Urgent Appeal to the OIC: Safeguard Kashmiri Rights amidst Controversial Elections

Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Acting Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, has made a critical appeal to Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Saghar’s plea centers on the need to address India’s misleading election practices in the disputed region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In his recent correspondence with Taha, Saghar raised concerns about India’s attempts to create a misleading image of stability in IIOJK through what he describes as “farcical” elections. He argues that these elections are held under heavy military presence, which exacerbates the region’s already dire human rights conditions.

Saghar’s letter outlines several serious issues: the presence of extensive military forces, human rights abuses, including the use of excessive force, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances. He criticizes the Indian government for using these elections as a façade to obscure the true state of affairs in the region.

The Acting Chairman urges the OIC to leverage its influence to help resolve the Kashmir conflict in a manner that respects the Kashmiri people’s fundamental human rights. He stresses that the current elections are insufficient and cannot replace the Kashmiri people’s right to a UN-supervised plebiscite or referendum.

Saghar’s letter also calls for the OIC to act promptly to counteract India’s attempts to mislead the international community. He seeks the OIC’s support in working towards a peaceful resolution to the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

This appeal underscores the ongoing tension in Jammu and Kashmir and highlights the international dimension of the conflict. By addressing these concerns, the OIC could play a pivotal role in advocating for a more just and transparent process in the region.