ISLAMABAD: Prominent Kashmiri leader Abdul Hameed Lone Saturday called out India’s upcoming elections in the disputed territory of Kashmir as an ‘electoral drama’ aimed at legitimizing its occupation and undermining the Kashmiris’ struggle for self-determination.
In an exclusive interview with media on Saturday, Lone vehemently condemned the electoral process as a smokescreen designed to snatch away the rights of people of Kashmir and perpetuate India’s hold on the region.
With the polls just around the corner, Lone’ s strong words have sparked a renewed debate on the legitimacy of India’s actions in Occupied Kashmir and the future of the region’s troubled political landscape.
“The Kashmiri leader’s statement has raised concerns regarding the potential for unrest and violence during the elections,” he added.
Abdul Hameed Lone expressed his deep concern over the recent changes to Kashmir’s domicile laws, which he sees as a deliberate attempt to change the demographic makeup of the entire region.
“By granting domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris and outsiders, New Delhi is trying to reduce the Kashmiris to a minority in their own soil,” Lone said. He added that this is a clear violation of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and a shameless attempt to erase their unique identity and culture. Moreover, he strongly criticized the undemocratic tactics being employed by New Delhi in the lead-up to the polls.
He alleged India of using its security troops to intimidate and silence leaders and activists in the Occupied Kashmir, who dare to speak out against the occupation. Lone said that polls are being held in an atmosphere of fear and coercion, where people of Kashmir are being forced to take part in a process that is fundamentally undemocratic.
Lone’s remarks had resonated with many Kashmiris who feel that their rights and aspirations were being trampled upon by New Delhi’s actions. “The changes to the domicile laws and the undemocratic tactics being employed in the elections have only added to the sense of frustration and alienation among Kashmiris,” he further added.
