Srinagar, Masarrat Aalam Butt, the Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), currently detained in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail, has lauded the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) stance on the recent Indian Supreme Court verdict against the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that India’s denial of Kashmiris’ self-determination rights poses a threat to peace in South Asia.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Butt, in a special message, disputed India’s claim of normalcy in the occupied territory, questioning why it has been transformed into an open jail with rampant human rights violations. He expressed hope that Muslim countries would collectively advocate for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

The OIC, in its statement issued from Jeddah, expressed concern over the Indian Supreme Court’s verdict and urged India to reverse its illegal and unilateral actions taken after August 5, 2019. Butt called for a strong international response to the Narendra Modi-led Indian government’s oppressive measures in Kashmir.

He urged the OIC and the international community to intervene and support the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are under siege in the occupied territory. Butt highlighted the widespread illegal arrests of Hurriyat leaders, media personnel, Ulema, rights activists, and ordinary citizens under fake cases as means to suppress their demand for self-determination.

The APHC Chairman criticized the BJP regime for prolonging the illegal detention of Kashmiri prisoners under stringent laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He accused the Indian government of trying to subdue Kashmiris into submission for their political beliefs and of denying space to Hurriyat leadership through false charges.

Butt’s message underscores the ongoing struggle for self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir and calls for greater international awareness and support for the Kashmiri cause.