Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Chaudhry Latif Akbar criticised US Ambassador Sergio Gor over his Kashmir remarks. The Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights also condemned the statement.
The ambassador described occupied Kashmir as an “important part of India” during his Srinagar visit. Akbar called the remarks deeply regrettable and inconsistent with Kashmir’s disputed status.
He said the statement ignored the political and historical aspirations of the Kashmiri people. According to him, administrative control does not determine a disputed territory’s final status.
AJK President Reaffirms Kashmir’s Disputed Status
Akbar said the Kashmir dispute has remained on the UN Security Council’s agenda for decades. He added that several resolutions recognise Kashmiris’ right to determine their future.
The AJK president stressed that the people should decide the territory’s final status. He said the process must remain free, impartial, and consistent with international principles.
Moreover, Akbar recalled that the United States had previously recognised Kashmir as a dispute. He said Washington had also supported dialogue and peaceful efforts.
Call for International Support for Kashmiris
Akbar said diplomatic statements cannot change Kashmir’s disputed status. He argued that neither India nor Pakistan can decide the territory’s future alone.
Instead, he said Kashmiris should exercise their fundamental right to self-determination. He urged Washington and the international community to uphold international law.
He also called for adherence to relevant United Nations resolutions. Akbar warned against adopting the narrative of any single party to the dispute.
The JKCHR separately expressed concern over the ambassador’s remarks. The rights body also maintained that Kashmir’s disputed status requires international attention.
