Farooq Siddiqui Expresses Concern Over Arrests of Separatist Leaders in Azad Kashmir

New York (PR) – The President of the Kashmir Global Council, Farooq Siddiqui, has voiced strong concerns over the ongoing arrests of separatist leaders in Azad Kashmir, describing the situation as deeply troubling. In a statement to the media, he criticized the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, asserting that such laws have no place in a democratic society and are being misused to silence political dissent. However, Siddiqui emphasized that the suppression of peaceful protests and restrictions on freedom of expression are unacceptable in any democratic system. He stated, “In a democracy, authoritarian measures have no place. Laws should serve the common good and not be used for personal or political agendas. The government must not use laws to oppress its critics or suppress legitimate political expression.” Meanwhile, he called on the Azad Kashmir government to stop its efforts to crush peaceful protests and instead address the genuine grievances of the people. He added that attempts to stifle the freedom struggle would not weaken the movement but would only galvanize it further. More, Siddiqui also condemned India’s ongoing aggression in occupied Kashmir, noting that thousands of Kashmiri youth remain imprisoned in Indian jails. He warned that the situation in both occupied Kashmir and Azad Kashmir could have a negative impact on the broader freedom movement. “The struggle for Kashmir’s independence will not be extinguished by oppression or violence,” he said. He further urged the Government of Pakistan to intervene and put pressure on the Azad Kashmir government to halt policies that undermine democratic rights. Siddiqui also appealed to international human rights organizations to take urgent action to address India’s human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, calling for greater global awareness of the situation. “The continued detention of thousands of young Kashmiris in Indian jails is a clear violation of their basic rights,” Siddiqui said. “Likewise, the recent arrests of separatist leaders in Azad Kashmir are a deeply concerning development. These actions will have a negative impact on the Kashmir freedom movement and hinder efforts to achieve justice and self-determination for the people of Kashmir.” Siddiqui concluded by reaffirming the Kashmir Global Council’s unwavering commitment to the struggle for Kashmir’s freedom. He called for the immediate release of all separatist leaders and activists currently detained in Azad Kashmir and reiterated that the fight for Kashmir’s independence would continue until justice is achieved.