Resisting Elimination: The Fight Against Hindutva in IIOJK

Leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) have raised serious alarms about the RSS-backed Indian government’s systematic campaign against Kashmiri Muslims. This effort aims to erase their identity and impose Hindutva ideology in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In a recent statement from APHC-AJK leaders, including Syed Faiz Naqashbandi and Muhammad Sultan Butt, emphasized the urgent need for resistance against this destructive Hindutva agenda. They assert that the RSS manifesto seeks to undermine the unique cultural identity of Kashmiris, aiming to convert the Muslim majority into a minority.

These leaders condemned the declarations made by Hindutva figures intent on obliterating Kashmir’s distinct identity and integrating it into a Hindu Rashtra. They view the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A as the first steps toward a broader agenda of cultural erasure and settler colonialism in the region.

“The Modi regime is laying the groundwork for settler colonialism in IIOJK,” they stated emphatically. This assertion is supported by concrete actions such as granting domiciles to non-locals, allocating land to outsiders, and extending voting rights to Indians. These tactics are designed to disenfranchise local Kashmiris and strip them of their cultural and economic resources.

The APHC-AJK leaders call for unity among all segments of Kashmiri society in the face of this existential threat. They assert that Kashmiris are resolute in their determination to protect their identity, no matter the cost. Despite 77 years of military oppression, they believe the spirit of the Kashmiri people remains unbroken.

“Kashmiris would rather face death than submit to the forces of Hindu extremism,” they declared, showcasing their unwavering resolve. This sentiment underscores a deep-rooted commitment to resisting the cultural invasion and hegemony being imposed by the Indian state.

They vowed to continue their fight against these oppressive forces until the last drop of blood is shed. The leaders also urged the international community to step in and safeguard the land and identity of the Kashmiri people. Their call to action emphasizes the urgent need for global intervention to protect the rights and culture of Kashmiris against the looming threat of cultural annihilation.

As India accelerates its campaign of cultural elimination, the resistance of Kashmiri Muslims becomes more critical. The international community must not ignore these warnings. The struggle for Kashmir is not merely about land; it’s about preserving a unique identity in the face of relentless oppression.