JAMMU, Jul 31: SOS International, the largest organization representing the displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), today organized a massive protest in Jammu. Addressing the gathering, Chairman Rajiv Chuni strongly condemned the ongoing brutal killings of innocent civilians by Pakistan in PoJK.
Prominent among those who participated in the Protest were Prof. M.M. Sharma, Vinod Kumar Dutta, Bhai Ram Singh, Rajendra Sharma, Deepak Vohra, Ved Raj Bali, Jagjeet Singh, Dalip Singh Chib, Arun Gupta, Harjit Singh and a large number of other members of the organisation.
Chuni said that the manner in which Pakistan is raining bullets on innocent people and carrying out their merciless killings is the same pattern of oppression and atrocities that was inflicted upon the Hindu and Sikh population of PoJK 1947.
Thousands were massacred, women were dishonoured and properties looted, forcing the survivors to flee their ancestral homes and seek refuge on this side to save their lives. Even after eight long decades, they continue to wait for the day when the occupied territory will be vacated and they can return to their homes with dignity.
He reminded the gathering that at that time the Hindus and Sikhs who stood by them had clearly warned that Pakistan would never change and that one day the same fate would befall others as well. Their warning went unheeded then. Today the situation in PoJK has again become extremely grim. Reliable reports indicate that more than one hundred people have already been killed and many more injured. Even those who merely demand basic livelihood and daily necessities are being shot at — a matter of deep shame.
Calling the present bloodshed deeply shameful, Chuni said SOS International condemns these killings in the strongest possible terms and expects the international community, human rights organisations and all those who claim to be champions of human rights to speak out firmly and hold Pakistan accountable before the world.
Chuni pointed out that even after eight decades Pakistan has neither reformed nor shown any remorse. Instead, it continues to exploit the tourism potential, mineral wealth and other natural resources of PoJK while the local population is denied basic facilities such as proper food, education, roads and electricity.
He further observed that while political parties in the Jammu and Kashmir — from A to Z, whether in government or in opposition — raise their voice selectively about the present situation in PoJK, they conveniently remain silent on the systematic violation of the human rights of the PoJK displaced community for the last eight decades. More than 80 per cent of the displaced population continues to suffer because successive governments have never framed a comprehensive policy for their rehabilitation and justice. The ST status granted in selective manner, the 24 seats reserved for them in the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir remain vacant to this day, and packages announced from time to time have remained largely unimplemented on the ground.
Highlighting a painful historical fact, the Chairman said that PoJK is the only region in the world today where not a single Hindu or Sikh is left alive. The community that remains there is also being subjected to the same neglect and oppression by Pakistan.
Referring to the concern recently expressed by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah over the killings in PoJK, Shri Chuni said it is equally important to speak for those who faced similar violence and forced displacement in 1947 and who, even after coming to this side, have not received justice or proper rehabilitation.
SOS International reiterated its resolve to continue the struggle for the rights, dignity and just rehabilitation of PoJK displaced persons and called upon all sections of society to stand united against Pakistan’s continued aggression and exploitation.