Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that India must abandon its policy of force and coercion and pursue a political solution to achieve lasting peace in Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, in a video message,  Mirwaiz emphasized that resolving the Kashmir dispute requires a political approach, as there is no viable alternative.

Mirwaiz highlighted that the aspirations and sentiments of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir must be considered.

He also condemned the restrictions on his own movements and activities, including attending Friday prayers.

Meanwhile, the BJP-led Indian government has ramped up its military presence in IIOJK by deploying additional 2,000 troops.

This includes two battalions of the Assam Rifles and a Sector Headquarters moved from India’s Nagaland state to Doda district in Jammu region.