APHC Urges World to Play Its Role in Settlement of Kashmir Dispute

The Kashmir dispute, a long-standing issue between India and Pakistan, remains unresolved despite international efforts. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), which represents the aspirations of Kashmiris, has called on the international community to intervene in the Kashmir issue. The call comes amidst rising human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), especially after the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Rising Repression in Kashmir

The situation in Kashmir has worsened in recent years, with severe repression by Indian forces. The APHC has raised concerns about the growing number of arbitrary arrests, torture, and killings. Prominent Kashmiri leaders, including Masarrat Aalam Butt, Yasin Malik, and Shabbir Shah, remain imprisoned without trial for demanding their right to self-determination. The ongoing arrests highlight India’s attempt to crush political resistance in Kashmir.

Misuse of Anti-Terror Laws

The APHC highlights the misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which has been used to target political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders in Kashmir. The law, intended to combat terrorism, is often employed to silence those opposing Indian rule in the region. Many individuals are imprisoned for speaking out, without evidence to support the charges. This legal weapon is central to India’s strategy to stifle dissent and suppress the truth.

Harassment of Journalists and Activists

Journalists and human rights activists in Kashmir face ongoing threats and harassment. Individuals like Khurram Pervaiz and Irfan Meraj, who expose human rights violations, are falsely charged and tortured. This attack on freedom of speech and press is a deliberate attempt to prevent the world from knowing the realities of life in Kashmir. India’s policy of intimidation ensures that critical voices remain silent.

Property Seizures and Collective Punishment

Alongside arbitrary detentions, the Indian government has started seizing properties of activists and their families. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Investigation Agency (SIA) have been involved in attaching land and businesses. These property seizures aim to weaken the families of pro-independence leaders and serve as a form of collective punishment, designed to break the will of Kashmiris. This economic warfare destabilizes families, forcing them into submission.

A Systematic Campaign of Oppression

The detention of leaders and the seizure of property are part of a broader strategy to suppress Kashmir’s resistance. By targeting families and communities, the Indian state hopes to maintain control over the region. These actions contribute to a climate of fear and prevent any organized opposition. The international community must recognize these methods as part of a systemic campaign to suppress the Kashmiris’ political aspirations.

APHC Calls for Global Action

The APHC has urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to act and address the human rights crisis in Kashmir. The organization stresses that the situation in Kashmir is rapidly deteriorating and demands immediate intervention to stop the violence. Kashmiris must be allowed their fundamental right to self-determination, as promised in international resolutions. The global community must hold India accountable for its actions.

Failure of Indian Policies

The policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government have failed to bring peace to Kashmir. The revocation of Article 370, which removed Kashmir’s special status, was a highly controversial move that further alienated Kashmiris. Instead of fostering dialogue, India’s actions have escalated violence and deepened the mistrust between Kashmiris and the Indian state. These policies continue to worsen the situation, ensuring that peace remains elusive.

The Right to Self-Determination

At the heart of the Kashmir issue lies the demand for self-determination. Kashmiris have long sought the right to decide their future through a plebiscite, as promised by the United Nations. The denial of this right by India has prolonged the conflict and prevented a peaceful resolution. Until Kashmiris are allowed to determine their own future, peace in the region will remain out of reach.

International Support is Crucial

The international community plays a critical role in resolving the Kashmir dispute. Global institutions like the United Nations and human rights organizations must support Kashmiris in their struggle for justice. The world must demand that India respect the rights of the Kashmiri people and push for a peaceful solution. Without international pressure, India will continue its oppressive policies in Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Role in the Kashmir Struggle

Pakistan has consistently supported Kashmir’s right to self-determination. The country has raised the Kashmir issue at various international forums, including the United Nations, and continues to call for justice for the Kashmiri people. Pakistan’s efforts to bring attention to the human rights abuses in Kashmir are vital, but it is equally important for the international community to join in pushing for a peaceful resolution.

Global Solidarity with Kashmir

The APHC’s call for international intervention is a plea for global solidarity. The Kashmir issue is not just a regional problem; it is a matter of justice. The failure of the international community to take effective action has allowed India to continue its oppressive policies. The world must unite in support of the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination.

India’s Reputation at Stake

India’s actions in Kashmir have severely damaged its international reputation. The continuous repression of Kashmiris, alongside its refusal to engage in dialogue, risks isolating India from the global community. The international community must hold India accountable and demand an end to its illegal occupation of Kashmir.

Conclusion: Time for Global Action

The situation in Kashmir is dire, and the suffering of the Kashmiri people cannot be ignored any longer. The APHC’s appeal for international intervention serves as a call for the world to act. The global community must support Kashmiris in their struggle for self-determination and press India to respect their rights. Only through collective action can the Kashmir issue be resolved, and peace can be restored in the region. The time to act is now, as the people of Kashmir deserve a future free from repression.