Muzaffarabad: Samia Sajid, Chairperson of the Muslim Conference (women wing) and Kashmir Women Alert Forum, has vocally criticized the recent elections held in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, labeling them as fraudulent and calling instead for a United Nations-supervised referendum.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Samia Sajid, speaking to reporters in Muzaffarabad, dismissed the three-phase polling that started on September 18 by India as a mere attempt to mislead the international community. She argued that such elections could not replace a legitimate plebiscite, underscoring the need for genuine international oversight including entities like the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Sajid also accused India of employing new tactics to undermine Pakistan and the Kashmiri freedom movement, amidst ongoing severe human rights violations in the region. She urged Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to urgently convene a national conference on Kashmir that includes leadership from both sides of the disputed territory.

The Kashmiri leader’s call highlights the ongoing strife and resistance in Jammu and Kashmir and the deep-seated desire among Kashmiris for the right to self-determination, despite the challenging circumstances they face.