Islamabad: Kashmiri Leader Abdul Hameed Lone on Sunday vehemently rejected India’s attempts to legitimize its occupation of Kashmir through elections, terming the polls a “dhong” (farce) aimed at snatching away the political, human, and economic rights of the Kashmiri people.
Abdul Hameed Lone a leading voice in the Kashmiri freedom struggle with PTV news channel argued that India’s efforts to portray the elections as a legitimate exercise in democracy were merely a smokescreen to conceal its human rights abuses and suppression of the Kashmiri people’s freedom struggle.
He demanded that the international community recognize the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and hold India accountable for its violations of human rights and international law in the disputed territory.
Abdul Hameed Lone shed light on the Indian mindset towards Kashmir, revealing a deep-seated desire to suppress the Kashmiri identity and assimilate the region into the Indian union.
He argued that India’s insistence on holding
elections in Kashmir was a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize its occupation and undermine the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Lone contended that the Indian government’s policies in Kashmir were driven by a colonial mindset, which sought to exploit the region’s resources and crush any dissenting voices.
He alleged that India’s rulers viewed Kashmir as a mere territory to be controlled, rather than a people with their own distinct culture, history, and aspirations.
The Kashmiri leader also highlighted the stark contrast between India’s professed values of democracy and secularism, and its actions in Kashmir, where basic human rights and freedoms were being systematically denied.
He accused India of perpetuating a reign of terror in Kashmir, using its military might to silence the voices of dissent and resistance.
Abdul Hameed Lone declared that regardless of India’s actions, the reality of Kashmir’s disputed status would remain unchanged.
He asserted that the Kashmiri people’s struggle f
or freedom and self-determination would continue unabated, despite India’s attempts to suppress it.
Lone emphasized that the Kashmiri people’s resolve to resist Indian occupation was unwavering and that they would not be swayed by India’s tactics to legitimize its control over the region.
He stressed that the Kashmiri struggle was rooted in a deep desire for freedom, justice, and self-determination and that it would continue until these aspirations were fulfilled.
The Kashmiri leader also noted that India’s efforts to portray Kashmir as an integral part of its territory were futile, as the international community recognized Kashmir’s disputed status.
He expressed confidence that the Kashmiri people’s struggle would ultimately prevail and that their right to self-determination would be recognized and respected.