Srinagar, June 11: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Committee to investigate the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), alleging that people there were facing severe oppression amid the ongoing unrest in the region.
Abdullah said a part of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan’s control was witnessing grave turmoil and loss of lives.
“This state is in trouble. A part of it, which is under Pakistan, is being oppressed there today. Many people have been martyred there. The news there is not completely clear,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.
He urged the United Nations Human Rights Committee to visit the region and assess the ground situation.
“I appeal to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations that they should go there and see what kind of problems they are facing, so that we and the whole world know what kind of trouble they are going through,” he said.
The former Chief Minister Abdullah further said the international body should investigate the prevailing situation and help address the concerns of the people there.
PoJK has witnessed widespread unrest in recent days after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and intensified a crackdown against its members. The protests and subsequent clashes reportedly left more than 20 people dead.
Responding to criticism that the National Conference had failed to address the grievances of the people, Abdullah said the party was functioning under difficult circumstances with limited powers.
“They will always say this. They don’t realize the difficulties in which we are working. The powers are divided. His Excellency (Lieutenant Governor) has most of the powers when he should not have those powers. He is just a nominee from Delhi. People have elected government here. Elected government should have the powers, not the LG,” he said.
On the issue of restoration of statehood, Abdullah said the National Conference would continue its constitutional struggle and maintained that all parties were united on the matter.
“We are already fighting. What more do you want? We are not silent. We will continue to fight. That is what we constitutionally have the right to protest for what they have taken from us,” he said.
When asked whether the NC would invite all political parties from J&K to join the protest for restoration of statehood in Delhi, Abdullah said the party would not personally persuade anyone.
“Why should we invite them? Look, we are going. Those who have to come, should come. We are not going to anyone with a begging bowl.We will not ask them to come,” he remarked.
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Abdullah noted that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru still held that distinction.
“Nehru has been for 17 years. He has only been for 12 years. It’s a longer difference,” he said. (Agencies)
