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New York Assembly passes resolution to declare Kashmir American Day

Last Updated on February 7, 2021 at 8:13 pm

India was quick to response to a resolution passed by the New York State Assembly which called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare February 5 as Kashmir American Day. India reacted that it is concerned by attempts by “vested interests” to misrepresent Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural and social mosaic to divide the people.

The resolution was sponsored by Assembly member Nader Sayegh and 12 other lawmakers. It notes that the Kashmiri community has been through adversities, shown perseverance and established themselves as one of the pillars of the New York immigrant communities.

The resolution adds that the State of New York deeply cares about human rights, including the freedom of religion, movement and expression for all Kashmiri people.

A spokesperson of India’s Embassy in Washington said that they are aware of the New York Assembly Resolution regarding Kashmir American Day. India is a vibrant democracy like the US and takes pride upon the pluralistic ethos of 1.35 billion people.

India is proud of its diversity and rich cultural mosaic, including in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India. The spokesperson expressed his concern over the attempt by vested interests to misrepresent the rich cultural and social mosaic of Jammu and Kashmir to divide the people. Indian spokesperson said that they are ready to engage with the elected representatives in the New York State on all matters concerning India-US partnership and the diverse Indian Diaspora.

The legislative resolution was adopted in the New York State Assembly on February 3. This resolution demands Cuomo to declare February 5, 2021, as Kashmir American Day in the State of New York.

Pakistan’s Consulate General in New York tweeted to acknowledge the role of Sayegh and The American Pakistani Advocacy Group in this resolution. Since India abrogated Article 370 for J&K, Pakistan has largely tried to gather international support in criticizing India for this move. However, Pakistan has hardly got any success in their malicious attempts to demonize India.

India has maintained that J&K is an internal matter of the nation and no other nation should try to interfere in its internal matters.