Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU), Ali Raza Syed, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Azad Kashmir and appealed to all stakeholders to resolve the issues through dialogue rather than violence.
In a statement issued from Brussels, he expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives during the agitation in Azad Kashmir and emphasized that violence can never be a solution to any problem.

He stressed that dialogue is the only viable path forward and urged all the concerned parties to bring the issues to the negotiating table without delay in order to find a peaceful and appropriate resolution. Further bloodshed, he said, is not in the interest of the Kashmiri people, as violence and unrest weaken both Kashmiri unity and the Kashmir cause.

Ali Raza Syed clarified that all Kashmiris, including overseas Kashmiris, are by no means against Pakistan. Rather, they have deep affection and loyalty towards Pakistan.

He stated that Azad Kashmir is an important center and base camp of the Kashmir freedom movement. If the situation in this liberated part of Jammu and Kashmir continues to deteriorate, India may exploit it unjustly, causing serious damage to the Kashmir cause.

Ali Raza Syed noted that India, which has long been enemy to the Kashmiri people, has consistently sought to promote instability and discord in Kashmir. For decades, it has attempted to create divisions among the people of Azad Kashmir but has so far failed in these conspiracies.

In the current circumstances, India will once again be looking for opportunities to exploit divisions among the Kashmiri people in pursuit of its evil objectives.

By taking advantage of the worsening situation in Azad Kashmir, India could more easily conceal its oppression and human rights abuses in Indian-Occupied Kashmir and divert international attention away from the grave violations being committed there.

Commenting on the concerns of overseas Kashmiris regarding the situation in Azad Kashmir, Ali Raza Syed said that such concern is entirely natural. Overseas Kashmiris have their roots in Azad Kashmir, and their families and relatives live there; therefore, they cannot remain indifferent or uninformed. Like Kashmiris in all regions, overseas Kashmiris love Pakistan and would never act against its interests. However, it would also be unreasonable to expect them to remain detached from or ignore the serious situation in Azad Kashmir.

The Chairman of the Kashmir Council EU called upon the Government of Azad Kashmir to immediately engage all political parties, political and social leaders, and civil society representatives in order to resolve the issue peacefully. He urged the government to seriously consider the protesters’ demands and address those that are legitimate.

He also appealed to the other side to recognize that no problem can be solved through lawlessness or violence. By exercising wisdom and restraint, all sections should advance the process of dialogue. Both sides must abandon rigid positions and engage in meaningful discussions to move forward peacefully.

Ali Raza Syed stated that the Kashmir cause is a shared objective of all Kashmiris, and unity among them is essential for achieving this goal. He urged everyone to set aside their differences and work together to make the struggle for Kashmir’s freedom successful.

The Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU) appealed to all political parties, community elders, civil society organizations, and the public to cooperate in ending violence and restoring normalcy.

He emphasized that this is a crucial test for the political parties of Azad Kashmir, which must play a constructive role. They should engage with the protesters and also encourage the government to enter into dialogue. Political and social leaders should help reconcile aggrieved individuals and remove misunderstandings that have arisen between the parties.