MUZAFFARABAD: United Nations (UN) and the international community should play their due role in resolving the longest pending issue of Kashmir without further ado to ensure a fear free life for the conflict-stricken Kashmiri children on both sides of the divide, an assembly of young students demanded on Monday.

The demand was made by the participants of ‘Kashmir Conflict Stricken Children Symposium’ to UN Secretary General António Guterres in a petition.

The symposium was organised by Jammu Kashmir Peace and Justice Forum (JKPJF), a not-for-profit organisation working for peaceful settlement of lingering Kashmir issue under Tanvirul Islam, a former chairman of the United Jihad Council.

Many participants were carrying placards, inscribed with slogans and pictures highlighting the agony of Kashmiri children facing brutalities of Indian forces in the held territory as well as in the border villages of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) situated along the Line of Control (LoC).

“We want to draw your attention towards the unrelenting atrocities, oppression and torture of Kashmiris by the Indian occupation forces who have turned the earthen paradise (Kashmir) into a living hell,” read the petition, a larger panaflex image of which was put on display in the symposium.

The panaflex image was also symbolically signed by the office-bearers of ‘Kashmir Children Assembly’ on the occasion.

The petition pointed out that the conflict had virtually held thousands of children hostage who were growing under the shadows of fear and terror, with majority suffering from serious psychological disorders as well.

“Kashmiri children are deprived of an environment conducive to their proper upbringing and development. Apart from other miseries, the conflict is also weakening emotional bonds of children by isolating and alienating them from each other and spoiling their talent and future,” the petition read.

It warned that ‘burning and bleeding Kashmir’ was like a volcano which if left unresolved could erupt anytime and jeopardise peace and security of the whole South Asian region.

“We the children of this divided state earnestly call upon the international community through your Excellency to come forward and peacefully resolve this issue so as to ensure a conflict-free environment for us in the greater interest of humanity,” it concluded.

Ayesha Mir, an FSc student from a family of post-1990 migrants from Indian-held Kashmir, said the conflict had rendered her orphan and thus deprived her of parental love and care for the rest of her life.

“As a daughter of a martyred freedom fighter I pay tributes to all those who have laid down their lives for freedom of our motherland… On this day, I urge the UN to resolve this dispute without further loss of time so that Kashmir does not see more orphans like me,” she said.

Faryal Safir, a 10th grade student from a local family, recalled the rationale behind observing Children’s Day and said Kashmiri children deserved the most attention of the world community.

“World must know that in spite of India’s ceaseless atrocities our determination has not waned. But how long the world will remain oblivious to what’s happening in our motherland,” she questioned.

The event was also addressed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf AJK chapter senior vice president Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Altaf Hussain Wani and JKPJF chief.Separately, AJK social welfare department also organised a children’s walk to mark the day. It was led by Minister for Social Welfare Noreen Arif.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2017