On Wednesday, 3rd February, the state of New York passed a resolution to proclaim 5th February as the “Kashmir-American” day. The resolution was adopted in the state’s Assembly via a voice vote.
This historic achievement is a result of the laudable efforts of the American-Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG), to highlight the plight of the Kashmiri people as well as to help Kashmir get their right to self-determination promised to them by the United Nations years ago.
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American-Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) is a New York-based non-profit social service which is devoted to “empowering Pakistani Americans through the development, promotion, and sponsorship of various initiatives and programs.”
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New York has become the first state in the United States to mark 5th February as “Kashmir-American” day, which is otherwise observed in many parts of the world as Kashmir Solidarity Day.
“The State of New York endeavors to champion human rights including the freedom of religion, movement, and expression for all Kashmiri people, which are embedded within the United States Constitution, through the recognition of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious identities” the resolution stated.
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“By consistently honoring Kashmiri cultural identity, it provides both the American public with a greater awareness of their struggles and the Kashmiri diaspora community with a symbol of hope for the future; now, therefore, be it resolved, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; and the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG)”, it added.
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Ayesha Ali, Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, lauded the historic achievement and appreciated the part the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) has played to make this “very important day, very important resolution” possible.
On Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office called the resolution a “welcome development” and stated that it is representative of the fact that “India cannot hide its gross and systemic violations of human rights of the Kashmiri people anymore.”
Zahid Hafeez Chaudri, Foreign Office’s spokesperson stated “The resolution appreciates the courage and perseverance of the Kashmiri people and recognizes their unique cultural and religious identity. It also underscores that ‘the State of New York endeavors to champion human rights including the freedom of religion, movement, and expression for all Kashmiri people.'”
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“The resolution is yet another manifestation of continuing international support to the Kashmiri people in the just struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It is also proof that India cannot hide its gross and systemic violations of human rights of the Kashmiri people anymore,” he added.
The spokesperson also extended his gratitude to the American Pakistan Advocacy Group (APAC) as well as Assemblymember Nader Sayegh, for highlighting the plight of the Kashmiri people and their struggle for self-determination.
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