Srinagar, Nayeem Ahmed Khan, a detained leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), has called upon United Nations General Secretary António Guterres to address the alleged human rights abuses by Indian troops in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, Khan conveyed his message from New Delhi’s Tihar jail, expressing his concerns about the Indian military’s actions in the region since the 1947 invasion, which he described as a significant incident in India’s colonial history. He emphasized that India’s denial of the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir has led to extensive death and destruction. Khan added that the region’s residents face severe victimization due to the massive presence of Indian military and paramilitary forces.

Khan highlighted his ongoing commitment and that of other Kashmiris to their freedom struggle, referencing the Bijbehara and other martyrs. He asserted that the struggle would continue until the Kashmir dispute is resolved in alignment with the United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Khan also criticized India’s reliance on the “Instrument of accession” signed by a Maharaja, calling into question its legitimacy. He cited British historian Alastair Lamb’s work, suggesting the document was inauthentic. Khan expressed concern about India’s refusal to engage in international mediation, which he perceives as a barrier to international dialogue on Kashmir.

Concluding his message, Khan encouraged the Indian government to change its stance on the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing that dialogue remains the most viable path to a fair and lasting resolution.