Islamabad: Dr Mujeeb Afzal, Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University, has said that BJP was not interested in governing the people of Occupied Jammu & Kashmir but rather was bent upon promoting a Hindu centric agenda.
Dr Mujeeb was speaking at a round table discussion on “Recently concluded elections in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir” held here at Institute of Regional Studies. Therefore, said Dr Mujeeb, the sentiment in the Muslim majority Kashmir Valley was to defeat BJP. He also observed that discontent over BJP’s anti-Muslim policies and issues such as unemployment and security were major concerns of the people of J&K.
Kashmiri leader Altaf Hussain Wani emphasised the importance of preserving Kashmiri identity amidst the pressures of political hegemony. The fight is not just about the number of voters, it is about ensuring our voices are heard and our rights are preserved, he remarked.
Dr Waleed Rasool, drawing attention to the evolving nature of political leadership in the Occupied Jammu & Kashmir underscored that genuine leadership must confront military control of India and advocate for the right of self-determination.
Earlier, Maryam Mastoor from IRS introduced the topic highlighting reorganisation Act of 2019, whereby much of the executive power was with the Lieutenant Governor appointed by the Center. She observed that the role of Chief Minister and the sham assembly has become merely ceremonial.
Jauhar Saleem, President, IRS, emphasised that despite a multilayered control of India, through illegal legislation and intense military presence, the people of Kashmir through vote have expressed their protest and defiance in the farcical assembly elections against oppressive policies of the BJP.
He called for continued engagement with the Kashmiris in IIOJK and carrying forward informed dialogue on the evolving situation which is important for the future of millions of Kashmiris.