PoK leaders protest Pakistan's move to establish military courts

Mirpur (PoK): The independent leadership in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit, led by the United Kashmir People`s National Party (UKPNP), have strongly rejected moves by Pakistan to establish military courts in the region in order to further suppress the local population.

In a conference titled "National Action Plan & Freedom of Expression in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan" held recently in Mirpur city of PoK, Kashmiri leaders vehemently rejected the draconian law.

Pakistani security forces have arrested many Kashmiri nationalist leaders under the National Action Plan that was established by Pakistan government in January 2015 to crack down on terrorism.

In a resolution passed unanimously, the participants demounces establishment of military courts and implementation of National Action Plan in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. They said Pakistan has no jurisdiction in these areas.

Asif Shah Kashmiri, President of J K Peoples National Party said, "In Gilgit Baltistan, the Pakistan court have imposed false cases against Baba Jan and his colleagues and announced 20 years of imprisonment. We strictly condemn it".

He said, "We condemn sedition charges leveled against Muhammad Khwaja Rafiq of Kashmir International Friendship Club, Talat Mehmood and other political leaders of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan".

Most speakers criticized Kashmir policy of Pakistan government and human rights violations committed by them in POK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Advocate Nasir Ansari, President of J&K Plebiscite Front (JK Mahaz-e-Rai Shumari) said, "We also want to see a progressive Pakistan. It is making atomic bombs. But, can a human being eat these atom bombs? Pakistan has failed to provide a glass of clean drinking water to its citizens in the past 70 years. Can we do faith on Pakistan that it will make us free?"

The speakers said that the Pak establishment is trying to convey that recent elections in POK were free and fair, but in fact, the elections were rigged, unfair and partial.

Nationalist parties were not allowed to participate in the elections.

Regarding the National Action Plan, the truth is that jihadis and religious fundamentalists are not being acted upon.

However, NAP is being used against political activists in POK and GB, which is not part of Pakistan and Pak laws do not apply in these areas.

Shafique Kayani, Secretary General of the J K Freedom Movement said. "Why you required a National Action Plan. It was because to arrest those Kashmiris who are demanding freedom. Why you are not arresting those terrorists in Karachi who are involved in kidnappings and killings. They are carrying out terrorist attacks and killings children in schools".

There are many political and human rights activists in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan who are facing trial and are in prison.

People are not free to express their views and if they do, they face the consequences of Anti-Terrorism Law.