In a strongly worded joint statement, Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Exiled Chairman of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan, Central Spokesperson of UKPNP, and Jamil Maqsood, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of UKPNP, expressed their deep concern over the recent attack on Junaid Qureshi, Executive Director of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
The UKPNP leaders condemned this violent act in the strongest terms and called upon both the local administration and the central government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure his safety.
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri lamented that Junaid Qureshi, a young, secular, and pro-peace activist, has consistently worked towards fostering dialogue, peace, and stability in the region. His life, liberty, and freedom of movement must not be compromised under any circumstances. Any attack on individuals like Mr. Qureshi, who advocate for peaceful solutions and democratic principles, is an attack on freedom of expression and human rights.
The UKPNP leaders emphasized that it is the prime responsibility of both the Indian and Jammu & Kashmir governments to ensure the protection of Mr. Qureshi and other individuals who are at risk due to their principled stance on regional peace and justice. They urged the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the attack, apprehend the perpetrators, and enhance security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Furthermore, the UKPNP underscored the increasing threats faced by secular voices, human rights defenders, and political activists in the region. The party reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending the rights of individuals who stand for peace, democracy, and human dignity.
In conclusion, the UKPNP leadership called upon the international community, human rights organizations, and global democratic institutions to take cognizance of the rising dangers to peace activists and independent voices in Kashmir. They urged swift and decisive action to ensure that individuals like Junaid Qureshi can continue their work without fear of violence or intimidation.
