OIC stresses importance of resolving J-K issue through talks

A delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has stressed the importance of resolving the Kashmir issue in a peaceful manner through negotiations, Pakistan's Foreign Office said today.
The delegation of the OIC's Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, led by its chairperson Med S Kaggwa, paid a three-day visit to Islamabad and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir from March 27-29 at the invitation of Pakistan, the FO said.
The delegation "stressed the importance of resolving the conflict in a peaceful manner through negotiations," it said.
In a statement, the FO said the group met the political leadership, government officials, refugees from Kashmir, media and civil society.

The delegation expressed concern over the complaints of the alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and objected the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, FO said.
The Commission reaffirmed its support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for realisation of their legitimate right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, it added.

It said the IPHRC urged India to provide access to its fact finding mission to Jammu and Kashmir.
India maintains that OIC, a grouping of 57 Muslim countries, has no locus standi on the Kashmir issue.
A detailed report of the delegation with concrete recommendations will be presented to the next session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, FO said.