Islamabad: President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, has strongly criticized the recent elections held by the Indian government in Occupied Kashmir, labeling them as a sham designed to mislead the international community about the region’s situation. He argued that these elections are no substitute for the referendum needed to resolve the Kashmir issue.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, “the Indian government wants to give the impression that everything is fine in Occupied Kashmir by staging fake elections, but the reality is far from it.” He pointed out that the elections, conducted in the presence of 900,000 Indian troops, lack legitimacy and are part of India’s broader strategy to alter the demographics of Occupied Kashmir. This strategy includes the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A on August 5, 2019, which originally granted special status to the region.
President Chaudhry voiced these concerns during a discussion with Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, President and Honorary Presidential Adviser of Kashmir Peace Forum International Midland (UK), at the Kashmir House in Islamabad. He emphasized the need for the international community to intervene and prevent India from continuing its unconstitutional actions in Occupied Kashmir.
The AJK President also highlighted the role of overseas Kashmiris, particularly those residing in the UK, in mobilizing global opinion against India’s actions in Occupied Kashmir. He urged them to continue raising their voices at international forums to expose the fraudulent nature of the Indian elections and the ongoing violations of human rights in the region.
Furthermore, President Chaudhry reiterated the necessity of a global effort to address the Kashmir issue, stressing that the resolution must align with the wishes of the Kashmiri people as recognized by the United Nations Security Council. He called for an intensified campaign to bring the issue to the forefront of international discussions, aiming to garner more support for the Kashmiri cause.
In conclusion, the AJK President expressed his commitment to continuing the struggle for the independence of Occupied Kashmir, stating that the spirit of freedom among the Kashmiri people cannot be suppressed by force.