Srinagar, A group of Hurriyat leaders has sharply criticized India for its handling of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), accusing it of transforming the territory into a military and Hindutva colony. This comes in the wake of ongoing tensions following the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, a move that has led to widespread international concern and condemnation.

According to Kashmir Media Service, prominent figures such as Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Saleem Zargar, Advocate Arshad Iqbal, Muhammad Haseeb Wani, and Maulana Musiab Nadvi have voiced their outrage over the treatment of Kashmiris and the erosion of their rights and resources. The leaders detailed the negative impact of India’s policies, which have led to the sale of Kashmiri land to non-locals, the loss of jobs for the native population, and a significant economic downturn in the region.

The Hurriyat leaders called for a resolution to the Kashmir dispute that aligns with United Nations resolutions, emphasizing the need to grant the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination. They argue that this step is crucial for addressing the current crisis and restoring peace to the region.

In their statements, the leaders also paid tribute to Ghulam Muhammad Bulla, a key figure in the Kashmiri resistance movement who was arrested and killed in 1975 for protesting against the Indira-Abdullah Accord. Bulla’s legacy is remembered as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people in their struggle against Indian domination.

The expressions of dissent and the call for international intervention underscore the deepening crisis in Kashmir and the urgent need for a peaceful, just, and lasting solution to the longstanding conflict.