Srinagar, Aug 7 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized Pakistan over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), saying the same standards and demands Islamabad raised over developments in Jammu and Kashmir should also be applied to the territory under its control.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, CM Omar said elections held in Jammu and Kashmir and those conducted in PoJK were matters concerning the respective administrations, but expressed concern over reports of bloodshed and alleged civilian killings in PoJK.
“Their elections are their responsibility, our elections are our responsibility. But as far as the bloodshed is concerned, innocent people are being killed by the forces, by the Rangers,” he said.
Omar Abdullah recalled Pakistan’s statements and appeals to the international community during periods of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir in 2008, 2010 and 2016.
“What did the Government of Pakistan say when the situation here was bad in 2008, 2010 and 2016? What did they ask the international community at that time? And the same demand should be applied to that part of Jammu and Kashmir today. Research should be done there. Milk for milk, water for water,” he said.
On the international community’s response to developments in PoJK, Omar said global attention was currently focused on several major conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
He said people in Jammu and Kashmir were nevertheless watching developments in PoJK and expressed concern over the situation there.
“It is okay if they don’t see it. We are seeing it. And we are sad and in pain for that area because at one time, they were our people. We would like the situation to improve there,” he said. (JKNS)