Enemy can take advantage of the severe situation erupted due to widespread protest against high prices in AJK: Ali Raza Syed

BRUSSELS, May 13 (SABAH): Chairman Kashmir Council European Union Ali Raza Syed has warned that the enemy can take advantage of the severe situation erupted due to widespread protest against high prices in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Authoritarian behavior and the use of force and coercion are not the solution to the problem.

Communicating these views, he expressed his concerns over the violence against the protestors in AJK and the deteriorating law and order situation and said that the demands of the people should be met through peaceful negotiations.

In his statement issued from Brussels, Ali Raza Syed said that the use of force on the protesters in AJK will further escalate the problems and the enemy will take full advantage of these circumstances. He further said that the demands of the protesters are legitimate and their acceptance is in the interests of AJK and Pakistan. Raising legal demands is right of people as they are protesting against rising prices of flour and electricity. People’s feelings should be understood and respected. Authorities should talk to the protestors instead of violence.

Ali Raza Syed said that it is the duty of the governments of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan to listen to the people of Azad Kashmir, consider their demands seriously and find a peaceful solution to them. He said that the people also have a responsibility to protest peacefully and not resort to violence in any case. Also, mischievous elements should never be allowed to take advantage of the situation to make the protest violent.

Chairman Kashmir Council EU expressed deep sorrow and regret over the violence against protesters in AJK, especially injuries to several people in the different parts of the state and death of a sub-inspector in Mirpur. He expressed sympathy with the family members of the deceased police sub-inspector and said that there should be an impartial investigation into the incident.

Ali Raza Syed said that if the government does not find a peaceful solution and the situation further escalates, then the enemy will take full benefit of it, which is not in the interest of both Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. This will weaken our stand against serious violations of human rights and large scale violence by India in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the Modi government, which is currently running an election campaign and wants to divert the eyes of the world from the Kashmir issue through pretense of elections in Occupied Kashmir, can use the situation of Azad Kashmir as a tactic in its interest. He said that the people of Azad Kashmir have not only made immense sacrifices for the defense of Pakistan but also played an important role in the development of electricity generation and other economic affairs.

Chairman Kashmir Council EU said that the authorities of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan should be aware of likely negative results of the situation and avoid poor and weak policies on Azad Kashmir’s affairs because it will damage Pakistan’s position on occupied Kashmir and defense of Pakistan. They should never give the enemy a chance to plot to make the situation worse.

Ali Raza Syed said that he has also written letters to the highest authorities including the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir asking them to handle the dire situation of Azad Kashmir through peaceful talks and responsive negotiations.