DFP draws OIC chief’s attention to deeply troubling situation in IIOJK
Srinagar, April 29 (KMS): Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party has drawn the attention of Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the deeply troubling circumstances faced by the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam incident, which has brought India and Pakistan to the brink of yet another war.
According to Kahsmir Media Service, the DFP in a letter written by its vice Chairman Mehmood Ahmad Saghar said that India has launched a dangerous propaganda campaign worldwide, attempting to portray Kashmiri Muslims as “terrorists” to malign the Kashmiri people’s ligitimate struggle for self-determination, guaranteed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
“A surge in inflammatory rhetoric online, with social media users openly calling for the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Muslims, further highlights the dangerous narrative that seeks to blame an entire community for the actions of a few unknown individuals,” the letter said.
“This toxic digital climate is increasingly spilling over into real-world violence and discrimination. Unfortunately, Indian media that is too busy spreading war hysteria, often ignores the historical context of the region and the longstanding hospitality Kashmiris have shown to tourists—even amid conflict. The negative portrayal of Kashmiris by the Indian media has fueled intimidation and threats against Kashmiri students and businessmen across the Indian mainland.”
The letter said, “Kashmiris in the valley continue to bear the brunt of the India’s so-called war on terror. Amid escalating state repression in region, the Indian authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, arresting hundreds of political and civil rights activists. Reports suggest that dozens of Kashmiri homes have been demolished in recent days, as the Indian forces continue widespread raids across the Kashmir Valley under the guise of ‘national security’.”
”The war hysteria being fueled by India through sections of the media has not only flared up the tensions in the region but also brought India and Pakistan dangerously close to the brink of war. We fear that the current standoff between these two nuclear-armed neighbors could easily escalate into a wider regional conflict if not addressed immediately.”
”It is critical for both sides to recognize that the unresolved Kashmir dispute remains the core dispute, as tensions between the two countries largely originate from this conflict, which has been left unaddressed for more than seventy-seven years. Whether it is the conflict over Siachen or disputes over water-sharing, many of these issues stem directly from the Kashmir issue,” the letter said.
Here is the text of the letter:
His Excellency,
Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha,
Secretary General
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
OIC Headquarters
Jeddah, KSA
Dear Sir,
In light of the rapidly evolving regional scenario, I wish to draw your kind attention to the deeply troubling circumstances faced by the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam incident, which has brought India and Pakistan to the brink of yet another war.
The tragic event has been condemned by all sections of Kashmiri society, transcending political affiliations. Unfortunately, a dangerous propaganda campaign has been launched on digital media, attempting to portray Kashmiri Muslims as “terrorists”—a harmful stereotype long used to malign the Kashmiri people and delegitimize their rightful struggle for self-determination, a right guaranteed to them by no less an authority other than the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
A surge in inflammatory rhetoric online, with social media users openly calling for the “ethnic cleansing” of Kashmiri Muslims, further highlights the dangerous narrative that seeks to blame an entire community for the actions of a few unknown individuals. This toxic digital climate is increasingly spilling over into real-world violence and discrimination. Unfortunately, Indian media that is too busy spreading war hysteria, often ignores the historical context of the region and the longstanding hospitality Kashmiris have shown to tourists—even amid conflict. The negative portrayal of Kashmiris by the Indian mainstream media has fueled intimidation and threats against Kashmiri students and businessmen across the Indian mainland.
On the other Kashmiris in the valley continue to bear the brunt of the India’s so-called war on terror. Amid escalating state repression in region, the Indian authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir, arresting hundreds of political and civil rights activists. Reports suggest that dozens of Kashmiri homes have been demolished in recent days, as the Indian forces continue widespread raids across the Kashmir Valley under the guise of “national security.”
Politicians in Kashmir have criticised the Indian authorities’ crackdown after the attack. Incumbent Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and others have voiced their serious concern over the fresh witch-hunting of Kashmiris and cautioned New Delhi against collective punishment of Kashmiris. Without mincing words Member Parliament and National Conference leader Ruhullah Mehdi stated that Kashmir and Kashmiris are facing “collective punishment”. These statements vividly reflect the highly volatile situation in which the Kashmiri people find themselves following the Pahalgam incident.
Excellency,
Meanwhile, the war hysteria being fueled by India through sections of the media has not only flared up the tensions in the region but also brought India and Pakistan dangerously close to the brink of war. We fear that the current standoff between these two nuclear-armed neighbors could easily escalate into a wider regional conflict if not addressed immediately.
We sincerely believe that rather than issuing inflammatory statements and escalating tensions, the political and military leadership on both sides must come together to address the root causes that continue to bedevil relations between India and Pakistan.
It is critical for both sides to recognize that the unresolved Kashmir dispute remains the core dispute, as tensions between the two countries largely originate from this conflict, which has been left unaddressed for more than seventy-seven years. Whether it is the conflict over Siachen or disputes over water-sharing, many of these issues stem directly from the Kashmir issue.
We believe that the tragic incidents such as the Pahalgam attack and the brutal massacre of Sikhs in Chattisinghpora, will continue to haunt the region unless this long-standing conflict is resolved in accordance with the UN proposed road-map, which offers the most feasible solution to the longstanding dispute.
Excellency,
India and Pakistan may have several bilateral disagreements, but the Kashmir dispute remains the single most critical issue that has held both nations hostage for decades.
It is therefore imperative that the Indian leadership recognize the ground realities and understand that attempts to tighten control over Kashmir through heavy militarization and constitutional changes cannot obscure the fundamental political nature of the conflict. Kashmir is a political issue that demands a resolution rooted in its historical context.
Acknowledging these realities and respecting the Kashmiri people’s legitimate political struggle—including their rightful demand for self-determination—is the only viable path to lasting peace in a region plagued by decades of repression and violence.
It is also high time for influential global powers particularly the OIC to step forward and play a constructive role in helping India and Pakistan—both nuclear-armed nations—resolve this long-standing dispute through peaceful means. If left unaddressed, the issue risks triggering a dangerous escalation that could potentially lead to a nuclear confrontation.
Excellency,
At this crucial juncture, the international community must act responsibly, deescalate tensions, and support sincere efforts toward a just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir conflict.
Given the urgency of the situation, we respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to use your diplomatic influence to urge the Government of India to:
§ Stop warmongering, cease exploiting the Pahalgam tragedy to incite Islamophobia and targeted hostility against Kashmiris within and outside Kashmir.
§ Protect Kashmiri citizens across India, ensure accountability for those inciting violence, and take effective measures to counter the growing tide of hate speech against the community.
§ End the collective punishment of Kashmiris under the pretext of “anti-insurgency operations.”
§ Create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue aimed at achieving a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute, which remains both the cause and consequence of bloodshed and unrest in the region.
With profound regards
Mehmood Ahmed Saghar
Acting chairman
Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party
