The protest, organised by , an organisation advocating the cause of displaced PoK people, was led by its chairman Rajiv Chuni in Jammu. The demonstrators carried placards and raised slogans against Pakistan and its military leadership while demanding that PoK be integrated with India.
“We urge the government of India to take steps to free PoK from occupation of Pakistan and integrate it with our country,” Chunni told reporters. He claimed that the people of PoK have realised that Pakistan was “not trustworthy”, echoing the concerns expressed by those who migrated from the area during the Partition in 1947. “If the region is truly independent, why are Pakistani political parties contesting elections there? Why are the people not allowed to decide their own future?” he asked. Chunni said that the people of PoK were fighting for their rights despite facing hardships and loss of lives.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar, expressed deep concern over the continuing unrest and tragic loss of lives across the Line of Control, particularly in Rawalakot.
“We are deeply anguished by the continuing unrest and the tragic loss of precious lives during the past month and a half. Reports indicate that dozens of people have been killed…truth must be established through a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation. We mourn every life lost—whether that of a civilian protester or a member of the police force—and pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured,” said Mirwaiz.
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He further said that the recent events across the LoC, particularly in Rawalakot, remind us that governments may administer territories and advance competing political positions, but it is the people of J&K who remain the true stakeholders of their homeland.
“The governments administering the two sides of the Line of Control each claim to act in the interests of the people of J&K, yet the people themselves must remain at the centre of every decision affecting their future. We are one people, bound together by history, family, culture and our common State Subject identity,” said Mirwaiz.
He said whether the people of J&K live in Srinagar, Muzaffarabad, or elsewhere across the world, we remain one people. “The Line of Control has divided the territory, but not our families, our shared history or our collective stake in our destiny…we therefore appeal to the Government of Pakistan and the local Government across the LoC in J&K to engage sincerely with the representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and with all sections of the people. Durable peace and stability can only be achieved through dialogue, constitutional fairness and respect for the rights and dignity of every segment of society,” said Mirwaiz.
He also stated that the voting rights and constitutional status of nearly three million Kashmiri refugees and migrants living across the provinces of Pakistan should not become a matter of political bargaining or exclusion. “Their rights form an integral part of the collective rights of the people of J&K and deserve equal respect and protection. Both sides should therefore strive to find a fair and mutually acceptable middle ground to address this important issue,” he said.
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