JK, not Gaza our domain, UNMOGIP tells NC

Ruling party knocks UN office door on Palestine bloodbath

The office of United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) here Wednesday refused to accept the memorandum submitted by the ruling National Conference over the Israeli aggression in Gaza, citing “Palestine is not our domain and we can entertain matters related to J&K only.” 
The NC’s youth leaders and activists reached the UNMOGIP office at Sonwar here as a mark of protest against the Israeli attacks on Gaza that left about 200 people dead and hundreds others, mostly children and women, injured in over week-long offensive. The NC members were led by Salman Sagar, the party’s youth wing president. The party’s additional general secretary, Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, was also part of the rally. 
“When I submitted the memorandum at the UNMOGIP office today, the officials there returned it saying they were not authorized to entertain issues falling outside J&K and the memorandum on Gaza can’t be accepted.”  Salman told Greater Kashmir.
This, he said, forced the party-men to raise anti-UN slogans outside the UNMOGIP office. “Down with UN,” the NC activists shouted. 
Salam said it is “because of callous attitude and arrogance of UN” that Israel is having a free hand in Gaza to kill innocent people. “The UN is shying away from its responsibilities at a time when the people of Gaza need its support. We strongly condemn the lackadaisical attitude of the UN authorities,” Salman said, as youth activists of NC raised anti-Israel and pro-Palestine slogans. 
Speaking on the occasion, Mustafa Kamaal said it is very unfortunate that the world community is silent over the carnage of innocent people in Gaza. “I am shocked over the criminal silence of US, UN and also the Muslim countries over the massacre of people of Gaza,” he said. 
The NC rally started from its party headquarters at Nawa-e-Subh complex here. At least 500 youth activists of the party marched from TRC Ground to Dalgate and then to UN office at Sonwar. They carried placards displaying the pictures of children killed in Gaza. 

THE MEMORANDUM 
The NC memorandum on Gaza read that the Government of India should ensure that Israel no more uses excessive force and that life and property of Palestinians is saved.  “Government of India represents voices of over 22 crore Muslims and it must use its good offices to prevail on Israel to end its illegal action against Muslims in Gaza,” it reads. “When the whole world is talking peace and ensuring that there are no more conflicts anywhere, it becomes imperative for Israel to respect the international humanitarian covenants to which it is a signatory.” 
The memorandum further states that every alleged breach of international law must be promptly, independently, thoroughly and effectively investigated, with a view to ensuring justice and reparations for the victims. 
Kashmir, the memorandum reads, is crying for Gaza. “Our hearts beat for the people of Palestine. We urge you (UN) to intervene in stopping the war crimes,” it states. 
Other NC members who were party of today’s rally included spokesman JunaidAzimMattu, Imran Nabi Dar, Najeeb Khan, Younis Mubarak, MudasirShameeri, Farooq Ganderbali, SabihaQadiri, Sara Hayat Shah and others.