JAMMU, July 31 (KINS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday condemned the alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians, including women and children, and urging the international community and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to speak out against the reported atrocities.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, party spokesperson Dr Tahir Chowdhary and BJP spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia expressed concern over the reported situation in PoJK and said the people of the region continue to look towards India with hope.
Dr Tahir Chowdhary alleged that the situation in PoJK has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, claiming that Pakistan’s army and security forces have been firing on civilians, resulting in the deaths of innocent people, including women and children.
He claimed that videos emerging from the region show residents appealing to the international community for help while facing what he described as serious human rights violations.
“Unfortunately, the global leadership and international organisations have remained silent despite these incidents,” he said.
Dr Chowdhary contrasted the present situation with earlier years in Jammu and Kashmir when, according to him, separatist leaders frequently approached the United Nations over issues concerning Kashmir. He questioned why those voices were now silent despite the alleged suffering of civilians in PoJK.
Referring to recent political developments, he claimed that many people in PoJK increasingly identify with India after witnessing governance and development on the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The people of PoJK openly raise slogans in favour of India and express their desire to reunite with India. This growing inclination towards India has created fear within Pakistan’s establishment,” he alleged.
He further accused Pakistan of attempting to suppress such sentiments by creating difficult living conditions for the people of PoJK, alleging restrictions on food, medicines and other essential supplies.
Dr Chowdhary also questioned the silence of regional political parties, including the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress.
“I ask the leaders of these parties why they are not speaking openly against the atrocities allegedly being committed against the people of PoJK,” he said.
Reiterating the BJP’s stand, he said PoJK is an integral part of India and asserted that both the territory and its people belong to India.
Referring to statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on PoJK, Chowdhary said the BJP remains committed to the eventual reunification of the region with India.
He alleged that Pakistan was targeting civilians because it feared the growing pro-India sentiment among the people of PoJK.
Describing Pakistan as a country that has “lost all moral credibility,” he condemned the alleged killing of women, children and other civilians and urged all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to send a united message that the people of PoJK are part of India and should not be subjected to violence.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia recalled historical events related to Mirpur during the 1947 conflict.
He said discussions on PoJK always leave him emotional and referred to the events of November 25, 1947, alleging that many young women in Mirpur sacrificed their lives to protect their honour during the tribal invasion supported by Pakistan.
Jasrotia claimed that several women jumped into a well inside a gurdwara rather than fall into the hands of the invading forces.
Calling it one of the darkest chapters in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, he alleged that Indian troops were close to Mirpur but could not advance due to decisions taken by the political leadership of the time.
He criticised the then leadership, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah, alleging that their decisions prevented Indian forces from reaching Mirpur in time.
Jasrotia appealed to displaced families from Mirpur, Bhimber, Deva Batala, Haveli and other parts of PoJK to remember November 25, adding that if PoJK reunites with India, he would visit Mirpur to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
He also narrated another historical account, alleging that during the conflict some families poisoned sweets before giving them to their children to prevent them from falling into the hands of invading forces.
Turning to recent developments, Jasrotia referred to a political activist identified as “Sardar” during the press conference and claimed that he was recently shot by Pakistani forces.
He alleged that civilians in PoJK possess no weapons but continue to be targeted by Pakistan’s security forces.
Jasrotia also criticised Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his recent remarks and accused him of displaying hostility towards the people of PoJK.
He further criticised senior leaders of the National Conference and the PDP, including Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, alleging that they had remained silent on the reported violence in PoJK.
The BJP leaders maintained that the international community should take note of the alleged human rights violations in PoJK and ensure that the voices of the affected people are heard.
Reiterating the party’s position, they said the BJP stands firmly with the people of PoJK and will continue to raise their concerns on every appropriate platform.(KINS)
BJP condemns alleged human rights violations in PoJK
