Srinagar,29 July: BJP spokesperson and advocate Parimoksh Seth on Wednesday raised concerns over what he described as the “forgotten voices” of people living in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK), alleging that their concerns over human rights, governance, and civil liberties have remained unaddressed for decades.
In a statement, Seth said that the situation in POJK required the attention of the international community, alleging that people living there have faced censorship, intimidation, and political repression.
“Recent reports of crackdowns on civilians, in which scores of innocent people were allegedly killed by Pakistani forces, arrests of common people, and the use of force against civilians have once again highlighted the difficult conditions faced by the people in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir,” Seth said.
He alleged that ordinary people in POJK have repeatedly taken to the streets demanding basic rights, economic justice, transparent governance, and accountability.
“Instead of addressing these legitimate grievances through dialogue, restrictions have been imposed on people through communication blackouts, arrests, and detention of civilians,” Seth claimed.
Seth further stated that people in POJK were seeking freedom from what he described as an “illegal and unauthorized control” and claimed that many people there want to become part of India.
He also questioned the role of international human rights organizations, including the United Nations, alleging that they have remained silent over the reported use of force against protesters and restrictions on peaceful dissent in POJK.
“The international community cannot remain silent while the fundamental rights of people are undermined. Allegations of civilian killings, arbitrary detention, suppression of protests, and violence against civilians should be impartially investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable,” Seth said.
Seth said that the aspirations of the people of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir should not be ignored and that sustainable peace could only be achieved through respect for human dignity, democratic values, and the rule of law.
He called upon international human rights institutions to take note of alleged violations in POJK and ensure accountability.
“The people of POJK deserve justice, dignity, peace, and the opportunity to decide their future,” Seth said.
Questions Political Parties’ Silence
Targeting political parties in Jammu & Kashmir, Seth questioned the silence of the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress over issues concerning people in POJK.
He alleged that these parties react strongly when security forces take action against terrorists or terror networks in Jammu & Kashmir, but remain silent when allegations of civilian casualties and repression emerge from POJK.
“When terrorists are killed in J&K and action is taken against Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and supporters of terrorism, these parties start raising concerns. However, when innocent civilians in POJK are allegedly killed and face repression, they remain silent,” Seth said.
He accused the parties of adopting a selective approach towards human rights issues and said that human rights should not be viewed through political considerations.
“Human rights cannot be divided according to political convenience. The voices of people facing alleged violations must be heard irrespective of political interests,” Seth said.
Reiterates India’s Position on POJK
Seth reiterated India’s stated position that Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and referred to the resolution passed by the Indian Parliament on February 22, 1994.
He said that, according to India’s position, Pakistan should vacate areas under its control and claimed that integration of POJK with India would end the sufferings of the people living there.
“It is the duty of all of us to ensure that the voices of people of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir are heard and that they get justice, dignity, and the opportunity to determine their future,” Seth said.
