July 03, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 28, 1429

LONDON, July 2: The one-day conference on Kashmir titled ‘Visions For Peace’ held in the House of Commons on Wednesday resolved that right of self-determination was an inalienable and non-negotiable right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and people of the state should be granted this right to ensure peace in the region in particular and the world in general.

The conference called for setting up an international commission to look into human rights violations in the state, particularly the issue of disappearances and discoveries of mass graves.

It also called for demilitarisation from both the sides of the ceasefire line, declaring Jammu and Kashmir a non-nuclear zone.

The conference further said a concerted dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir should be speeded up and the dialogue should be all inclusive by providing due space to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the dialogue table. Leaders of the armed resistance should be integral component of the peace initiatives for resolution of the Kashmir problem.

It pleaded for the release of all political prisoners languishing in different jails and interrogation centres in the state and in different parts of India. Cases instituted against various political leaders of Kashmir should be withdrawn. The draconian laws in force in the state should be repealed.

All political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir should be allowed to travel across the ceasefire line and abroad freely and travel documents should be issued in favour of all leaders, political activists, academicians, human rights workers and professionals who have been denied this facility thus far.

Kashmiri expatriates living in different parts of the world should be allowed to visit their homeland.

Pakistan High Commissioner in the UK, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, inaugurated the conference.