Occupied Kashmir Assembly
In a highly controversial move, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Wednesday that 24 seats in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have been reserved for representatives from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The announcement was made in conjunction with the introduction of two bills in the Lok Sabha: the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Amit Shah, while unveiling the legislation, boldly asserted India’s claim over AJK, declaring, “These 24 seats belong to India.” The move is ostensibly justified by Shah as an effort to address the rights and representation of Kashmiri Pandits who were displaced. He stated, “This bill is to get them rights, this bill is to give them representation.”
However, this development has stirred significant controversy, drawing criticism from various quarters. Human rights organizations and political parties within India have voiced concerns, questioning the legitimacy of reserving seats from AJK and arguing that it undermines the aspirations of the people living there, impinging upon their right to self-determination. The move has also raised apprehensions about potential destabilization in the already volatile region.
While Amit Shah contends that the legislation aims to deliver justice to those who have been deprived for the past 70 years, critics maintain that the decision overlooks the sentiments and desires of the people in AJK.
As this development unfolds, Pakistan has yet to respond to India’s action, leaving the situation fraught with geopolitical implications and the potential for heightened tensions in the region. The move further complicates an already intricate and sensitive political landscape, sparking anxieties about the future trajectory of India’s policies in the disputed territory. Overall, Amit Shah’s Controversial Move: 24 Seats Reserved in Occupied Kashmir Assembly from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
