Srinagar : President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, on Tuesday said that Pakistani nationals who are the wives of former Kashmiri militants should not be deported, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir has been an integral part of India since 1947.
Hakeem emphasized that the people of Kashmir have consistently opposed terrorism in all forms. Referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Yaseen said the public has shown unity in condemning such violence. “It is the responsibility of the government to provide healing touch to the families of the victims so that such incidents are not repeated in the future. Concrete and effective measures must be taken to prevent further attacks,” he said. Hakeem further stated that deporting the wives of former militants, who entered the Valley through legal channels, would severely impact their families and create a humanitarian crisis. “They should be allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds. Forcing them to leave will create a deep void in society” he added. He appealed to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to reconsider the decision and prevent the deportation of these women, stating, “They came to the Valley legally, not illegally, and they deserve the right to live in peace and dignity.” Expressing concern over hate speech targeting these families, Hakeem urged the Government of India to allow them to live a peaceful life without fear or discrimination. He also highlighted the devastating impact terrorism has had on Jammu and Kashmir over the past three decades adding people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered enough. “We support all initiatives aimed at eradicating terrorism and ensuring a secure, prosperous future for our youth,” he said. Hakeem also expressed concern for Kashmiri students studying outside the Union Territory, stating that many are suffering without fault of their own. He urged the government to ensure their safety and well-being.
