European Parliament members ask GoI to stop harassing Hurriyat leadership in Kashmir for ‘electoral gains’

Srinagar: The All Party Group European Parliament on Kashmir has urged the Government of India “not to pour more oil in the fire” and to abstain from any (purely electoral) accusations, harassment and detention of the moderate opposition in Kashmir.

In a statement, Members of European Parliament Julie Ward, who also is the president of APGK and Klaus Buchner, who is the vice president of APGK said that they have been intensively following the politics in Kashmir and are convinced that the right for self- determination should no longer be refused for Kashmir, disputed between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan.

They said that the National investigation Agency of India (NIA) has pinpointed the Hurriyat leaders for alleged “terror funding” simply because they advocate the right to self- determination for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

The statement said as India is heading for general elections, “we see signs, which are very disturbing – apparently to attract Hindutva voters.”

Under the pretext of general elections, the statement said, the Indian armed forces use excessive force that lead to “unlawful killings” and a high number of injuries, many caused by pellet-firing shotguns.

The APGK statement said that the sections of Hurriyat leadership have been arrested while the NIA raided the residence of Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and is asking him to present himself at the NIA office at New Delhi.

“We have raised our voices – and will continue to do so – for a peaceful solution. The European Parliament has therefore adopted resolutions and reports, urging a respect of human rights, rule of law and confidence building measures. We have as well hosted conferences, where all parties involved in the conflict have participated.”