Srinagar, July 15 (KINS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday expressed concern over reports of a ‘worsening humanitarian situation in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), alleging that civilians in the region are facing repression while demanding their civil, political and economic rights’.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP Jammu & Kashmir office in Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, party spokespersons Manzoor Bhat and Danish Bhat described the reported developments in PoJK as “deeply disturbing” and called for greater international attention to the situation.
The spokespersons claimed that reports from PoJK suggest a sustained pattern of repression, alleging that more than 150 people have reportedly lost their lives during protests, while hundreds of others have been injured or detained. They also alleged that excessive force has been used against peaceful protesters, including women and children.
They said the people of PoJK continue to be deprived of democratic freedoms, political representation and basic human rights. Instead of addressing public grievances, they alleged, the Pakistani establishment has responded with coercion and intimidation.
Reiterating the BJP’s stand that Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, the spokespersons said India cannot remain indifferent to the reported suffering of the people in the region and expressed solidarity with those seeking justice, dignity and fundamental rights.
They urged the international community, global human rights organisations and democratic nations to take note of the reported human rights violations and hold Pakistan accountable. They said silence on such issues weakens the credibility of the global human rights framework.
The BJP leaders also criticised the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other regional political parties in Jammu & Kashmir for what they termed as their silence over the reported developments in PoJK, saying it raises questions about their political priorities.
The party demanded an immediate end to the alleged use of force against civilians, the release of those detained for peacefully asserting their democratic rights, and meaningful measures to address the aspirations and grievances of the people of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
BJP voices concern over reported humanitarian crisis in “Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir”
