MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Thursday denounced the so-called elections being held in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that such measures could not pacify the oppressed Kashmiris who were stripped of their special status and rights by India’s “constitutional terrorism” on August 5, 2019.

“The blood shed by the Kashmiris was not for sham elections but for the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions,” Mr Haq stated while addressing the 8th convocation at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) in the lakeside city of Mirpur.

He termed the farce elections a part of India’s broader strategy to mislead international opinion and derail the implementation of UN resolutions.

“This is yet another despicable attempt by India to divert attention from its harrowing atrocities. Instead of conducting pointless elections, India must create an environment conducive to the UN-sponsored referendum in the disputed region, allowing its inhabitants to decide their future on their own free accord,” he added.

The AJK premier pointed out that the situation in occupied Kashmir had become even more dire following the unilateral abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A in August 2019.

“Life for the people of Kashmir has become increasingly unbearable after India’s unconstitutional move. But as long as a single Kashmiri remains, the flame of freedom will continue to burn,” he said while underscoring Kashmiris’ unwavering resistance to Indian illegal occupation.

Highlighting the stark contrast between AJK and Indian-occupied Kashmir, Mr Haq said: “On our side, people have access to higher education, healthcare, employment, and an excellent infrastructure in a free atmosphere. Contrarily, our brothers and sisters in occupied Kashmir face enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and daily oppression. Despite these hardships, you will not find a single Kashmiri who genuinely supports India or any of its preposterous moves, including sham elections.”

Shifting his focus to education, the AJK premier stressed its importance in raising awareness. “Education empowers individuals to discern between the blessings of freedom and the curse of slavery,” he said. “There is no problem that cannot be solved with unity, discipline, and honesty.”

Reflecting on his government’s achievements, Mr Haq said: “When we assumed office, we inherited numerous challenges. But through plugging leakages and ensuring the efficient, honest, and merit-based utilization of funds for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we have addressed many of these issues.”

He also acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the public sector universities in AJK, assuring that his government would release their stalled funds and address other pressing issues.

“We understand the importance of higher education institutions as hubs of knowledge, research, and innovation, and we are committed to supporting them,” he said,andurged the federal government to revise the grants for AJK universities, considering the region’s unique geographical and developmental needs.

He also called on philanthropists, particularly in the Mirpur division, to contribute to the development of the higher education institutions.

During the convocation, the prime minister distributed gold medals, degrees, and shields to students excelling in various disciplines. Apart from several cabinet members, the event was also attended by Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Khawaja Mukhtar Ahmed and sitting and former vice chancellors of AJK universities.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2024