AJK PM warns India not to abolish Article 35A

Haider says move will be highly dangerous for peace in the region

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan has warned India not to play with fire by trying to abolish Article 35A of the Constitution and changing special status of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the Indian move to abolish Article 35A of the Indian Constitution that triggered widespread protests across Kashmir, he said, “If the Indian government touches Article 35A of the Constitution, the Kashmiri nation will resist the move on both sides of the Line of Control with tooth and nail.”

He said the entire political leadership of Azad Kashmir is in close contact with the Hurriyat leadership on the issue and would endorse and support all the decisions taken by the Hurriyat leadership in this context.

The PM expressed his grave concern over the Indian attempt to change the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He cautioned that the move would be highly dangerous for the peace of the region as “Kashmiris will never accept Indian occupation of Kashmir”.

He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had offered matchless sacrifices to attach their fate with Pakistan and the “day is not far when their sacrifices will be crowned with success”.

Haider said, “Kashmir is a disputed territory under UN Security Council Resolution and the issue is still pending on its agenda; therefore, any decision by Indian parliament or the Supreme Court holds no significance.”

He also expressed his serious concern over the siege of Sopur Town of occupied Kashmir where at least eight youth have been martyred during last 24 hours. He called upon the Indian government to immediately end the siege to allow the supply of essential commodities into the town. The prime minister also called upon the international community and human rights organisations to take serious notice of the gross violation of human rights in the held territory.