APHC Condemns Arrests and Harassment in IIOJK: Upholding the Struggle for Kashmiri Rights

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) strongly denounced the arrest and harassment of Kashmiri civilians during search operations and house raids in Srinagar and other regions of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. APHC spokesperson Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas issued a statement in Srinagar expressing deep concern over ongoing operations, summoning of youth to police stations, and the arbitrary arrest of hundreds by Indian forces, instilling fear among the population.

Minhas highlighted the arbitrary arrests occurring in various areas of Srinagar, Bandipore, Rajouri, and other districts, aiming to intimidate peace-loving Kashmiris seeking freedom. He noted the use of draconian laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA), Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) to detain individuals and fabricate cases to silence Kashmiri voices.

Minhas mentioned that over 5,000 Kashmiris, including APHC leaders such as Masarrat Alam Butt, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, and Asiya Andrabi, are detained in jails across India and IIOJK, advocating for self-determination and political justice.

He reiterated APHC’s commitment, supported by all Hurriyat leaders and the people, to continue the struggle for rights and freedom, urging Kashmiris to remain united against conspiracies by the occupying regime.

Minhas criticized New Delhi’s decision to hold Indian Lok Sabha elections, viewing it as a ploy to divert international attention from the unresolved Kashmir issue. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a critical phase, with people deprived of their democratic and political right to self-determination.