Modi’s annexation of Kashmir was a 'fatal mistake' — PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that India’s annexation of Kashmir was a ‘fatal mistake’ by Narendra Modi’s government, which would eventually lead to the disputed territory’s independence.
“Kashmir will now go toward independence,” Khan said during a special session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, as Pakistanis are observing Kashmir Solidarity Day, which falls on Feb. 5.
“Modi has made a fatal mistake by revoking special status of the occupied Kashmir,” the prime minister said, adding that the Indian government has detained 8 million Kashmiris in an open prison.
Islamabad has been trying to internationalize the Kashmir issue after New Delhi revoked on Aug. 5 the autonomy of the part of the territory that falls under its control and imposed a lockdown and a communications blackout to prevent protests in the Muslim-majority region.
Tensions between Pakistan and India – both nuclear-armed nations – have been running high over Kashmir, as each rules part of the disputed Himalayan territory, but claims it in full. They have also fought two full-fledged wars in the territorial dispute.
Prime Minister Khan told the AJK assembly that he was trying his best to highlight the matter at all global forums, including the UN General Assembly, and during talks with international leaders.
“We have effectively exposed the Nazi and Hitler inspired ideology of RSS which poses a threat not only to Pakistan but entire India,” he said, referring to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, an Indian right-wing, Hindu nationalist and paramilitary organization, which according to the Pakistani premier inspires PM Modi’s actions against the Kashmiris and India’s Muslim minority.
“Modi cannot put the genie of Hindu nationalism back into the bottle and if he moves ahead with his policies, he will have to face severe resistance,” Khan said, adding that Modi’s policies would affect not only Muslims, but also other minorities in India, including Sikhs and Christians.
International media, EU parliamentarians and numerous US lawmakers have expressed concerns over the blackout and lockdown in the Indian-administered Kashmir. They have also urged India to restore normalcy in the region and let its people voice their concerns about the revocation of autonomy.
Khan said that Pakistani leadership will continue to highlight the Kashmir issue internationally and raise awareness about Indian violations against Muslims in the region.
“We are succeeding in our efforts to bring Kashmir issue under international focus,” he added.