Turmoil in Kashmir

Re “Terrorism in Kashmir,” by Jaidev P. Rao, letter, Oct. 23:

The United Nations Kashmir resolution Rao is referring to in actuality calls for: 1. a cease-fire, 2. demilitarization of the whole of Kashmir, and 3. the holding of a plebiscite in Kashmir under U.N. auspices. The U.N.-appointed administrator responsible for conducting the plebiscite after demilitarization of Kashmir was our renowned Adm. Chester Nimitz. India did not allow Nimitz to complete his mission.

The people of Kashmir have been under the oppressive occupation of India since 1947. Only the first step of the U.N. Kashmir resolution has been implemented. The present freedom and resistance struggle in Kashmir is for the implementation of remaining two steps as stated above. The Kashmir issue is the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir. It is also resistance and rebellion against the brutal and inhuman occupation and oppression.

The people of Kashmir simply want India, Pakistan and the United Nations to keep their national and international commitments. A book recently published by Boston-based Physicians for Human Rights and New York-based Asia Watch holds India responsible for violating international human rights and humanitarian laws. The report also affirms the Indian government’s sanctioned policy of custodial deaths in Kashmir.

A. M. KHAJAWALL

Kashmir American Mission, Diamond Bar