IIOJK election results a powerful message of dissent against Article 370 revocation: Mirwaiz
Srinagar: Senior leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that the results of the recent so-called assembly elections in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have sent a powerful message of dissent against BJP-led Indian government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in 2019.
According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, today, Mirwaiz said people sent a unanimous and clear message that in every manner available to them, they will resist attempts to subjugate and disempower them.
“This time, through a consolidated ballot, they registered their strong disapproval of the drastic unilateral changes made in August 2019. Since then they have been systematically disempowered, deprived and stifled,” he added.
Mirwaiz expressed hope that the IIOJK administration would heed this message and fulfil the promise they made to restore the legal safeguards and the rights snatched from the Kashmiri people in 2019.
“The ownership of our land and resources, constitutional commitments, and our very identity and dignity have been undermined,” he said, adding that it is essential for the new administration to fulfill its promise to address these grievances.
Mirwaiz further appealed for the immediate release of political prisoners, including lawyers, human rights activists, and youth who have been detained for years without trial. He expressed concern about the deteriorating health conditions of several detainees, emphasizing the humanitarian necessity of reuniting them with their families.
He stressed the need for repealing the draconian laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA).
While reaffirming Hurriyat’s peaceful struggle for rights that have been denied for decades, Mirwaiz highlighted that they have repeatedly appealed to the Government of India for engagement and the release of prisoners. He called on the newly elected IIOJK representatives to take immediate action on these issues.
