Srinagar: Reacting to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Maulana Parry Hassan Afzal Firdosi, the Mirwaiz of North Kashmir, has urged that the people of Indian-administered Kashmir should also be granted the same liberty to decide their future, reported the Hindu.
Speaking to Muslim Mirror, Maulana Firdosi questioned India’s Kashmir policy, stating, “If after 75 years of independence, the Indian government has failed to win the hearts of Kashmiris, it must reflect on what went wrong and why the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not feel a sense of belonging towards India.”
He further emphasized that economic development alone cannot address the aspirations of Kashmiris, stating, “People don’t just seek economic growth; self-respect is above everything. Even after 75 years of association with India, Kashmir lacks basic infrastructure and healthcare. The prosperity of corporate giants like Adani and Ambani will not alter the faith of the people of India or Jammu and Kashmir.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an interview with IANS, had claimed that the people of PoK are increasingly realizing that their development lies with India and suggested that they may push for a merger with India without Pakistan’s consent.
Maulana Firdosi’s remarks underscore the persistent discontent among Kashmiri leadership, raising concerns about India’s policies and approach towards the region over the decades.
