Brussels, Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe (KCEU), has publicly criticized the Indian government’s prohibition of two additional political organizations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), framing it as an attempt to silence pro-freedom sentiments. This condemnation comes amidst broader concerns over political freedom and human rights within the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the recent actions taken by the Indian government involve the imposition of a five-year ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Freedom League and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League. Furthermore, the Home Minister Amit Shah announced the extension of a ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), led by the detained Muhammad Yasin Malik, marking a continuation of restrictions first implemented in March 2019.

Syed articulated that these measures are part of a sustained effort to suppress the voices advocating for Kashmir’s self-determination, referencing the historical context of Kashmiris’ 76-year struggle aligned with UN resolutions. He argued that such bans are aimed at undermining the Kashmiri people’s aspirations and solidifying India’s control over the territory.

The KCEU chairman asserted that these bans contravene international standards relating to political engagement and expression, emphasizing that they will not deter Kashmiris from pursuing their rights, particularly the right to self-determination. He urged the global community and the United Nations to intervene against India’s actions, which he views as violations of fundamental human rights and democratic principles in IIOJK.