AJK Legislative Assembly Unanimously Approves Resolution on Kunan Poshpora Incident

MUZAFFARABAD: February 23, 2023, The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly convened on Thursday under the chairmanship of Member Panel of Chairman Mian Abdul Waheed, where a significant resolution regarding the Kunan Poshpora Kupwara incident of February 23, 1991, was unanimously approved.

Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Latif Akbar presented the resolution, which calls attention to the tragic incident and demands accountability. Senior Most Minister Khawaja Farooq Ahmed expressed full support for the resolution, urging that it be sent to human rights institutions, organizations, permanent members of the Security Council, and other countries.

Mian Abdul Waheed emphasized the resolution’s importance, highlighting the need to remember the sacrifices of the people of Occupied Kashmir. He instructed the Assembly Secretariat to forward the resolution to the Foreign Office and other relevant forums.

Assembly Member Sardar Javed Ayub recalled that a commission had investigated the February 23, 1991 incident, and the report was communicated to the international community by the Pakistani government. Nabila Ayub, another member, pointed out the alarming statistic of over 11,000 women raped by occupying Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir since 1989.

In presenting the resolution, Chaudhry Latif Akbar condemned the gang-rape incident in Kunan Poshpora, noting that despite widespread condemnation by human rights organizations, the perpetrators remain at large. He urged that the matter be pursued at the Ministry of External Affairs level for a thorough investigation.

Additionally, Chaudhry Latif Akbar presented a report from the Special Committee regarding the construction of the Legislative Assembly Complex, mentioning the assurance given by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He suggested that a delegation of government and opposition members should visit Islamabad to discuss the matter with the relevant authorities.

The meeting was adjourned by Member Panel of Chairman Mian Abdul Waheed until March 6th at 11 am.