Major parties in Occupied Kashmir unite to fight for return of autonomy

Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) main political parties announced a grand alliance on Thursday to seek a peaceful restoration of its autonomy which was abrogated by Narendra Modi-led government in August last year.

Besides revoking the Muslim-majority region’s special status last year, Indian government cracked down on opposition and illegally detained hundreds of people to forestall protests.

On Tuesday, the government ordered the release of Mehbooba Mufti after a 14-month detention and she and other leaders promptly called for a campaign to restore IIOJK’s special rights.

“Our battle is a constitutional battle. We want the government of India to return to the people of the state (IIOJK) the rights they held before 5th August, 2019,” said former Kashmiri chief minister Farooq Abdullah.

Modi’s government said at the time that ending occupied territory’s special status was necessary for closer integration of the Himalayan mountain territory into the rest of India.

After revoking its autonomy, the New Delhi government imposed a communication blackout with mobiles phones, internet links and landlines cut as part of its crackdown.

Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah, both former chief ministers, were released by authorities earlier this year