Ex-Pak diplomats endorse 'armed struggle' in Kashmir

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Three former Pakistani envoys to India have said that the international community must support armed resistance against alleged Indian "occupation" in Jammu and Kashmir because it is "legitimate" under international law.

The former diplomats - Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Abdul Basit, and Shahid Malik - were speaking on a TV talk show hosted by Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir.

Qazi, a former Pakistani High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to the US, said armed resistance in Jammu and Kashmir is "legitimate".

"It is legitimate for people of Jammu and Kashmir to take to armed resistance or guns. If they demand help from other countries for their legitimate jehad, that too is legitimate," said Qazi.

Jammu and Kashmir has been under unprecedented security cover ever since Parliament abrogated special category status for the state by revoking Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5. Parliament further divided the state into two union territories by passing a legislation to that effect in both houses.

"Under international law it is the responsibility of other nations to help Kashmiris in their struggle against the occupation of Jammu and Kashmir," said Basit, former Pakistani envoy to India.

On Monday, the security clampdown was partially revoked in the valley with the reopening of a few schools and government offices. The festivals of Eid and Independence Day had been celebrated in the valley amidst tight security arrangements.

"No one can point fingers at any nation, under international law, if it rises to the rescue of a group (Kashmiris) that has been subjugated," said Malik, another former Pakistani High Commissioner to India.

Pakistan has openly opposed India's decision to revoke special category status that had been conferred upon Jammu and Kashmir vide Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. 

It has also suspended bilateral trade with India besides sending back the Indian High Commissioner following the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir.