[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        THE SITUATION IN KASHMIR

                                 ______


                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 1994

  Mr. BURTON. Mr. Speaker, 2 of the 3 wars fought between India and 
Pakistan in the past 40 years have been over the disputed territory of 
Kashmir. Caught in conflict and burdened with the fears of the brutal 
violence and terrorism that have been characteristic of their lives, 
the Kashmiri people struggle toward a very uncertain future. Now, as 
the possibility of nuclear war looms between the nations of Pakistan 
and India, the Kashmiri conflict has developed far beyond a regional 
debate to become an international threat.
  A mandate passed by the United Nations in 1948 provides the 
opportunity for self-determination, under a lawful plebiscite, to the 
Kashmiri people. This resolution is supported by populist movements in 
Kashmir which India, indifferent to the U.N. agreement, has attempted 
to squash with 500,000 troops. Empowered by a 1990 law known as the 
Armed Forces Special Powers Act, these troops suppress the Kashmiri 
population in as violent and inhumane manner as they deem. The screams 
of a people a victim to violent physical assaults, battery, murder, and 
rape are reaching across the Himalayas and awakening the international 
community to their terrible plight. Echoed by organizations like Asia 
Watch, Amnesty International, and the U.S. State Department, the 
reality of these human rights abuses and atrocities which are happening 
right now in Kashmir cannot be ignored.
  There have been numerous documented disappearances of people in 
Kashmir. Thousands of summary executions and regular attacks on 
civilians that include the indiscriminate firing into crowds. The 
systematic rape of the Kashmiri women, a crime used to denigrate, 
shame, and punish, has become commonplace. This violence and unrest is 
important not only because it could lead to nuclear conflict, but also 
because it is inflicting a long-term emotional trauma on a generation 
of Kashmiris who have never known peace in their land.
  Twenty years of discontent have passed since Shabir Shah, a leader of 
the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, was first detained by Indian 
officials. June 18 will mark Shabir Shah's 20th year of incarceration. 
Forced in and out of prison, the tortured and sick Shabir Shah has made 
the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Kashmiri freedom. Stalwart in 
his quest for peace, Shabir Shah has chosen to bring only the weapons 
of free-speech and nonviolent protest in his battle against the brutal 
force of the Indian Government. Now, as a prisoner of conscience for 20 
years, he symbolizes the unflinching determination of the Hurriyat and 
the quest for peace to the people of Kashmir.
  Today, while India seeks closer economic relations with the United 
States, we have a golden opportunity to demand change in India's 
Kashmir policy and answer the pleas of its people and the Hurriyat. 
Today, we can take the first step towards making the pain and suffering 
in Kashmir go away and watch the emergence of peace and prosperity. 
Today, we can start to make Shabir Shah's vision of peace become 
reality and ensure another day in prison. The time has come for the 
world to recognize the seriousness of the problem in Kashmir and for 
the Indian Government to start listening to the desires of that State 
and the world.

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