Srinagar: Shabbir Ahmad Shah, a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference currently detained in Tihar jail, has vocally criticized the legitimacy of elections conducted under military presence in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stating they cannot substitute for the region’s right to self-determination, a right recognized by the United Nations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, from his cell in New Delhi, Shah conveyed that the Indian government should reflect on historical outcomes and foster an environment conducive to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He insisted that the issue of Kashmir is inherently political and should be addressed through dialogues involving all concerned parties, instead of forceful interventions.
Shah expressed his strong disapproval of what he described as the unrealistic and hypocritical tactics of Indian authorities concerning Jammu and Kashmir. He argued that these tactics will not alter the factual conditions on the ground. He remained firm on the stance that the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir are unwavering in their demand for self-determination despite the adversities they face.
Furthermore, he highlighted the widespread rejection by the people of Jammu and Kashmir of the Indian government’s superficial promises and the detention of thousands of Kashmiri leaders and youths who advocate for self-determination. Shah called for a plebiscite under United Nations supervision to conclusively decide the political destiny of the region’s populace. This is the sole path towards a durable resolution and the establishment of lasting peace in the South Asian context.