WNAM Report: While deliberating upon the timing of the Indian Supreme Court(SC) Verdict on Article 370 A, Dr. Ashraf Wani, a former freedom fighter hailing from IIOJK said that the timing of the Indian SC verdict is important. To announce it after four years is another BJP trick to ensure a win in the upcoming general elections in 2024. Institute of Regional Studies organized a roundtable discussion with panelist hailing from IIOJK.
They all were of the view that Indian SC has given a political decision. Dr. Ashraf Wani further said that very cunningly, a new agenda has been set for the people of IIOJK, people are now entangled in a debate on revocation or restoration of Article 370 A, rather than focusing on their freedom. Dr. Waleed Rasool, another former freedom fighter hailing from IIOJK said that article 370 A had become a security issue of India owing to the freedom movement going on in IIOJK, so they removed this provision unlawfully.
Yet, the people of IIOJK have not renounced their movement against the atrocious Indian rule. He said that India has systematically terminated the Muslim population. There were 87% Muslim population and now it’s just 57%. The Kashmiris are left with a meagre 7 percent margin to remain as a majority.
Mr. Saffdar Gardezi, said that pro India political leaders in IIOJK, who trusted India and supported it, also feel betrayed. Mr. Altaf Wani was of the view that by after unlawfully legitimizing the revocation of Article 370 no space has been left for Kashmiris. They face gruesome suppression, and Indian state is determined to eliminate the entire Kashmiri character from the region.
In such bleak scenario, he suggested that Kashmiri diaspora can play a role by voicing for the rights of Kashmiri people in the international arena. Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz concluded with a saying of Quaid e Azam, that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan, therefore Pakistan will continue to support the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people.
