Srinagar: The Spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), Advocate Arshad Iqbal, has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), particularly the inhumane conditions faced by Kashmiri political prisoners and Hurriyat leaders lodged in various prisons across India.
He stated that the continued political repression, arbitrary arrests, and the transfer of Kashmiri political detainees to prisons located hundreds of miles away from their homeland constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and universally recognized human rights. During the current extreme summer heat, these prisoners are reportedly being denied adequate living conditions, access to clean drinking water, proper ventilation, and other basic necessities. The lack of timely and adequate medical care has further endangered the health of many elderly and seriously ill political prisoners.
Advocate Arshad Iqbal emphasized that numerous Kashmiri political prisoners, including senior Hurriyat leaders and young political activists, remain incarcerated in distant Indian prisons, making it extremely difficult for their families to visit them. This prolonged separation has caused immense emotional, psychological, and financial hardship for both the detainees and their families.
He further stated that India cannot suppress the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people for their internationally recognized right to self-determination through force, imprisonment, and coercive measures. Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, and its final settlement must be carried out in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the freely expressed will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The JKDFP spokesperson urged the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), international human rights organizations, and the wider international community to take immediate notice of the worsening conditions of Kashmiri political prisoners in Indian jails. He called for urgent access to adequate medical treatment, humane detention conditions in accordance with international standards, regular family visits, and the unconditional release of all political prisoners.
Advocate Arshad Iqbal reaffirmed that the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party will continue its peaceful political and diplomatic struggle for the people of Jammu and Kashmir's right to self-determination, freedom, justice, and human dignity. He also called upon the international community to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities by addressing the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and by supporting a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.