Malaysia PM Mahathir expresses grave concerns over IoK situation

Malaysia PM Mahathir expresses grave concerns over IoK situation

Islamabad (Agencies): Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Tun Mahathir bin Mohamad on Monday expressed his grave concerns over the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK).

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Mahathir expressed his views over a telephone call with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The premier highlighted that this would deteriorate the peace and security of the region, and would further undermine the relations between two neighbours.

PM Imran also reiterated his views and said that India’s announcement regarding the status of IOK was in clear violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Narendra Modi-led BJP regime on Monday revoked Article 370 of the Constitution of India, which grants special status to Indian held Kashmir.

President Ram Nath Kovind signed this notification after India’s Home Minister Amit Shah formally proposed revoking the article which gave J&K autonomy over its affairs, except in foreign affairs, defence, and communication.

The development allows anyone from India to buy land in the disputed Muslim-majority region and comes into effect immediately.

If the special status is repealed, people from the rest of India would have the right to acquire property in occupied Kashmir and settle there permanently. Kashmiris fear this would lead to a demographic transformation of region from majority Muslim to majority Hindu.