Srinagar, In a unified response, Kashmiri leaders from various political groups have unanimously rejected the Indian Supreme Court’s decision endorsing the Narendra Modi government’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue the struggle for self-determination as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a spokesman for the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) stated that neither the Indian government nor its judiciary has the authority to determine the legal status of Jammu and Kashmir, which is recognized internationally as a disputed territory. The APHC stressed that the Kashmiri struggle is not about Articles 370 or 35A, but rather a fight for complete freedom from India’s illegal occupation.
APHC leader Farida Bahenji, in her statement, emphasized that the Indian Supreme Court’s decision does not alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted that the region’s status remains unresolved, with numerous UN resolutions addressing the issue. Bahenji criticized the Indian Supreme Court for demonstrating bias by upholding the Modi government’s decision.
Altaf Hussain Wani, another APHC-AJK leader, expressed a lack of faith in the Indian judiciary, arguing that neither the Indian government nor its parliament has the legal authority to revoke Article 370, given that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory under UN Security Council resolutions.
Altaf Ahmad Butt, also from APHC-AJK, in his statement in Islamabad, described the validation of Modi’s actions as evidence of a judiciary that prioritizes Hindutva ideology over justice, especially in cases concerning Muslims in India and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party, conveyed via Twitter that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would not lose hope or surrender their rights following the verdict. She stated that their struggle for the restoration of honor and dignity would continue, asserting that the Supreme Court’s verdict is not the end of their journey.
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment but not discouragement at the verdict, emphasizing the long-term nature of the struggle. “Disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue. It took the BJP decades to reach here. We are also prepared for the long haul,” he commented on social media.