Srinagar: Kanhaiya Kumar, a member of the Indian Congress and former student union leader, emphasized the need for “actual peace” in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), critiquing the prevailing quiet as insufficient.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during a visit to Islamabad district alongside Congress IIOJK General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Kumar articulated the distinction between mere silence and true peace. He asserted that the current atmosphere in IIOJK, while outwardly calm, lacks the essence of peace, which includes freedom from oppression.

Kumar criticized the ruling BJP’s approach over the past decade, accusing it of fostering policies driven by “ill intentions.” He framed the forthcoming election as a pivotal clash between opposing ideologies— one of love versus hate, and justice versus injustice. “Our understanding is that this time, the voting will be against oppression, unemployment, the injustices done to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to get back their right to statehood,” he stated.

Highlighting the stakes of the upcoming elections, Kumar stressed the importance of unity in the voting process to avoid any division that could undermine the pursuit of justice and restoration of rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The IIOJK Assembly elections are set to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the results to be declared on October 8.