Unmasking India’s Normalcy Facade: Assessing the G20 Meeting in Occupied Territory

Introduction

Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution – IICR is organizing a round table conference titled “Unmasking India’s Normalcy Facade: Assessing the G20 meeting in Occupied territory” to address the concerning issue of India’s disingenuous democracy and its efforts to justify the occupation by hosting the G20 meeting in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK). It is imperative to organize the round table discussion prior to the G20 meeting to bring attention to the ongoing human rights violations and advocate for holding the perpetrators of war crimes accountable. By convening key stakeholders and representatives, this initiative also aims to encourage G20 member states to refrain from participating in the scheduled 2023 summit meeting in the UN-recognized occupied territory.

Backgrounder

IOJK is under the illegal de facto control of the New Delhi administration having no legal authority to organize the 3rd Tourism Working Group meeting of the G20 summit 2023. Moreover, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is an UN-recognized disputed territory, with 18 UNSC resolutions calling India and Pakistan to hold a free and impartial plebiscite.

India’s de facto administration in IOJK is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity on a massive scale. There has been material evidence of torture, and other war crimes perpetrated by Indian occupying forces in IOJK to supress Kashmiris form claiming their UN guaranteed Right of Self-determination. India’s aim to hold 3^rd Tourism working group in Occupied Jammu Kashmir is to portray a normalcy before international community.

Proposed Discussion & The Targeted Audience

The round table discussion will involve the participation of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), diplomats, and leaders from the Kashmir resistance movement, academics, and experts specializing in conflict resolution. The discussion will be conducted in a structured format, with a moderator overseeing the proceedings. Participants will have the opportunity to present their perspectives, share their expertise, and put forth recommendations based on their knowledge and experiences. This format will facilitate a comprehensive and balanced exchange of ideas during the round table discussion.

Themes of Discussion

• Unmasking the false portrayal of normalcy by India in IOJK and its efforts to legitimize the illegal occupation.
• Urgent appeal to G20 member states, urging them to withdraw or abstain from participating in summit meetings scheduled to be held in IOJK.
• Examining the relevance and application of international humanitarian law and human rights law in the context of Kashmir, and exploring the responsibility of the international community in addressing the situation.
• Need for documenting and discussing the extensive human rights violations perpetrated by the Indian occupying forces, including instances of torture, sexual violence, and the use of pellet guns.