ISLAMABAD: Imprisoned senior leader of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Shabbir Ahmad Shah, has expressed grave concerns regarding the worsening situation in the Indian illegally-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He asserts that Kashmiris of all ages and genders, especially the youth, face ruthless violence, torture, and humiliation at the hands of Indian security forces as they demand their right to self-determination.
According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, Shabbir Ahmad Shah has noted that since August 5, 2019, the occupying forces have escalated their oppressive tactics, including extrajudicial killings, arrests, torture, property confiscations, and employee dismissals, all aimed at suppressing the Kashmiri freedom movement.
He points out that academics, journalists, and human rights activists are not spared from brutal treatment for advocating their just rights.
Shabbir Ahmad Shah deplores the fact that Indian troops and intelligence agencies, such as the National Investigation Agency and State Investigation Agency, have turned Kashmir into a living nightmare for its residents, employing brutal tactics during so-called cordon and search operations and frequent raids across various areas of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The APHC leader emphasizes that the Modi government must recognize that no amount of brutality can subdue the Kashmiri people. He believes that Indian state terrorism will only fortify their determination to continue their struggle for the cherished goal of freedom.
He asserts that history has shown that freedom movements cannot be quelled through harsh methods, stating that India may eliminate Kashmiri youth but cannot defeat their spirit.
Shabbir Ahmad Shah contends that the Modi-led Indian government’s illegal abrogation of IIOJK’s special status in August 2019 and its repressive policies have further alienated the Kashmiri populace. He emphasizes that observers of the situation in Kashmir have already confirmed this reality.
Regarding the Kashmiris’ call for the right to self-determination, Shabbir Shah insists that militarization cannot be silenced and calls upon India to abandon its obstinacy on the Kashmir issue.
He urges India to end its heavy-handed approach and initiate a sincere and result-oriented dialogue with Kashmiris and Pakistan to resolve the long-standing dispute.
He believes this step would pave the way for genuine peace and development in South Asia. Otherwise, he warns that India’s inflexibility could lead to unforeseen consequences, as the unresolved Kashmir dispute has already turned the region into a potential flashpoint. —APP
