SRINAGAR: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has described the 1947 Jammu massacre as one of the worst tragedies in human history, marking it as a brutal chapter in the region’s history.
APHC spokesman Abdul Rashid Minhas, in a statement from Srinagar, paid tribute to the 1947 Jammu martyrs, recalling that hundreds of thousands of Kashmiri Muslims were killed by forces under Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh, the Indian Army, and Hindutva groups, including the RSS and Jansang, while they were migrating to Pakistan in early November of that year.
The APHC urged people to observe November 6 as Martyrs’ Day to honor those lost in the massacre and renew their commitment to the mission of the martyrs. The statement also condemned the 2019 abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by India, asserting that this move, taken on communal grounds, has led to the systematic disempowerment of Kashmiris.
Minhas stated that Indian leaders Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, along with the RSS chief, are implementing a divide-and-rule strategy, reminiscent of British colonial policies, to divide communities in the region. He emphasized that Kashmiris have rejected this decision and continue to stand united against it.
The APHC called on Kashmiris worldwide to commemorate the Jammu Martyrs’ Day, organizing protests, seminars, and gatherings to remember the sacrifices made in the freedom struggle. Minhas also alleged that non-Kashmiri individuals with RSS and BJP affiliations are being granted domicile in the territory, with Indian forces reportedly training and arming them.
He expressed concern over a recent grenade attack in Srinagar, questioning how such incidents could occur in heavily monitored areas. Minhas suggested that Indian forces could be behind such attacks to create fear and delegitimize the Kashmiri freedom movement.
The APHC appealed to the global community to intervene, calling for international action to protect the people of Kashmir from human rights abuses. Minhas expressed solidarity with those injured in the grenade blast and extended condolences over the passing of Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Ahmad Shah, praying for peace for the deceased and strength for the bereaved family. The Democratic Freedom Party in Srinagar also offered its condolences for Shah’s death.
