MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Thursday denounced the so-called elections being held in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that such measures could not pacify the oppressed Kashmiris who were stripped of their special status and rights by India`s `constitutional terrorism` on August 5, 2019.

`The blood shed by the Kashmiris was not for sham elections but for the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions,` Mr Haq stated while addressing the 8th convocation at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) in the lakeside city of Mirpur.

He termed the farce elections a part of India`s broader strategy to mislead international opinion and derail the implementation of UN resolutions.

`This is yet another despicable attempt by India to divert attention from its harrowing atrocities. Instead of conducting pointless elections, India must create an environment conducive to the UN-sponsored referendum in the dis-puted region, allowing its inhabitants to decide their future on their own free accord,` he added.

The AJK premier pointed out that the situation in occupied Kashmir had become even more dire following the unilateral abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A in August 2019.

`Life for the people of Kashmir has become increasingly unbearable after India`s unconstitutional move. But as long as a single Kashmiri remains, the flame of freedom will continue to burn, he said while underscoring Kashmiris` unwavering resistance to Indian illegal occupation.

Highlighting the stark contrast between AJK and Indian-occupied Kashmir, Mr Haq said: `On our side, people have access to higher education, healthcare, employment, and an excellent infrastructure in a free atmosphere. Contrarily, our brothers and sisters in occupied Kashmir face enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and daily oppression. Despite these hardships, you will not find a single Kashmiri who genuinely supports India or any of its preposterous moves, including sham elections.` Tariq Naqash