Mirpur: Former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, has vehemently dismissed Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks regarding Azad Kashmir, terming them baseless and provocative. He highlighted that the freedom of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan was achieved through the relentless efforts and sacrifices of its people, who fought against the Dogra regime and Indian forces. “Our freedom was not a gift; it was earned through struggle and resilience,” he asserted.

Chaudhry Abdul Majeed further stated that the people of AJK are determined to defend their freedom and territory, while also continuing their unwavering struggle for the liberation of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) and its accession to Pakistan. He criticized Indian officials for their restricted and heavily guarded visits to IOJK, carried out under curfews and the shadow of guns, emphasizing that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have consistently rejected Indian rule.

He accused India of failing to suppress the aspirations of the Kashmiri people despite years of oppression in IOJK, adding that the Indian government misleads its citizens with false narratives to cover up its failures. He said that the steadfast support of Pakistan and the unified efforts of people across both sides of Kashmir have unnerved India, compelling it to resort to desperate rhetoric.

The former prime minister reiterated that India’s threats and baseless claims hold no weight against the resolve of the Kashmiri people. He urged the international community to take serious notice of India’s provocative statements, which threaten regional peace and stability, and hold it accountable for its actions.

Chaudhry Abdul Majeed reaffirmed that the struggle for the freedom of IOJK and its eventual accession to Pakistan will persist, regardless of India’s opposition.