Amit Shah’s Remarks: A New Attack on Kashmiris’ Legitimate and Rightful Struggle

APHC-AJK Condemns Indian Minister’s Statement, Calls It a Deliberate Attempt to Distort Facts and Mislead the World

Desperate Language, Discredited Policy

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement in the Indian parliament has once again exposed New Delhi’s frustration over its continued failure in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). His attempt to defame the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and distort the peaceful political struggle of the Kashmiri people reflects the growing anxiety within the Indian establishment.

The statement, widely criticised by political observers, has drawn a sharp reaction from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK). Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the convener of the APHC-AJK, issued a formal response from Islamabad, stating that such remarks are not only provocative but also part of a consistent campaign to mislead both the Indian public and the international community about the situation in IIOJK.

Targeting Hurriyat: An Attack on Political Representation

The Hurriyat Conference, a recognised political platform representing the voice of millions of Kashmiris, has long advocated a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions. The statement by Amit Shah appears to be a calculated attempt to delegitimise this movement and present it as a threat, despite its documented non-violent position.

According to Safi, the Indian Home Minister’s remarks are designed to criminalise dissent, silence political expression, and label genuine demands for freedom as extremism. This is not the first time that Indian officials have used such language to escape accountability and hide the failure of their coercive policies in the occupied territory.

August 5: Symbol of Betrayal

The APHC-AJK leader reminded that the people of IIOJK have not forgotten India’s actions of August 5, 2019 when the Modi regime unilaterally revoked Article 370, stripping the region of its special status. Safi noted that this move was not only unconstitutional but also part of a larger plan to change the demography of the region.

He said that August 5 is observed every year as Black Day across IIOJK and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to send a clear message that Kashmiris do not accept India’s illegal steps and will continue their struggle until their political rights are restored.

Demographic Engineering: A Serious Concern

Since the removal of Article 370, the Indian government has introduced a series of legal and administrative changes aimed at altering the Muslim-majority status of IIOJK. Safi warned that these steps are part of a planned demographic shift intended to dilute the identity, culture, and political power of the Kashmiri population.

He described this as a serious violation of international law and an open challenge to the global community. The Hurriyat leader stressed that the people of IIOJK will resist any such efforts with full resolve and unity.

World Must Respond to Human Rights Violations

In his statement, Safi appealed to the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the European Union (EU), and other international forums to take immediate notice of India’s ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK. These include custodial killings, arbitrary detentions, media censorship, restrictions on assembly, and the denial of basic civil liberties.

He called upon these institutions to move beyond symbolic statements and play a practical role in safeguarding the rights of the people of IIOJK, especially their right to self-determination as recognised under international agreements.

India’s Narrative Falls Apart

The continuous efforts by Indian officials to portray the Kashmiri freedom movement as unlawful or externally driven have repeatedly failed. Ground realities in IIOJK clearly indicate that the struggle is rooted in local history, public sentiment, and long-standing international commitments that India has chosen to ignore.

By targeting political platforms like the Hurriyat, India is attempting to eliminate all peaceful alternatives and justify its military approach in the region. However, these tactics are not only unsustainable but also widely rejected both at home and abroad.

Conclusion: Struggle Will Continue, Voices Will Not Be Silenced

Amit Shah’s statement may serve internal political purposes in India, but it has once again brought global attention to New Delhi’s failure in IIOJK. The Kashmiri people have made it clear through decades of resistance that their movement is peaceful, political, and deeply rooted in justice.

The APHC-AJK’s strong response reflects the resilience of the Kashmiri people. Despite all forms of repression, they remain determined to continue their struggle for the restoration of statehood and their rightful political future.

It is now the responsibility of the global community to respond. Silence can no longer be an option. The facts are clear, the history is known, and the demands are legitimate. It is time for the world to acknowledge the truth and support the just cause of the Kashmiri people.