MUZAFFARABAD: The recent farcical elections in India-held Kashmir (IHK) were a malicious ploy by India’s fanatic regime to divert global attention from its unilateral actions and the grave human rights situation in the territory, attempting to create a false impression of normalcy.

However, freedom-loving people on both sides of the divide in the disputed Himalayan region had rejected this scheme.

This was the key point of a joint declaration adopted at an All Parties Conference (APC) held in Rawalakot on Sunday under the aegis of Jamaat-i-Islami Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (JI-AJK & GB). It was titled ‘Kashmir and Palestine Solidarity Conference’.

AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq was the chief guest at the event which was presided over by host organisation’s emir, Dr Mohammad Mushtaq. Other notable speakers included former AJK premiers Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, Sardar Yaqoob Khan, in addition to the regional heads and key leaders of various political parties.

The APC paid glowing tributes to the freedom-fighting leadership and people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, who, despite enduring imprisonment and the worst atrocities in history, had kept the freedom movement alive and remained steadfast in their demand for the right to self-determination.

The conference called upon the United Nations, the civilized world, and global institutions to play their part in ensuring the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir, as resolving the issue was essential for lasting peace in the region.

Condemning Israeli aggression in Palestine, the APC urged the United Nations and, particularly, the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) to take practical steps to halt the genocide of Palestinians.

It strongly condemned India’s attempts to sow unrest in AJK and resolved that no effort would be spared in promoting national unity, development, and stability, while those spreading discord and division would be discouraged.

Paying homage to the Pakistan Army for its sacrifices at the Line of Control, the conference declared that while the Pakistan Army acted as the protector of the Kashmiri people, the Indian Army was writing a new chapter of oppression against them.

The conference expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan, noting that despite financial challenges, the federal government had provided relief to the people of AJK.

It reiterated a commitment that all democratic and political parties in AJK would set aside their differences and work together to address the people’s longstanding issues. However, it made it clear that no group would be allowed to form a parallel government under the pretext of resolving public grievances.

The conference also stressed that all political organizations should register under the AJK Constitution to participate in the democratic process. Otherwise, they should refrain from presenting themselves as representatives of the people.

The APC rejected any approach “other than the established democratic methods” for achieving public rights, particularly those methods that would create hardships for the people or instil violent sentiments in future generations.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2024