Kashmiri activist Tasleema Akhtar, who recently attended the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, strongly countered what she described as Pakistan’s misleading propaganda on Kashmir and highlighted the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the region.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ANI, Tasleema said, “At the United Nations, we demanded justice for innocent people who became victims of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. We also highlighted the development and positive transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir, which is being recognised globally.”
Rejecting what she called false narratives about Kashmir, Tasleema criticised individuals living abroad who, according to her, misrepresent the realities of the region at international platforms. She stated that some people residing in countries such as the UK, France, and Italy pursue their own agendas despite lacking genuine understanding of Kashmir’s ground situation.
Tasleema also praised the abrogation of Article 370 and the changes witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019. According to her, Pakistan-backed stone-pelting incidents and organised violence have significantly reduced after the constitutional changes.
Highlighting the contrast between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied territories, she pointed to major differences in infrastructure and development. “While we are witnessing the construction of highways, roads, and railway stations in Jammu and Kashmir, people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are still struggling for basic infrastructure,” she said.
Discussing the region’s changing atmosphere, Tasleema said Kashmir has emerged as a major tourism destination attracting visitors from across the world. She also highlighted the growing participation of Kashmiri women in prestigious fields such as IAS and IPS services, describing it as a positive transformation in the mindset and aspirations of the younger generation.