Jammu, July 31: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians and urging the international community and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to raise their voice against the reported incidents.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Jammu, party spokesperson Dr Tahir Chowdhary and BJP leader Dr Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia expressed concern over the situation in PoJK and claimed that people there were looking towards India with hope.
Dr Tahir Chowdhary alleged that Pakistan’s security forces were responsible for attacks on civilians, including women and children, and claimed that videos from the region showed residents seeking international attention over alleged violations.
He questioned the silence of global organisations and political voices that had earlier raised issues related to Jammu and Kashmir at international forums.
Referring to the prevailing situation in PoJK, Chowdhary claimed that people in the region were increasingly identifying with India due to development and governance on this side of Jammu and Kashmir.
He alleged that Pakistan was attempting to suppress such sentiments by creating hardships for residents, including restrictions related to essential supplies.
The BJP leader also questioned the silence of regional parties, including the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Congress, alleging that they had not spoken against the reported developments in PoJK.
“The BJP has always maintained that PoJK is an integral part of India and remains committed to the reunification of the region with India,” Chowdhary said.
He also referred to statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on PoJK, saying the party would continue to highlight issues concerning the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia recalled historical events associated with Mirpur during the 1947 conflict and alleged that the people of the region had suffered immensely during that period.
Jasrotia also criticised political leaders of the National Conference and PDP, including Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, alleging that they had remained silent on issues concerning PoJK.
He further criticised Pakistan’s leadership and accused Islamabad of
suppressing civilian voices in the region.
The BJP leaders reiterated their demand for international attention to alleged rights violations in PoJK and said the party would continue to raise the concerns of people living there.
