By- Farooq Mirza
A Kashmiri activist Mushaal Hussain has strongly criticized India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir while marking the anniversary of the constitutional changes introduced on August 5, describing the date as a turning point in the region’s modern history.
In a statement, the activist alleged that the Indian government had attempted to alter the region’s demographic and political landscape since August 5, 2019, and said that many Kashmiri political leaders and activists remain imprisoned. The speaker further alleged that detainees have faced harsh treatment in custody and argued that history would ultimately judge those responsible for such actions.
The activist questioned why, in her view, the aspirations of the Kashmiri people had not been addressed in accordance with United Nations resolutions calling for the right to self-determination. She claimed that the voices of Kashmiris had been suppressed for decades and urged the international community to take greater notice of the situation.
Reaffirming support for the Kashmiri cause, the speaker said that Kashmir belongs to its people and maintained that the demand for a plebiscite remains central to the movement. She also expressed appreciation for the continued support of Pakistan, the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and members of the Kashmiri diaspora, saying they would continue to advocate for Kashmiris on international platforms.
The activist further alleged that efforts to change the demographic composition of the region would not succeed and predicted that such policies would ultimately fail. She also criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling government, claiming that growing public criticism within India reflected increasing dissatisfaction with its policies.
Concluding her remarks, the speaker delivered a message of solidarity to the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, saying that Kashmiris would continue their struggle for what she described as their legitimate political rights. She expressed confidence that the movement would endure despite ongoing challenges and ended her statement by reaffirming support for the Kashmir freedom movement.
