On October 21 in New Haven, Connecticut, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai of Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center was the guest speaker at the South Asian Society (SAS) at the Yale University. The lecture was moderated by Mr. Ashish Mitter, the Chair of Political Forum, SAS. Speaking to the gathering, Dr. Fai said, The persistence of the Kashmir problem has been a source of weakness for both India and Pakistan. It has diminished both these neighboring countries. The resolution of this dispute will guarantee peace and prosperity, not only for Kashmir but also for the whole region of South Asia. Dr. Fai emphasized that Indias occupation of Kashmir has been left unchallenged by the international community, even though, its validity has never been accepted. At no stage have the people of Kashmir shown reconciled to it. Speaking of the misplaced focus of some so-called South Asian 'experts on the 'sanctity of the Line of Control in Kashmir, he said this line was originally formalized by international agreements as a temporary Ceasefire Line pending demilitarization of the State of Jammu & Kashmir and holding of a plebiscite to determine its future. The people of Kashmir do not accept its becoming some kind of an international border. Dr. Fai said that the government of India needs to be reminded of what her own delegate Mr. N. Gopalaswami had said at the United Nations on January 15, 1948; The question of the future status of Kashmir vis--vis her neighbours and the world at large, and a further question, namely, whether she should withdraw from her accession to India, and either accede to Pakistan or remain independent, with a right to claim admission as a Member of the United Nations - all this we have recognized to be a matter for unfettered decision by the people of Kashmir, after normal life is restored to them. Dr. Fai quoted Mr. Vir Sanghvi who wrote in the Hindustan Times on August 16, 2008, So, heres my question: why are we still hanging on to Kashmir if the Kashmiris dont want to have anything to do with us?...we should hold a referendum in the Valley. Let the Kashmiris determine their own destiny. If they want to stay in India, they are welcome. But if they dont, then we have no moral right to force them to remain with us. -KASHMIRI AMERICAN COUNCIL, Washington, October 23.