New Delhi [India], September 27 (ANI): Prominent Kashmiri activist Tasleema Akhter recently addressed the United Nations, drawing attention to the devastating impact of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and urging the international community to take firm action against it.
Speaking as a survivor of multiple terror attacks, Akhter referred to incidents such as the Pulwama and Pahalgam attacks, stressing that innocent civilians, including women and children, continue to be targeted in acts of terror. “Children, women, and men are being attacked only to spread fear and violence,” she said, while calling on the UN to play a stronger role in addressing terrorism in the region.
Tasleema stated that documenting victims’ stories and registering FIRs has helped many affected families receive government assistance. According to her, over 250 families have recently benefited from employment opportunities, helping children continue their education and enabling communities to regain stability and hope.
She also spoke about the changes witnessed in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, claiming that Pakistan-backed separatist violence and stone-pelting incidents have significantly reduced. “Today, young people are focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and social activism. This is a major positive shift,” she noted.
Highlighting developmental progress in the region, Akhter pointed to improved roads, educational institutions, hospitality infrastructure, and the launch of the Vande Bharat train service, which she said would strengthen connectivity, trade, and economic growth. She added that vocational training and skill development programmes are creating new opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Comparing Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), Akhter claimed that people in those regions continue to face poor infrastructure, limited freedoms, and constant fear under Pakistani control. She warned that Pakistan-backed terror networks, allegedly supported by the ISI and military establishment, remain a threat not only to India but also to global security.
Calling for united international action, Akhter urged countries around the world to work together to stop terror funding and hold Pakistan accountable. She argued that coordinated pressure from the global community could significantly weaken terrorist networks operating in the region.
On the possibility of peace talks, she expressed doubts over Pakistan’s intentions, stating that meaningful dialogue would remain difficult as long as support for terrorism continues.