APHC Leaders Reject India’s 2024 Census, Denounce Violation of Kashmiri Rights

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leaders have strongly rejected India’s self-styled census of 2024, condemning it as an unwarranted intrusion into the personal affairs of the Kashmiri people residing in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In separate statements issued in Srinagar, leaders including Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Syed Bashir Andrabi, and Yasin Attai emphasized the blatant violation of international laws and stressed the inherent right of Kashmiris to resist India’s unjust occupation.

The leaders highlighted the historical context, underscoring India’s actions in Kashmir since 1947, particularly its coercive and unlawful occupation, as unacceptable. Despite enduring decades of oppression, including arrests, fake encounters, and property confiscation, the APHC leaders reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Kashmiri people to their ultimate goal of complete freedom from India.

Furthermore, the leaders expressed concern about the perceived manipulation of population figures in the census. They viewed this as a deliberate attempt to alter the demographic composition of the territory, potentially diminishing the Kashmiri majority and affecting their political representation. This manipulation, they argued, constitutes a grave violation of the Kashmiri people’s rights.

The statements shed light on the APHC leaders’ suspicion that the census figures may be manipulated to turn the Kashmiri majority into a minority. This move, they believe, could have far-reaching consequences, impacting political representation and diluting the distinct identity of the Kashmiri people.

In addition to rejecting the census, the leaders called attention to the plight of imprisoned leaders, youth, and activists enduring physical and mental torment in Indian jails. They urged international bodies, including the United Nations, to promptly intervene and address the human rights violations taking place in the region.

The APHC leaders reiterated their commitment to the Kashmiri people’s struggle for freedom and justice, despite the challenges they face. They called for solidarity and support from the international community to ensure that the rights of the Kashmiri people are upheld, and their aspirations for self-determination are respected.

In conclusion, the APHC leaders’ rejection of India’s 2024 census underscores their unwavering stance against what they perceive as a violation of international laws and an attempt to manipulate the demographic composition of the territory. The leaders’ call for international intervention highlights the urgency of addressing the human rights violations in the region and supporting the Kashmiri people in their quest for justice and freedom.