NewYork: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has once again spotlighted the Kashmir issue during a recent meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This meeting, which follows guidance from Pakistan, led to the formation of a contact group focused on the Kashmir region.
In a joint communique released by the OIC, the organization expressed strong rhetoric concerning recent assembly and parliamentary elections held in Jammu and Kashmir. The statement emphasized that these elections do not replace the need for granting the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir. This stance mirrors previous positions held by the OIC, which consistently supports what it refers to as the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their rights.
The joint statement further rejected India’s assertions concerning the regions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan, areas long contested by both countries.
The OIC, established in 1969 in Rabat, Morocco, and now based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, includes 57 member countries and operates in Arabic, English, and French. Despite India’s significant Muslim population, it remains notably absent from the organization’s membership. Historically, India has consistently dismissed the OIC’s declarations on Kashmir, emphasizing its internal matters should not be subject to international interference.
These developments reflect ongoing tensions in the region and highlight the complex diplomatic relationships between OIC member states and India. The continuation of these discussions at international forums indicates that the Kashmir issue remains a significant point of contention in global diplomacy.
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