Muzaffarabad: In a significant display of dissent, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Muzaffarabad to voice their opposition against what they termed forced elections in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The demonstrations underscored the deep-rooted tensions and the demand for self-determination in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the protests were spearheaded by Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir. The event saw widespread participation from various segments of society, including migrants and leaders from different political and religious factions. Demonstrators expressed their discontent by waving black flags and holding banners with messages like “We want freedom, not elections” and “No elections, only referendum.” The slogans chanted during the march were fervently anti-occupation, calling out the ongoing Indian military presence and demanding rights to freedom and self-determination.

Prominent figures such as Aziz Ahmed Ghazali, Showkat Meer, and Mushtaq Islam took an active part in leading the protesters. They vehemently criticized the election process, labeling it a deceptive tactic by the Indian government intended to mislead the international community about the true nature of governance in the region. They argued that these elections could not serve as a substitute for the fundamental right to self-determination and liberty.

The mobilization culminated in a march towards the United Nations observer office, where protesters called for international intervention to address and help resolve the long-standing issues plaguing Kashmir.