Srinagar, July 28 (JKNS): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday asserted that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) is an integral part of India’s identity and expressed hope for its eventual return, while raising concerns over the alleged human rights situation in the region and urging the international community to take notice.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, BJP spokespersons Manzoor Bhat and Sahil Bashir Bhat, as per news agency JKNS, said POJK is “not just a piece of land but part of our soul,” adding that every Indian looks forward to the day it reunites with the country.
The BJP leaders said the people living in POJK should never feel abandoned or forgotten, stating that every heart in India beats with hope, compassion and concern for those living across the Line of Control.
They also expressed disappointment over what they described as the silence of several political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on the alleged human rights situation in POJK.
The spokespersons said those who claim to stand for human rights should also raise their voices for the people across the Line of Control, asserting that human rights cannot be selective and must be defended for every innocent person.
They further said reports and images alleging oppression, fear and human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir deserve serious international attention.
The BJP leaders urged the international community to take note of the allegations, support independent scrutiny and work towards ensuring accountability and justice.
“The people of POJK deserve dignity, peace and protection of their fundamental rights. The world cannot afford to remain silent when innocent civilians are suffering. It is time for the international community to uphold the principles of humanity, justice and human rights without discrimination,” they said.
Concluding the press conference, Manzoor Bhat and Sahil Bashir Bhat reaffirmed that the people of India stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that they would one day live in peace, security and with full respect for their rights. (JKNS)