ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan on Friday said that unprovoked fire across the Line of Control (LoC) by Indian forces will never succeed in intimidating our citizens.
“India is using these tactics to divert the world’s attention from the gross human rights violations being committed in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK),” he said during a meeting with AJK Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ali Shan Soni who had called on him here at Jammu and Kashmir House.
Ali Shan Soni, during the meeting, apprised the President of various development projects initiated in Tehsil Samahni such as improving health facilities, broadening the road network, access to educational facilities and clean water. MLA Soni informed the President of the up-gradation of 42 educational institutions in Samahni. He also briefed the President about various issues faced by the people of Samahni, especially the population living adjacent to the LoC.
He said the people there are directly exposed to Indian fire and remain in constant threat of landmines which have been laid down by Indian forces in areas adjacent to the LoC.
President Masood Khan said that unprovoked Indian fire has resulted in hundreds of casualties over the last two years alone. He said that Indian forces not only target innocent civilians but also their properties, livestock and even school going children and their schools.
He strongly condemned the recent killing of a female civilian in Leepa Sector due to unprovoked fire. The AJK President said that the affectees living near the LoC will be appropriately accommodated by being providing with basic health and educational facilities.
He further said that a special ambulance service will be provided to them and necessary road infrastructure will be upgraded, adding that special compensation packages will also be provided and bunkers will be built for the residents.
He stated that the AJK government is also exploring the possibility of relocating the residents living in high threat areas to safer locations.
President Masood Khan urged India to immediately stop human rights abuses in IOK and condemned the recent killing of innocent protestors.
“India must stop these vicious acts of terror and call back their forces from the occupied territory. India must come forward and cooperate with Pakistan, Kashmir and the international community for a peaceful and durable solution to this long-standing issue”, he said.
The President assured that the AJK government is focusing on development projects all over Azad Kashmir by prioritising the construction of roads as well as, providing access to health, clean water and education.