"Pakistan's only goal is to use that land for its own selfish interests": PoJK Visthapit Sewa Samiti President
Jammu, June 17
Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir Visthapit Sewa Samiti President Deepak Kapoor on Wednesday alleged that Pakistan has repeatedly exploited the PoJK for strategic and militant purposes while failing to ensure the welfare and safety of local communities.
Speaking to ANI, Kapoor said, "The main purpose of today's press conference is to show the world Pakistan's real face and true intentions. Just as Pakistan launched its first attack on Muzaffarabad on October 22, 1947, and subsequently in places like Mirpur, Kotli, Poonch, Palandri, Rajouri, Leh, and Batala--and again in 1965 and 1971--they first committed atrocities against Hindus and Sikhs, killing thousands and causing mass displacement. But now, the Pakistani government and the Pakistani army are doing the exact same things to the Muslims living there."
"This is a clear message to the whole world that Pakistan's only goal is to use that land for its own selfish interests: to run terrorist camps and hideouts, to exploit natural resources, and to use the area for its military strategy against India. They have no interest in the welfare of the people there, be they Hindu, Sikh, or Muslim. This is a clear-cut message because they do not like the Pahari Muslims of that region at all and are inflicting the same oppression upon them as they once did on Hindus and Sikhs. Definitely, Pakistan is consistently receiving responses, such as the significant decision made unanimously by our Parliament on February 22, 1994, which declared that the entirety of PoJK belongs to us, we must reclaim it, and anyone attempting to cause disruption will be given a fitting reply. Now, voices are rising from within those regions as well, which has been our demand from the very beginning. The time has come to prepare a strategy on how to take it back as soon as possible," he further added.
Earlier, a press conference was held by the Samiti at the conference hall of Kargil Sabhagar, Ved Mandir Complex, Amphalla, Jammu, where Kapoor addressed the media in view of the present situation in PoJK.
Kapoor alleged that Pakistan's intent since 1947 has been to control PoJK, citing attacks in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Poonch and Palandri in which thousands of Hindus and Sikhs were killed, and lakhs were displaced to India.
He further alleged that Pakistan has failed to develop the region and has instead used it for terror-related activities, while also exploiting its natural resources and depriving locals of basic facilities, including electricity from Mangla Dam.
He also claimed that governance in PoJK is effectively "controlled by Islamabad", with limited autonomy and political representation.
Kapoor further alleged that peaceful protests in the region are being met with force, leading to civilian deaths and human rights violations. The Samiti appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Committee to take cognisance of the situation and intervene.
It also expressed solidarity with people in PoJK who are opposing Pakistan and seeking merger with India, while urging the Government of India to take steps for the return of PoJK and rehabilitation of displaced persons from 1947, 1965 and 1971.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is genuinely heartbreaking to read. As an outsider, I've always thought the Kashmir issue was more complex than it's often portrayed. But hearing about the double standards - attacking Hindus and Sikhs first, then doing the same to Muslims later - really shows what's going on there. The international community needs to pay more attention to the human rights situation in PoJK.
I have relatives who fled from PoJK in 1947. They still talk about their homes and land there with tears in their eyes. The fact that Pakistan is now doing the same to Pahari Muslims shows they have no moral compass. But we need a peaceful solution, not more war - too many families have suffered already on both sides. Let's hope for dialogue and justice.
Pakistan's track record is clear - they've never developed PoJK properly. Mangla Dam electricity goes to Punjab province while locals live without power. They just use the land for terrorism and military gains. But I hope our government pursues diplomatic channels and international pressure rather than just military action. That 1994 parliamentary resolution was unanimous for a reason.
It's frustrating to see the UN Human Rights Council remain silent while Pakistan oppresses all communities in PoJK. The global community selectively criticizes India but ignores Pakistan's atrocities. Time for the world to wake up and apply consistent standards.
While I agree with the sentiment, I think we need to be careful. Mixing up the refugee issue with territorial claims can complicate things. The primary focus should be on exposing Pakistan's human rights abuses in
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.