APHC’s Valid Standpoint
By the Editor

KEEPING its pragmatic standpoint on the Kashmir Issue intact – the All Parties Hurriyat Conference has dispelled the impression that it was contemplating to take part in the [so-called] State Assembly elections.

The APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Omer Farooq said in Srinagar that elections are at the moment an administrative issue and cannot be construed as an alternative to resolution of the issue.

As a matter of fact – the decision of the APHC to boycott the ‘elections’ – is based on cogent reasons and brighten prospects of revival of the Kashmir issue that has apparently gone on the back-burner due to a host of regional and international factors.

By taking part in the election would mean buying the Indian point of view that is based on solution of the problems within the parameters of the Indian constitution.

More autonomy – as the Indian leaders sometime offer to Kashmiris – is not acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who want right of self-determination and not autonomy under Indian subjugation.

History manifests the reality that Kashmiris have been offering enormous sacrifices ever since the partition of the subcontinent and by all means – their struggle is solely aimed at securing freedom from Indian yoke.

The gallant people of the Himalayan State of Jammu & Kashmir have waited for a long time for fulfillment of the pledges made to them both by the Indian leaders and the international community through UN resolutions.

They were, eventually compelled to launch a zestful struggle – to seek their birth right – in the wake of broken promises of New Delhi rulers as well as due to the apathy of the world community.

Kashmiris have made clear to the world – explicitly the United Nations – to recognize that Kashmir is an unresolved issue and there can be no peace in South Asia – sans the durable and everlasting solution of this dispute.

As Pakistan and India began the composite dialogue process for the purpose – Kashmiris – with a view to demonstrating their desire for peaceful resolution of the conflict – also opted for amity and watched the process with patience but once again they are feeling betrayed – by India.

In a way – they have come to the conclusion that India is only interested in CBMs without legitimate and genuine resolution of the core dispute and – thus it is using talks as a ploy to hoodwink the international community.

Amid this scenario – we fully endorse decision of the APHC about boycott of the sham elections and feel optimistic that Pakistan would resolve its internal problems at the earliest to provide solid backing to Kashmiris in their just struggle – to accomplish their bona fide right of self-determination and to live-on in trouble-free, cordial and cheerful environs – as are being enjoyed by other civilizations – all-over the world.●