Srinagar, The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has declared January as the Right to Self-Determination Day, initiating a series of protests, rallies, seminars, and programs. These events are organized to draw global attention to the urgency of resolving the Kashmir dispute, which has remained unresolved for decades, and to prevent the region from becoming another Palestine-like scenario.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an APHC spokesman in Srinagar stated that the Kashmir dispute poses a significant question mark on the credibility of the United Nations. The spokesman emphasized that the UN needs to implement its resolutions on Kashmir promptly to restore its credibility. This call to action references the UN Security Council resolution passed on January 5, 1949, which proposed that the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan should be decided through a plebiscite. However, the promised plebiscite has yet to be fulfilled, even after seven decades.
The APHC highlighted the severe situation in Kashmir, where over one million troops are deployed, turning the region into what they describe as a gigantic prison. The spokesman accused these troops of committing human rights violations, including killings, house destructions, molestation, and the blinding of youth. These actions are seen as India’s attempt to annihilate the Kashmiri population and occupy their land.
Furthermore, the APHC criticized the post-August 5, 2019, actions of the BJP-RSS regime, accusing it of intensifying brutalities and adopting Israeli-type tactics to undermine the Kashmiri economy, property rights, and impose its Hindutva agenda. The issuance of domiciles to non-Kashmiris and the introduction of anti-Kashmir and anti-Muslim laws are seen as efforts to strip the Kashmiris of their identity, culture, and land.
The APHC called on Kashmiris and Pakistanis worldwide to organize large-scale protests to highlight the Kashmir issue. They also urged the international community, especially the UN, to take concrete steps toward resolving the Kashmir dispute.
In Islamabad, APHC AJK convenor Mehmood Ahmed Saghar stated that the UN resolutions of January 5 provide a basis for resolving the Kashmir conflict. Other APHC AJK leaders, including Muhammad Sultan Butt, condemned the ban on Tehreek Hurriyat, Muslims League, and other pro-freedom organizations, labeling these acts as reflections of the Hindutva regime’s frustration. They asserted that such tactics have failed in the past and are destined to fail in the future as well.
Jammu, The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to equip its army with 50 advanced bullet-proof Light Specialist Vehicles (ALSVs), known as Armado vehicles, for operations in the occupied region of Jammu and Kashmir. This move comes amidst the government’s claims of normalcy in the region, contrasting with the ongoing freedom movement and recent attacks on military personnel.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian army officials have announced the sanction of these vehicles, particularly in response to recent incidents in the Rajouri and Poonch districts along the Line of Control (LOC). The officials noted that the introduction of these advanced bullet-proof vehicles is aimed at enhancing the army’s capabilities in combating militancy in the region. They believe that the Armado vehicles will provide better protection for soldiers, especially when traveling in the forest areas of the border districts.
The officials added that the addition of Armado vehicles is expected to augment the army’s presence and effectiveness in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. They anticipate that the deployment of these vehicles will minimize damage during attacks and increase the safety of the soldiers. The statement also suggested that more such vehicles might be introduced in these districts soon, signaling an ongoing effort to strengthen military operations in the area.
This development raises questions about the Indian government’s narrative of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, as the procurement of advanced military equipment indicates continuing security challenges in the region.