Hurriyat Leaders Affirm Kashmiris’ Legitimate Fight for Self-Determination

Download IPFS

Hurriyat leaders in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have declared the Kashmiri freedom movement a legitimate, indigenous struggle rooted in the region’s historical aspirations. This article examines their stance, the ongoing resistance against Indian control, and the broader implications for regional stability, emphasizing the need for international attention to the Kashmiri cause.

On July 20, 2025, leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a coalition advocating for Kashmiri self-determination, reiterated from Srinagar that the Kashmiri struggle is driven by the people’s desire for freedom, not external forces. “Our fight is homegrown, reflecting the will of Kashmiris,” said APHC spokesman Abdul Rashid Minhas, as reported by Kashmir Media Service. They dismissed India’s claims of foreign interference, pointing to the sacrifices of Kashmiri youth in peaceful protests as evidence of a grassroots movement. The leaders stressed that United Nations (UN) resolutions grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination, a demand they vow to pursue despite India’s military presence, which includes over 600,000 troops, per Ayesha Parvez in The Hindu.

The Kashmiri struggle, dating back to the 1947 partition, intensified after India revoked IIOJK’s semi-autonomous status under Article 370 in 2019. This move, coupled with lockdowns and mass arrests, has fueled resentment. Hurriyat leaders, many under house arrest or imprisoned under laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), argue that India’s tactics—cordon operations, arbitrary raids, and media censorship—aim to suppress dissent. Despite these challenges, the APHC insists the movement remains resilient, with young Kashmiris leading nonviolent resistance, as noted in a Pakistan Today report.

India’s narrative, branding the struggle as terrorism, has drawn criticism for ignoring Kashmiri grievances. The 2025 Global Terrorism Index highlights a 45% rise in regional violence, underscoring the unrest. Hurriyat’s call for a UN-backed plebiscite reflects a broader demand for international intervention. As tensions persist, the Kashmiri struggle tests the credibility of global human rights frameworks, urging the world to address a conflict that threatens South Asian stability.