Srinagar, Dec 1, KNT: Terming the ongoing Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as “bogus”, Akali Dal President Simranjit Singh Mann on Monday said that Indian troops deployed in the region are an “occupying force” and that a plebiscite remains the “only peaceful and just solution” to the Kashmir issue.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the Punjab-based Sikh leader said that the elections in Jammu and Kashmir have no credibility since pro-freedom leaders have been jailed and barred from expressing their views. “These elections have no fun or fairness. No international observers have visited the Valley, nor have separatist leaders been allowed to propagate their ideology,” Mann said.
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Citing historical context, Mann recalled that the Kashmir dispute is internationally recognized and that India itself took the matter to the United Nations. “The United Nations passed several resolutions for its settlement, and even the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, had promised a plebiscite,” he stated.
He said the issue of Kashmir was not simply between India and Pakistan. “Kashmir is neither a question of Pakistan nor India—it is an international question. The prime ministers of both countries cannot solve it unless they take Kashmiris into confidence,” Mann remarked.
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Criticizing New Delhi, Mann said that India’s democratic claims are contradicted by its actions in Jammu and Kashmir. “India calls itself the world’s largest democracy, but why is it afraid of holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? Plebiscite is the most peaceful and democratic way to resolve the issue,” he said, reiterating that his party believes Kashmir is “under occupation.”
Mann also demanded action against those responsible for the killings of Sikhs in Chattisinghpora and Patribal. “The same Army personnel involved in those incidents should be punished for their crimes,” he said.
In addition, the Akali Dal chief urged authorities to expedite relief and rehabilitation measures for flood-affected families in the Valley, saying victims must be provided assistance without any delay. [KNT]
