ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday held telephonic conversations with his Japanese and Maldivian counterparts Taro Kono and Abdulla Shahid, respectively, to discuss the ‘extremely alarming’ situation amid India’s 19-day long lockdown of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Qureshi briefed them on illegal and unilateral actions of India to alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was in contravention of the international laws and UNSC resolutions, according to a Foreign Office statement.
The foreign minister maintained that the steps taken by India in the occupied valley entailed a grave risk for peace and security in the region. He also apprised his counterparts of the continuously deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in IOK, including severe shortage of food and lifesaving medicines and a blanket communications blackout.
Qureshi said that an international organisation Genocide Watch had issued a “Genocide Alert” for Indian Occupied Kashmir. He said the situation in the occupied was extremely alarming, adding that the presence of over 900,000 Indian troops in the valley is a proof that New Delhi wants to perpetrate ‘bloodbath’ there.
Despite the persistent curfew, the Kashmiri people decided to come out for Friday prayers, he said, fearing that there is a threat of bloodshed on a large scale in this kind of situation.
He urged the foreign ministers of Japan and Maldives to play a constructive role for peace and stability in the region and peaceful settlement of disputes.
The Maldivian FM said that they were closely watching the situation. He said he would remain in contact with the foreign minister and continue to work together for peace and stability in the region.
The Japanese foreign minister also assured Qureshi that they are keeping a close eye on the entire situation. He said his country believes in upholding the human rights and rule of law.
