UNITED NATIONS - SINDHIS AND PAKISTANI KASHMIRIS LOOKING FOR STATUS

UN refuses to grant consultative status to anti-Indian body

United Nations, Jan. 28 (PTI): A Kashmiri-American Council advocating self-determination for the Kashmiri people has failed to get a consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Before the UN committee on non-governmental organisations took the unanimous decision to postpone the consideration of the application of the Kashmiri American Council, the Indian and Pakistan delegates had a mild exchange over the issue.

Supporting the application of the Kashmiri American Council, the Pakistani delegate, Bilal Hayee, said self-determination for Jammu and Kashmir was a valid topic for discussion here as the UN resolutions calls for settlement of the dispute.

The Indian delegate, B N Reddy, rejected the contention of the Pakistani delegate, pointing out that Jammu and Kashmir is an inalienable part of India.

The panel also rejected the application of the World Sindhi Institute for a simmilar consultative status. The Institute advocates self-determination for the people of Sindh province in Pakistan.

The Kashmiri American Council has been attempting for several years to get a consultative status with the UN, but has been unsuccessful because of strong objections raised by India.

The 19-member Standing Committee of ECOSOC uses various criteria including the applicants mandate, governance and financial regime to recommend general, special or roster status.