SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, several Hurriyat organizations, including the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), have asserted that India lacks the moral standing to celebrate its Republic Day due to its alleged repression of Kashmiris’ fundamental rights.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, DFP spokesman Arshad Iqbal criticized India’s continued presence in the region, highlighting the political and human rights challenges faced by the Kashmiri population. He remarked that a nation engaged in “death and destruction” in Kashmir and holding its people “hostage for decades” should not celebrate its Republic Day.

Iqbal further noted that the international community is aware of India’s actions, describing the country as a “usurper” that undermines the democratic rights and aspirations of Kashmiris while maintaining a military occupation for over 77 years.

He condemned what he termed as the Indian government’s double standards, pointing out the contrast between India’s self-representation as a democracy and its alleged denial of basic rights to Kashmiris. Iqbal also criticized the search operations and commuter frisking by the Indian army in Srinagar and other areas.

The DFP spokesman emphasized the legitimacy of the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination, asserting that the people of Kashmir, having endured significant hardships, are committed to pursuing their goal of freedom from Indian control.

Additionally, statements from Tehreek-e-Wahdat-e-Islami Chairman Fayyaz Hussain Jafri and Pairwan-e-Wilayat head Maulana Syed Sibt Shabbir Qomi echoed these sentiments. They labeled India as an “aggressor and usurper” and accused it of using military force to suppress Kashmiri calls for freedom, thus violating democratic values and principles in the region.