Muzaffarabad: On Thursday, residents of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, gathered in significant numbers to protest against what they described as the “sham” third phase of elections in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstration was organized by Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir at the Old Secretariat, under the leadership of Uzair Ahmed Ghazali, chairman of the group. The protesters voiced strong opposition to the elections, waving black flags and displaying banners that read, “No Elections, but a Referendum,” highlighting their demand for self-determination rather than orchestrated electoral processes.
Participants at the protest condemned the heavy military presence in the region, labeling the elections as a mere facade meant to legitimize India’s control over the territory. Speakers at the event criticized the Indian government’s approach, particularly targeting the Modi administration for its tactics of imprisoning political opponents and enforcing what they claim are fraudulent elections on the Kashmiri people.
The speakers urged the Indian government to honor its past commitments by allowing a free and fair referendum under international oversight to genuinely ascertain the will of the Kashmiri people. They argued that the primary motive behind conducting these elections is to solidify India’s unlawful claim over the region.
The demonstration in Muzaffarabad is a reflection of the ongoing resistance against Indian policies in Kashmir and represents a significant challenge to the acceptance of the electoral process being conducted in IIOJK.