India has rejected the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) reference to Jammu and Kashmir and has said that the group has “no locus standi” in such matters.
In its final communique at the Mecca summit, the OIC reiterated its support for the “legitimate rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir” and even appointed a special envoy for the state. The OIC is an international organisation comprising 57 member states, 53 of them Muslim-majority nations.
Responding to a communique adopted at OIC’s summit, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “We categorically reject yet another unacceptable reference to matters internal to India in the Final Communiqué adopted at the conclusion of the 14th Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states held at Makkah on May 31.”
“The OIC has no locus standi in matters relating to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. It is reiterated that OIC should refrain from making such unwarranted references,” he said.
In the summit, Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, General Secretary of the OIC, had said that the bloc was following with deep concern the “bloody events against the security of the people of the Jammu and Kashmir.”
“I hope that a genuine dialogue between Pakistan and India will resume, which will be the best framework for addressing all outstanding issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” said Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said while addressing Ministerial Meeting of OIC contact group on Jammu and Kashmir on the sidelines of 14th Islamic Summit at Makkah.
“The OIC General Secretariat has continued to highlight in all its engagements in the international forums that it is necessary to ensure that India ceases to use force against innocent and defenseless civilians in Kashmir and stop its disregard for human rights laws.”
He said that the struggle of the Kashmir people “is a legitimate struggle for the realization of their rights and independence and fully in conformity with the resolution of the United Nations and International Law.”
