APHC Accuses Indian Government of Exploiting Kashmir’s Resources

Karachi, The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has accused the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of exploiting the natural resources of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging this as part of a broader agenda to economically and politically marginalize the Kashmiri populace. Since the revocation of the region’s special status in 2019, these activities have reportedly intensified.

According to Kashmir Media Service, APHC spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas stated that the Indian administration has been systematically extracting resources from the region since 1947, increasing Kashmiris’ economic reliance on India. Post-2019, strategies including the leasing of power projects and auctioning of mineral reserves have notably expanded, affecting the local economy and autonomy.

Minhas pointed out specific instances like the Kishtwar’s Ratle Power Project and the auctioning of lithium reserves in Reasi, describing them as methods to benefit Indian corporates while undermining Kashmir’s economic development. He argued that such practices contribute to sustaining India’s control over the region through economic disempowerment.

The APHC has called for international intervention to prevent the ongoing resource exploitation in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of the Kashmiri people to their land and resources.