Princeton University Professor and Specialist in International Law Richard Falk, “Compared to other oppressed and persecuted regions, the persecution in Kashmir is not well understood anywhere in the world. The United Nations (UN) and the world have not taken successful steps so far,” he said. Falk also stated that if a solidarity is built in Kashmir, independence can be gained through a struggle.
“CIVIL SOCIETY MUST ACT”
Falk, evaluating the events in Kashmir in the context of geopolitics, said, “The situation in Kashmir right now is not in a situation where they can take a decision in the direction of their independence. Because the West is currently putting China in its main focus to control the region. India is also an important tool for the West to control China and limit its power. When political administrations are ineffective in finding a solution, civil society and peoples should take action on this issue and address it in a moral dimension.”
“UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD DID NOT SUCCESS IN KASHMIR”
Expressing that the programs are important for people's suffering living in Kashmir to be announced and awareness raising in the world, Falk said, “If political action is not taken in the coming period, the Kashmir problem will not be solved.”
“IT IS NECESSARY TO BUILD SOLIDARITY FOR KASHMIR”
Continuing his words, “When we consider the anti-colonial struggles, in the last 75 years, the winners of this justification war have always been those who fought. These anti-colonial wars were won even by the militarily weak. Because bringing together national feelings and spirits, they received support from the international community,” Falk said, “Kashmir's current point is to build international support and solidarity.”
Princeton University Professor and International Law Specialist Richard Falk, who came to our country for the "International Kashmir Congress" organized by the Center for Economic and Social Research (ESAM) and Kashmir Legal Forum and participated in the program, made special evaluations for the newspaper.
“UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD DID NOT SUCCESS IN KASHMIR”
Professor Richard Falk, one of the world's leading law scholars, answered the questions of the Milli Gazete. Expressing that the programs are important for the world to announce and raise awareness of the suffering of the people living in Kashmir, Falk said, “Compared to other oppressed and persecuted regions, the persecution in Kashmir is not well understood anywhere in the world. The United Nations and the world have not taken successful steps so far. If political action is not taken in the coming period, the Kashmir issue will not be resolved.”
“CIVILIAN SOCIETY MUST ACT”
Considering what happened in Kashmir in the geopolitical context, Falk said, “The situation in Kashmir right now is not in a position where they can take a decision in the direction of independence. Because the West is currently putting China in its main focus to control the region. India is also an important tool for the West to control China and limit its power. When political administrations are ineffective in finding a solution, civil society and peoples should take action on this issue and address it in a moral dimension.”
“WORLD DOES NOT NEED A NEW WAR”
Addressing the possibility of a nuclear war in the coming period, Falk said that this situation poses a great threat, since Pakistan and India are among the countries with nuclear power. “Therefore, the governments of Pakistan and India should refrain from taking steps that will escalate tensions. Because a war started by two countries can reveal great threats in today's conditions. The world does not need a new war at this point,” he added.
“IT IS NECESSARY TO BUILD SOLIDARITY FOR KASHMIR”
“When we consider the anti-colonial struggles, in the last 75 years, the winners of this justification war have always been those who fought. These anti-colonial wars were won even by the militarily weak ones. Because they bring together national feelings and spirits,” Falk added. Falk also stated that Kashmir's current point is to build international support and solidarity.
“INDEPENDENCE WILL ALSO BE THROUGH THE PEOPLE'S RESISTANCE”
At the end of his words, Falk said: “This will change the balance of power. It will not be an easy struggle, but if this struggle gains momentum, it can change the balance of power in India very quickly. The formula for my hope for Kashmir's independence is the continued efforts of such awareness-raising efforts in the international community and the resistance of the Kashmiri people.”