Srinagar, National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has challenged the Indian government’s assertions of peace in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), pointing out the contradiction represented by the thousands of Kashmiris currently detained. Abdullah’s remarks underscore the ongoing tensions and human rights concerns in the region, despite official narratives of normalization.
According to Kashmir Media Service, during a press interaction in Srinagar, Abdullah questioned the rationale behind the large-scale incarceration of Kashmiri youth if the situation in IIOJK has indeed improved as claimed by Indian authorities. “If the situation has truly improved as claimed, then why are thousands of our children in jails? What is their fault? Is this peace?” he inquired, highlighting the disconnect between the proclaimed state of peace and the reality of widespread detentions. Abdullah called on the occupation authorities to cease the oppression of Kashmiri people, urging the release of young individuals from jails across India to restore their dignity and address the growing sense of alienation among the population.
Furthermore, Abdullah expressed hope for the conduct of not only parliamentary elections but also panchayat, municipal, and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He suggested that such democratic exercises could serve as a step towards normalcy and potentially mitigate the alienation felt by the local populace.
Abdullah’s comments reflect a broader criticism of Indian policies in Kashmir, where the suppression of dissent and the detention of political activists and youths have been longstanding issues. His call for elections and the release of detainees is seen as a plea for fundamental rights and democratic processes in a region marred by conflict and political unrest.