Incarcerated Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Masarrat Alam Butt has asserted that Kashmiris’ fundamental demand is freedom from illegal Indian occupation and the right to self-determination as outlined in UN resolutions and they will not surrender this demand.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a message from the infamous Tihar Jail in New Delhi, Masarrat Alam Butt stated that India has maintained its grip on Jammu and Kashmir solely through military force, with Kashmiris resisting this unlawful occupation for 77 years. He described the recent sham elections as a clear reflection of public anger against the Modi government’s anti-Kashmir policies, affirming that the BJP has no legitimate standing in the occupied territory. Masarrat Alam stressed that issues like restoring statehood and Article 370 are secondary to the Kashmiris’ ultimate goal of freedom from illegal Indian rule for which countless sacrifices have been made. The APHC chairman made it clear that Kashmiris will continue their struggle at all costs until they achieve their right to self-determination in accordance with international law.
Meanwhile, Indian forces’ personnel have escalated their raids and cordon and search operations across various districts in IIOJK, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Islamabad, Udhampur, Poonch, and Rajouri. These operations primarily target youth, who are often summoned to police stations and army camps where they endure torture and abuse. In many instances, troops have forcibly entered residential homes, terrorizing families and causing extensive damage to properties as acts of reprisal against the Kashmiri people’s ongoing struggle for self-determination. The relentless military operations have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, deeply affecting daily life in the territory.
On the other hand, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, speaking with various delegations in Srinagar, stated that India has forcibly usurped the rights of Kashmiris, affirming their unwavering demand for the restoration of constitutional and democratic rights. He criticized the BJP for its efforts to sow communal discord in IIOJK. Farooq Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for unity among Kashmiris to safeguard their rights, advocating for a collective effort to combat hatred and resist forces that aim to plunge the territory into communal strife. KMS
Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike enters 7th day in Delhi for Ladakh’s rights
New Delhi, October 12 (KMS): The indefinite hunger strike initiated by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters in Delhi, advocating for the rights of the people in the Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has entered its seventh day.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest is currently taking place at the entrance of Ladakh Bhawan, where Wangchuk and his group have been gathered since they began their strike on Sunday.
In an Instagram post, Wangchuk encouraged supporters to join the movement by participating in a day-long fast on Sunday (tomorrow). He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from individuals who have visited them and shown solidarity with their cause.
Wangchuk and his supporters marched to Delhi from Leh to demand the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would provide greater autonomy and self-governance to the region. Their journey was met with police intervention when they were detained at Delhi’s Singhu border on September 30, only to be released on the night of October 2.
The protesters are calling for urgent discussions with top Indian government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their demands extend beyond constitutional inclusion to include statehood for Ladakh, the establishment of a public service commission, and the allocation of separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts.
This movement is being organized by the Leh Apex Body, in collaboration with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, both of which have been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of Ladakhi people.
As the hunger strike continues, the urgency of the protesters’ demands resonates with many who are advocating for the preservation of Ladakh’s distinct identity and the empowerment of its people.
