WASHINGTON (APP) - Voicing their deep concern over the ongoing human rights violations in the occupied Kashmir, a number of US Congressmen have urged resolution to the decades-old conflict as it would end the sufferings of Kashmiri people and increase economic opportunities for South Asia. Speaking at the 11th international Kashmir conference on the Capitol Hill, several lawmakers said South Asia would have been different today if the issue had been given attention it deserved in the region housing more than 1.5 billion people. The lawmakers who spoke on the opening day of the moot, included Congressman Dan Burton, Congressman Alde-rholt, Congressman Danny Davis, Congressman Dannis Kuchinich, Congressman Yvette Clark and Congressman Joseph Pit. The members of Congress expressed their deep concern and dissatisfaction over the prevailing situation in the wake of this months killing of Kashmiri youth, when the Indian security forces fired upon them to stifle their protests. Several participants noted with deep concern the detention of several political figures and blatant disregard for the human rights, as rights activists informed the gathering of discovery of mass graves and acts of violence against civilians. In their remarks, the US lawmakers called for bringing to an end the excruciating sufferings of people in the occupied territory and urged respect for human rights and end to violence. In this respect, the American legislators supported talks between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with political aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Some Congressmen noted the huge potential for trade between India and Pakistan and said peace and stability in the region would benefit all. In his speech, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director of the Kashmiri-American Council said the ongoing indigenous, pluralistic movement by the Kashmiri youth for right to self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir is at a critical juncture. He made an emphatic appeal to the United Nations to lead the effort to achieve a fair and lasting settlement of the Kashmir dispute. The two-day conference in the Cannon House Building was attended by delegates from India, Pakistan, both the sides of Jammu and Kashmir, and representatives of Kashmir diaspora from all over the world, members of the United States think tanks, and diplomats from various countries. Highlighting the objectives for the Conference, Dr Fai advocated that a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute can only take place through dialogue between all parties concerned and said this could be achieved through a the spirit of reconciliation, not confrontation, equality, not discrimination; hope, not despair. Pakistans Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani and Minister of State for Railways Muhammad Afzal Sandhu spelled out Islam-abads position on the long-standing dispute. Others who spoke in the conference included Senator Mushahid Husain Sayed, former Pakisani ambassador in Washington Dr Maleeha Lodhi, writers and experts Victoria Schofield, Rita Man-chandi, Ved Bhasi. The first technical session of the conference India- Pakistan Relations: Breaking Deadlock was presided over by Author and Columnists Zahid G Muhammad, with participants including prominent Indian writer Kuldip Nayar, famous historian Stanely Wolpert, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed and Ambassador Yousuf and Pakistans State Minister Muhammad Afzal Sandhu. The second technical session titled The Impasse over Kashmir was presided by Ejaz Sabir, Attorney at Law. Those who made their presentations in this session included Dr Karen Parker, UN delegate, International Education Development, Dr Attiya Inay-tullah, Member Pakistan National Assembly, Zahid G Muhammad, author and writer, Prof Angana Chateerji and Dr MA Dar. The third session on Kashmir Issue: Its impact on Regional and International Security was presided over by Barrister Sareer Fazili. Those who made their presentations at this session included Munir Akram, former Pakistanis envoy to UN, Justice Rajinder Sachar, Dr Rodeny Jones and Pakistani expert Ahmed Bilal Sufi, who is president of the Research Society of the International Law.