Kashmir Calls for a UN-Supervised Plebiscite: APHC

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, calling for a UN-supervised plebiscite as the only viable solution.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has reaffirmed the collective desire of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for a peaceful and just resolution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute. Central to this demand is the right to self-determination, which the APHC insists must be exercised through a transparent and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.

For decades, the Kashmiri people have endured significant hardships, making countless sacrifices to keep the dream of self-determination alive. In a recent meeting held in Srinagar, APHC leaders criticized the Indian government’s persistent efforts to undermine the morale of the Kashmiris. The APHC accused Indian authorities of disseminating false narratives and engaging in propaganda aimed at discrediting the Hurriyat leadership and Pakistan.

Following the meeting, Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas, spokesperson for the APHC, issued a statement condemning the ongoing punitive measures imposed by India on the residents of IIOJK. Minhas highlighted that these repressive tactics are a direct response to the Kashmiri demand for the fulfillment of UN resolutions mandating a plebiscite.

The APHC emphasized that the right to self-determination has been internationally acknowledged, referencing several UN resolutions, including the significant one passed on January 5, 1949. Despite 77 years of occupation and suppression, the Kashmiri people remain resolute in their call for a UN-monitored plebiscite. The leaders also underscored that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had publicly supported this right, further legitimizing their claim.

During the meeting, APHC leaders urged the Indian government to cease its aggressive policies and harassment in the region. They reiterated that the people of IIOJK are committed to resolving the dispute peacefully, calling on New Delhi to initiate dialogue involving Pakistan and Kashmiri representatives. The APHC firmly believes that open negotiations are crucial to ending the protracted conflict.

Concerns were also raised regarding India’s controversial actions on August 5, 2019, which sought to nullify the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, effectively challenging the validity of UN resolutions. The APHC condemned the demographic shifts and land acquisitions, such as those for railway expansions and satellite townships, viewing them as attempts to manipulate the results of any future plebiscite.

The APHC concluded that sustainable peace in the region hinges on addressing the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of its people. By aligning with international law and UN directives, a just and enduring resolution can be achieved, ensuring stability and harmony in South Asia.