APHC Calls for Kashmiri Unity to Pursue Plea for Plebiscite

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called for greater unity among Kashmiris to effectively demand a plebiscite to determine the political future of Jammu and Kashmir.

APHC spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas issued a statement from Srinagar, describing the Kashmir issue as both a political and human rights crisis. He highlighted the immense sacrifices made by Kashmiris since 1947 in their quest for justice and freedom from Indian control.

Minhas accused India of misleading the global community about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that military occupation and state terrorism cannot sustain the illegal occupation of the region indefinitely. Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute between Pakistan and India, requiring resolution based on the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

In his statement, Minhas emphasized that, in the current global context, war is not a viable solution. He advocated for resolving disputes through diplomacy and dialogue to achieve lasting peace. Minhas urged both Pakistan and India to foster peaceful relations, which necessitates addressing and resolving their longstanding conflicts, especially the Kashmir issue.

He criticized the recent elections in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), asserting that they do not alter the disputed status of the region as recognized by UN Security Council resolutions. Minhas condemned India’s decision to grant voting rights to non-Kashmiris, claiming it further complicates the situation and violates international laws and India’s own constitution.

Minhas accused the ruling BJP government of attempting to alter the demographic composition of IIOJK through these measures. He argued that such actions aim to undermine Kashmiri rights and are part of a broader strategy to disenfranchise the local population.

Assuring that Kashmiris will persist in their struggle for freedom, Minhas called on both India and Pakistan to engage in meaningful dialogue. He emphasized that resolving the Kashmir dispute according to UN resolutions and respecting the will of the Kashmiri people is essential for achieving lasting peace.

As a whole, the APHC’s call for unity and dialogue reflects a commitment to pursuing a plebiscite and addressing the Kashmir issue through peaceful means. The emphasis on international recognition and diplomatic solutions underscores the ongoing struggle for Kashmiri self-determination and justice.