APHC Urges UN to Act as India Escalates Hindutva Onslaught in Kashmir

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has urgently called on the United Nations (UN) to intervene as India continues to push its Hindutva agenda in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The APHC, representing various Kashmiri groups, has raised concerns over human rights abuses, the suppression of opposition, and the promotion of a majoritarian Hindu ideology. The situation in Kashmir requires international attention to prevent further repression.

UN Intervention Needed to Address Kashmir Crisis

APHC’s spokesman, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, stressed the urgent need for UN intervention due to the worsening repression in IIOJK. Minhas pointed to India’s recent actions, including the takeover of schools run by the Falah Aam Trust, which have been crucial in educating Kashmiri children. These moves, alongside the promotion of Hindutva, are seen as efforts to erase Kashmiri identity and impose a political agenda on the region.

Banning Schools and Silencing Kashmiri Voices

The APHC has expressed alarm over the shutdown and takeover of educational institutions like the ones run by the Falah Aam Trust. These schools have been vital in serving the Kashmiri community, but are now under threat from Indian authorities. The APHC sees this as part of a broader attempt to suppress Kashmiri voices and control the region’s education, hindering its ability to resist India’s occupation and political agenda.

Imposing Hindutva Ideology in Kashmir

The APHC has strongly criticized the continued promotion of Hindutva ideology in IIOJK. This agenda, driven by India’s ruling BJP, seeks to marginalize Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population and replace its diverse cultural and political identity with a Hindu-first narrative. The APHC views this as an attack on the rights of Kashmiris, aiming to erase their political and cultural heritage in favor of a majoritarian Hindu agenda.

India’s Use of Black Laws to Control Kashmir

The APHC also condemned the use of oppressive laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These laws allow Indian authorities to detain people without trial, effectively silencing any form of opposition. The APHC argues that these laws are designed to suppress political leaders, activists, and ordinary Kashmiris who challenge India’s control over the region.

State Terrorism in Kashmir

The APHC describes India’s actions as state terrorism, with security forces using excessive force to control the Kashmiri population. From extrajudicial killings to enforced disappearances, India’s forces have terrorized the Kashmiri people. The APHC condemns the ongoing violations of human rights and political repression, which have caused widespread fear and suffering. These actions highlight the need for global action to stop further escalation.

Distorting Kashmir’s History to Serve Political Ends

The APHC has also criticized India’s efforts to distort the history of Kashmir. The Indian government has repeatedly tried to reshape the region’s history to fit a Hindutva-driven narrative. The APHC sees this as a strategy to weaken the Kashmiris’ demand for political justice by erasing the region’s true history and struggle. This attempt to rewrite history aims to justify India’s occupation and suppression of Kashmiri rights.

Trampling Fundamental Rights of Kashmiris

Under Indian rule, Kashmiris have faced severe violations of their fundamental rights. The right to free speech, freedom of the press, and the ability to engage in political, social, and religious activities have been severely restricted. The APHC highlights how Kashmiris are living under constant surveillance and fear, unable to express their views or challenge the policies of the Indian government.

Call for Global Action: UN’s Role in Kashmir

The APHC calls on the United Nations and the international community to act quickly and address the ongoing crisis in IIOJK. The APHC warns that if the world remains silent, India will continue its oppressive policies in Kashmir. The APHC urges the UN to take action to hold India accountable for its actions and ensure that Kashmiri rights are protected in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.

India’s Imperialist Approach to Kashmir

The APHC condemns India’s imperialist approach to Kashmir. The Indian government continues to ignore the region’s unique political and cultural realities, imposing its control through force. Despite changing global dynamics, India’s stance on Kashmir remains unchanged. The APHC urges India to accept the reality of Kashmir’s distinct identity and pursue a peaceful resolution that respects the rights of the Kashmiri people.

The Need for a Just Solution to the Kashmir Dispute

The APHC emphasizes the urgent need for a fair and lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute. The continued violence and suppression of Kashmiri rights cannot go unchallenged. The APHC calls for a solution based on the principles of justice and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, as outlined in UN resolutions. Only then can peace and stability be restored in the region.

Conclusion

The APHC’s call for UN intervention is a stark reminder of the worsening crisis in IIOJK. India’s imposition of Hindutva ideology, along with the use of harsh laws and military force, is eroding the rights and freedoms of Kashmiris. The APHC urges the global community to step in and ensure that the aspirations of the Kashmiri people are respected. Without international action, the situation in Kashmir will only continue to deteriorate, with lasting consequences for the region and South Asia as a whole.