ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter has strongly condemned the large-scale cordon and search operations, house raids, and arbitrary detentions of hundreds of innocent civilians by Indian forces in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The statement was made during a press conference held at the National Press Club here on Wednesday. APHC-AJK Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi and other leaders addressed the press conference.
They said that in the past four days alone, over 1,500 civilians have been detained during extensive cordon and search operations and raids across Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian, Islamabad, Kulgam, Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kathua districts.
Among those detained are women, medical professionals, and pro-freedom activists – all targeted under the draconian laws. “During these raids, Indian forces seized personal belongings like mobile phones, laptops, and bank documents, intensifying the pattern of collective punishment. Properties are also being confiscated as part of this strategy.”
Strongly denouncing the mass arrests, property seizures, and continued repression of civilians, the leaders asserted that such measures will not succeed in weakening the resolve of the Kashmiri people.
The APHC-AJK also condemned the recent baseless accusations leveled by India, accusing four Kashmiris of involvement in the recent Delhi Red Fort explosion.
The leaders called it another baseless attempt to malign the Kashmiri freedom movement and divert attention from India’s ongoing human rights violations in the occupied territory.
The leadership also expressed alarm over India’s growing intimidation campaign, which now extends to the families and relatives of those advocating for the Kashmiri cause, both in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and abroad.
Detention of Kashmir leaders
Ghulam Mohammad Safi and other leaders also condemned the continued detention of prominent Hurriyat leaders, including APHC Chairman, Masarrat Aalam Butt, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Naeem Ahmad Khan, Dr. Hamid Fayyaz, Dr. Qasim Faktoo, Ayaz Akbar, Pir Saifullah, Bilal Siddiqui, Meraj-ud-Din Kalwal, Zafar Akbar Butt, Umar Adil Dar, Asiya Andrabi, Fahmida Sofi, Naheeda Nasreen.
They said that these leaders continue to endure long-term imprisonment under harsh conditions. “Those outside prison face constant intimidation and threats to silence their voices and derail the struggle”, it added.
They also expressed grave concern over the martyrdom of senior leaders like Syed Ali Gilani, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, and Altaf Ahmad Shah, who died in Indian custody due to the deliberate denial of medical care, a reflection of India’s systemic neglect and persecution of Kashmiri political prisoners.
Reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, the leaders stressed that India cannot alter its disputed status through propaganda. They emphasized that lasting peace and development in the region can only be achieved by granting Kashmiris their legitimate right to self-determination.
The APHC-AJK called on the United Nations and international human rights bodies to take immediate notice of ongoing atrocities in IIOJK and exert pressure on India to ensure justice and the Kashmiri people’s birthright to self-determination.
