By Farooq Ganderbali
The recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he again referred to Kashmir and called for dialogue, are unnecessary and disappointing. India has consistently maintained that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and has rejected third-party intervention in the matter.The people of Jammu & Kashmir have their own aspirations and priorities. They want peace, development, quality healthcare, education, sports, tourism, employment, entrepreneurship and a secure future for their children. Kashmir should not repeatedly be reduced to a political issue or slogan in international forums.
Over the years, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed progress in areas such as healthcare, education, sports, tourism and infrastructure. The aspirations of the younger generation are increasingly centred on education, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunities to build a better future.
At the same time, the people of the region have suffered greatly because of terrorism and violence. For decades, innocent lives have been lost, businesses have been affected, tourism has suffered and the social fabric of Jammu & Kashmir has faced serious challenges.
The 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack was a tragic reminder of the continuing threat posed by Pakistan sponsered terrorism. Twenty-six people were killed in the attack. The National Investigation Agency subsequently chargesheeted Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba/The Resistance Front and other accused, describing the case as involving a Pakistan-based conspiracy.Such attacks do not only target individuals. They also affect tourism, local livelihoods and the confidence of people who want Jammu & Kashmir to be recognised for its natural beauty, hospitality, culture, brotherhood and peaceful traditions.
If international leaders are genuinely concerned about the welfare of Kashmiris, attention should also be given to the concerns and grievances reported from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Reports of protests over economic and political issues, restrictions on communications and clashes have raised concerns among local residents. The reported death toll in some incidents has also been disputed by different sides.The people living in these areas also deserve development, basic services, political rights, accountability and dignity. Their concerns should receive attention irrespective of political narratives.
Kashmir has a rich tradition of Sufism, Rishi culture, brotherhood, coexistence and cultural pluralism. This heritage must be protected from Pakistan sponsered terrorism, extremism and radicalisation.The young generation of Kashmir wants classrooms, universities, sports grounds, businesses, tourism and innovation. They want opportunities and a peaceful environment in which they can build their future. Theiraspirations should be heard directly rather than being represented by outside political actors.a local yout organisation Voice for Peace and Justice strongly condemns terrorism, extremism, radicalisation and fake propaganda aimed at disturbing peace in Jammu & Kashmir. We also reject attempts to speak on behalf of Kashmir’s youth without listening to their views and aspirations.
Voice for Peace and Justice also rejects the remarks made by the so called OIC on Jammu & Kashmir at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The people of Jammu & Kashmir should not be treated merely as a geopolitical issue. Their aspirations are reflected in their pursuit of education, sports, employment, entrepreneurship, tourism and peaceful development.Pakistan should focus on preventing terrorism and addressing the concerns of its own people rather than repeatedly seeking to internationalise the Kashmir issue.
Türkiye, meanwhile, should respect India’s position and understand that statements made at international forums cannot speak for all Kashmiris.If Türkiye genuinely wants to contribute to peace in South Asia, it can encourage an end to terrorism, support development and give attention to the concerns of people across the region, including those living in Pakistan-controlled areas.The message from Kashmir’s young generation is straightforward: they want peace, development, dignity, opportunity and a secure future.Kashmir’s future should be shaped by the aspirations of its people and their desire for peace and prosperity—not by terrorism, propaganda or external political interference.