IoK issue to take a decisive turn in 2-3 months, claims AJK PM

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan Tuesday claimed that next two to three months would be decisive for the solution of the decades-long issue of Kashmir. He declared that not a single Kashmiri would support India, which is occupying the territory by force.

Addressing 'Meet the Press' at Karachi Press Club, Raja said Kashmiris would continue their struggle for the right of self-determination till death, for which more than 500,000 Kashmiris have lost their lives in last 70 years.

He requested Pakistan government not to accept the US as mediator on Kashmir, saying India is the ideological partner of the US. Also, the 'close attachments' of two Muslim states - Saudi Arabia and UAE with the Modi regime are not good omen in the context of Kashmir issue.

He said Pakistan should take into confidence Iran on Kashmir issue as the latter has always been in support to the oppressed people of IOK.

Appreciating the role and support of Pakistan for their Kashmiri brethren in the cause of freedom, Raja, however stressed upon Pakistan to help the people of the disputed territory through non-diplomatic means as Kashmiris are themselves able to snatch their freedom from the clutches of India.

"The situation has still not gone out of our hands... just a 'fundamental' push is required to protect the 84,000 sq miles land," he said.

"We don't need diplomatic and moral support from Pakistan anymore," he said, adding that the Valley has been under complete lockdown since August 5, 2019. As per available statistics with the Azad Kashmir government, Raja said around 49 people have so far been killed by Indian troops in the Valley, besides seven custodial killings. Forty-nine women have been gang rapped and some 424 homes destroyed. He said due to Indian shelling, 40 people were killed in Azad Kashmir, and some 200 others got injured in last few months.

Raja said 80 percent of the total 95,471 Kashmiris martyred in IoK Since 1946 till November 2019 were youths. The figure of civilian arrests stands around 158,339, custodial killings 7,135, homes destroyed 109,450, women gang rapped 11,175, widows 22,950, children orphaned 10,778, and whereabouts of 8,000 who have been kidnapped by Indian forces during the said period are not known as yet.

Raja said more than 600,000 Indian troops are engaged in IOK. A peaceful Kashmir is crucial for a prosperous Pakistan. He said the existing grim situation in the Valley is tantamount to putting Pakistan's existence in danger, saying if the Indian forces conquered Kashmir, they will stop waters to Pakistan as the major rivers that cultivate the agriculture land of Pakistan have been originated from the other side of the boarder.

"Supporting Kashmiris especially in this hard time is also in the larger interest of Pakistan," he said, acknowledging Pakistan's overall contribution to the oppressed people of IOK since 1947.

He said the Modi regime is inspired by the theory of nationalism. India is actually not being ruled by the Modi regime, he is just a 'show peace'.

KPC Secretary Arman Sabir and President Imtiaz Khan Faran welcomed the AJK PM and expressed solidarity with the People of Kashmir. They acknowledged the sacrifices of Kashmiris rendered for their freedom and self-determination. They urged the international community including the United Nations to take notice of the gross human right violations in the Valley by the Indian troops.