BJP Faces Backlash over Elections in IIOJK: A Show of Farce Democracy
October 2, 2024India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is under fire for its management of the final phase of elections in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Critics have labeled it an “engineered election fiasco.”
Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, a senior leader from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC-AJK), issued a statement condemning the BJP’s claims of winning over the Kashmiri people. He described these assertions as a “mirage” and a “phantom” in a “deserted, slaughtered, and fragmented land.”
Rehmani emphasized that the Modi regime has systematically violated civil rights and crushed fundamental freedoms in IIOJK. He argued that the regime has stifled economic opportunities and mocked the very concept of justice.
The senior leader criticized the extraordinary powers granted to surveillance and law enforcement agencies. He accused these agencies of fabricating criminal charges and targeting dissenters, thus undermining the rule of law in IIOJK.
He urged the United Nations Secretary-General to reaffirm the UN’s commitment to peacefully resolving the Kashmir conflict in accordance with its resolutions. This appeal underscores the need for international attention on the issue.
Rehmani also called on the global community to exert pressure on India to respect the rights of the Kashmiri people. He stressed that a peaceful resolution is essential for long-term stability in the region.
The outcry from Rehmani and others highlights growing frustration with the BJP’s tactics in Jammu and Kashmir. Many view the elections as a ploy to legitimize India’s control over the region.
Critics argue that the BJP’s approach only deepens the existing divide. The ongoing suppression of dissent and civil liberties fuels unrest and dissatisfaction among the local population.
As international observers keep a close eye on the situation in IIOJK, calls for accountability and justice continue to rise. The demand for adherence to human rights norms remains central to these discussions.
This controversy serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in IIOJK. The conflict is rooted in historical grievances that have yet to be addressed.
Rehmani’s statement reflects the sentiments of many Kashmiris who seek recognition and autonomy. The emphasis on international involvement indicates a desire for a balanced resolution to the ongoing crisis.
To conclude, the BJP’s handling of elections in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir has sparked significant backlash. The call for human rights and justice highlights the pressing need for a peaceful solution to the enduring conflict.