Domicile law aimed at changing J&K’s demographic character: Hurriyat (M)

SRINAGAR — Hurriyat Conference (M) in a statement today, said that the process to change the demographic character of Jammu and Kashmir, started in August 2019, is being systematically carried forward and the recent domicile order issued by the Government of India is part of that plan.

In a statement issued here, the amalgam said that such orders are meant to facilitate the inflow and settlement of people from outside into J&K to turn the local residents into a minority.

The statement said that these attempts not only undermine the efforts for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, but are an assault on the prospects of employment and growth of our youth and future generations of Jammu and Kashmir and their rights and an attempt to erode the unique cultural heritage of the region.

The Hurriyat said that since August 2019, all such orders by GOI and the manner in which they are being thrust and implemented on people of J&K has been deeply distressing and painful for the people to say the least.

The statement said the timing of the order is unbelievable and full of suspicion. At the time when the severe calamity of COVID-19 has struck the entire world and the whole world is battling its survival, such an order was issued. People of J&K, as elsewhere in the world, are under lockdown due to this grave medical emergency, and can’t even raise their voice against such an order to show their resentment, it said.

Hurriyat appealed to the global community and people with a conscience in India, to wake up to what is happening in J&K and respond to the situation in the light of ethics and principles of justice.

It reiterated that the internationally acknowledged issue of J&K has to be resolved peacefully as per the wishes of its people and between India, Pakistan and the people of entire J&K – the three parties to the conflict.