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July 2000
Congressional Caucus for Kashmir needs your support
Dear brothers and sisters, as salamu alaykum,
We are writing to inform you of a crucial political breakthrough, which impacts the entire Muslim community. For the first time in fifty years of political and military struggle in Kashmir, members of US Congress are taking steps to resolve this conflict – one that has taken thousands of lives and denied Kashmiri citizens their right to self-determination.
Recently, members of US Congress formed the Congressional Pakistan Kashmir Caucus (CPKC). It holds the promise of bringing a political solution to the crisis of Kashmir and drawing worldwide attention to the atrocities committed against its citizens. The caucus is the only American political body uniquely suited to address other significant issues for the Muslims of South Asia such as improved economic relations and international funding for educational systems. This can only happen with popular Muslim support.
What is a caucus?
Congressional caucuses are created as a source of information on a particular country, region, or social issue that deserves specific attention. Congresspersons who join the caucus personally believe in the values and goals of the caucus, or have been influenced by voters in their congressional district.
Without support from your members of Congress for this caucus, it will dissolve.
Setting a new Track Record
Sadly for our community, some members of Congress hesitate to support Muslim measures since past attempts to represent such issues failed shamefully in generating MUSLIM support. It takes our community years to regain lost integrity when policymakers perceive a lack of interest from those they seek to help. The Congressional Pakistan Kashmir Caucus is in its infancy - it will not survive without a strong financial and political commitment by those whose interests it serves the most--- Muslims!
ISCA has rallied support for the Kashmir caucus from several Muslim and other public interest groups. However, without demonstrating Muslim community support, this cause will be discredited and it is our Muslim community that will suffer the consequences. Please support our efforts to ensure our continued service towards an improved quality of life for Muslims in America and for our Muslim brothers and sisters abroad.
What can you do?
- Call your congressional representative -- go to ISCA website to determine contact information
- Fax or mail a letter of support (see sample)
- If appropriate, request a meeting with your Congressperson.
- To plan a community effort in your area, call ISCA today and learn how.
- Read ISCA's "Congressional Pakistan Kashmir Caucus Agenda"
It is our Muslim duty to support our brothers and sisters in their time of suffering. It is also essential that we utilize our U.S. political institutions as facilitators in accomplishing that goal. To succeed, we must all work towards the common purpose of advancing the political and social progress of our ummah.
Cordially,
The Staff of ISCA | 
