Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party has strongly condemned the arrest of youth, targeting of employees and doctors and seizure of Kashmiri land in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, in a statement issued in Srinagar, DFP spokesman Advocate Arshad Iqbal said arrests of youth, harassment of government employees and actions against doctors are creating an atmosphere of fear in the territory. Such measures are contrary to fundamental human rights, civil liberties and principles of justice, he added. 

The DFP said attempts by Indian authorities to acquire land in IIOJK for construction of hotels, shopping malls and factories by depriving locals of their ancestral land are unacceptable. He emphasized that Kashmir is a disputed territory, which does not entitle India to deprive Kashmiris of their land and resources. Such actions are contrary to relevant UN resolutions, he maintained. Arshad said Kashmiri people have endured prolonged political uncertainty, arrests and restrictions on fundamental rights.  

Targeting youth, employees and medical professionals while undermining rights of locals is further aggravating the situation. The DFP spokesman urged the Indian government to end arrests of youth, harassment of employees and doctors and retaliatory actions against Kashmiris. He called upon authorities to respect fundamental human rights and ensure protection of local population’s land and property. 

Advocate Arshad Iqbal appealed to the United Nations, international human rights organizations and relevant international bodies to take serious note of the human rights situation in IIOJK. He stressed that rights and genuine aspirations of Kashmiri people cannot be ignored in decisions concerning the future of Jammu and Kashmir and its resources.  A just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute requires that Kashmiris be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, he concluded. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)