abandoned by the international community, this report highlighting their miseries has actually come as a ray of hope to them,” he said.
He said it imperative upon UN to follow its “positive” report with concrete steps to help Kashmiris realize their self-determination and address the long pending question of Jammu Kashmir “which is a case of incomplete decolonization in South Asia”.
He said that peace, progress, prosperity and democracy are all good mottos but it is only the resolution of Jammu Kashmir issue, ending military occupation and granting people the right to decide about their future that can guarantee these valued mottos.
He urged upon UN and its members to enhance their efforts for finding honourable solution to Jammu Kashmir issue. “Unless the occupation ends, the people of Jammu Kashmir will continue to suffer and hence UN and its constituents need to take positive steps to make the lives of people in this region peaceful and prosperous,” he said.
JKLF chief also termed the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari as unfortunate. He along with a party delegation visited Kreeri, Pattan and participated in funeral prayers of Shujaat Bukhari.
On the occasion, Malik met with Shujaat Bukhari’s bereaved father and expressed solidarity with him and the bereaved family. He also prayed for heavenly abode of the deceased and patience to the bereaved family. (GNS)