'India's domicile law attempts to alter Occupied Kashmir demography'

It will lead to demographic flooding in the Himalayan region, says Altaf Bhatt

ISLAMABAD: Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) President Altaf Ahmed Bhatt has slammed the newly-introduced domicile law passed by the Modi government in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K).

In a statement on Thursday, the Kashmiri leader said that while the oppressed people of Occupied Kashmir are facing the threat from the coronavirus pandemic, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government introduced a 'Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Order 2020' in a bid to change the demography of the disputed region.

Under the new law, those who have resided for a period of 15 years in IOJ&K or studied for a period of seven years and appeared in Class 10/12 examinations in educational institutions located in the region are now eligible to become permanent residents.

"The Indian fascist government changed the geographical and political status of the Himalayan region on August 5 after it abrogated Article 370."

Pakistan rejects India’s new domicile law for Occupied Kashmir

Pakistan earlier in the day rebuked the controversial law, saying: "The Hindutva supremacist Modi government's continuing attempts to illegally alter the demography of IOJ&K in violation of all international laws and treaties."

The JKSM president also called on the Pakistani government that being a party to Kashmir dispute launch a robust campaign against the controversial and illegal domicile law.

"Because of this controversial domicile law, the basic structure of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir will change, which will lead to demographic flooding in the region."

Bhat warned that the law could lead to bloodbath in the Himalayan valley, saying that it would exacerbate the already tense situation.

While drawing attention towards the plight of Kashmiris, he questioned why the international community including the UN has failed to act against India despite it had abrogated the special status of IOK last year.

"Modi's Hindutva agenda and warmongering will jeopardise the peace of entire region."