NY Assembly passes Kashmir resolution

India calls out attempts to misrepresent J&K's rich mosaic

The New York State Assembly has passed a resolution calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare February 5 as Kashmir American Day, drawing a sharp reaction from India which noted with "concern" attempts by "vested interests" to misrepresent Jammu and Kashmir's rich cultural and social mosaic to divide the people.

The resolution, sponsored by Assembly member Nader Sayegh and 12 other lawmakers, states that the "Kashmiri community has overcome adversity, shown perseverance and established themselves as one of the pillars of the New York immigrant communities."

It adds that "the State of New York endeavours to champion human rights including the freedom of religion, movement and expression for all Kashmiri people, which are embedded within the US Constitution, through the recognition of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious identities."

Commenting on the resolution, a spokesperson of India's Embassy in Washington said: "We have seen the New York Assembly Resolution regarding Kashmir American Day. Like the US, India is a vibrant democracy and the pluralistic ethos of 1.35 billion people are a matter of pride".

"India celebrates its diversity and rich cultural mosaic, including in Jammu and

Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India. We note with concern the attempt by vested interests to misrepresent the rich cultural and social mosaic of Jammu and Kashmir to divide the people.

"We will engage with the elected representatives in the New York State on all matters concerning IndiaUS partnership and the diverse Indian diaspora," the spokesperson said on Saturday in response to queries on the resolution.

The legislative resolution, adopted in the New York State Assembly on February 3, calls on Cuomo to proclaim February 5, 2021 as Kashmir American Day in the State of New York.