In IIOJK, Congress President Waqar Rasool Wani has urged G-20 countries to take stock of the prevailing human rights situation including the absence of democracy and an elected assembly as a result of free and fair elections and bifurcation of the territory by the BJP-led Modi government in India. Congress IIOJK President said, the Indian government wants to falsely project normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by holding a G-20 event while the fact is, the territory is facing an emergency-like situation. “The G-20 countries should also internally keep an eye on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The democracy has been wiped out here, there is an emergency-like situation created by the BJP.” He said, the regime has destroyed the roads in the city and now is putting up hoardings to impress the G-20 delegates. Wani maintained that he was denied permission to hold public rallies in the Valley but the BJP’s like-minded parties are continuously allowed to do so. Wani said it was evident that the government has failed to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

PDP General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura also said, G-20 meeting in Kashmir was aimed to falsely project normalcy in the territory. “…there is no change in the ground situation, particularly after the revocation of Article 370. I think by holding a G20 event here in Kashmir, they want to convey a message globally that all is well in Kashmir.”  

PDP General Secretary said, the situation on the ground was not good as two incidents of militancy-related violence happened in Rajouri and Poonch. He added, “Issues can be resolved through talks but unfortunately the BJP government cannot digest this. They are not ready for talks. Even, for instance, if war prevails for 100 years, ultimately the solution is through dialogue”. National Conference spokesman Imran Nabi Dar said, “No election has been held in J-K since eight years now.

Assembly elections, which are due, have been delayed since four years. If we want to convey the message to the delegates that democratic system is being upgraded, why is democracy weakened here in Kashmir. The government has responsibility that they should understand issues cannot be solved by bureaucratic system for which elected government is required.”