Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 17 (ANI): Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Visthapit Sewa Samiti President Deepak Kapoor on Wednesday alleged that Pakistan has repeatedly exploited the PoJK for strategic and militant purposes while failing to ensure the welfare and safety of local communities.
Speaking to ANI, Kapoor said, “The main purpose of today’s press conference is to show the world Pakistan’s real face and true intentions. Just as Pakistan launched its first attack on Muzaffarabad on October 22, 1947, and subsequently in places like Mirpur, Kotli, Poonch, Palandri, Rajouri, Leh, and Batala–and again in 1965 and 1971–they first committed atrocities against Hindus and Sikhs, killing thousands and causing mass displacement. But now, the Pakistani government and the Pakistani army are doing the exact same things to the Muslims living there.”
“This is a clear message to the whole world that Pakistan’s only goal is to use that land for its own selfish interests: to run terrorist camps and hideouts, to exploit natural resources, and to use the area for its military strategy against India. They have no interest in the welfare of the people there, be they Hindu, Sikh, or Muslim. This is a clear-cut message because they do not like the Pahari Muslims of that region at all and are inflicting the same oppression upon them as they once did on Hindus and Sikhs. Definitely, Pakistan is consistently receiving responses, such as the significant decision made unanimously by our Parliament on February 22, 1994, which declared that the entirety of PoJK belongs to us, we must reclaim it, and anyone attempting to cause disruption will be given a fitting reply. Now, voices are rising from within those regions as well, which has been our demand from the very beginning. The time has come to prepare a strategy on how to take it back as soon as possible,” he further added.
Earlier, a press conference was held by the Samiti at the conference hall of Kargil Sabhagar, Ved Mandir Complex, Amphalla, Jammu, where Kapoor addressed the media in view of the present situation in PoJK.
Kapoor alleged that Pakistan’s intent since 1947 has been to control PoJK, citing attacks in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Poonch and Palandri in which thousands of Hindus and Sikhs were killed, and lakhs were displaced to India.
He further alleged that Pakistan has failed to develop the region and has instead used it for terror-related activities, while also exploiting its natural resources and depriving locals of basic facilities, including electricity from Mangla Dam.
He also claimed that governance in PoJK is effectively “controlled by Islamabad”, with limited autonomy and political representation.
Kapoor further alleged that peaceful protests in the region are being met with force, leading to civilian deaths and human rights violations. The Samiti appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Committee to take cognisance of the situation and intervene.
It also expressed solidarity with people in PoJK who are opposing Pakistan and seeking merger with India, while urging the Government of India to take steps for the return of PoJK and rehabilitation of displaced persons from 1947, 1965 and 1971. (ANI)