A prominent civil society group, the Group of Concerned Citizens of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has called on the Indian government to urgently restore territory’s statehood.

According to Kashmir Media Service, in a statement, the Group of Concerned Citizens highlighted the adverse effects of the “dual control” governance system on the quality of administration and the well-being of the people.

The GCC comprises distinguished individuals from various walks of life, including jurists, former vice-chancellors, academicians, civil servants, and business leaders.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party has strongly condemned the ongoing targeted killings of Kashmiri youth and the confiscation of civilian properties by Indian troops in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued in Srinagar today, DFP spokesman Advocate Arshad Iqbal, termed these actions as part of a grand conspiracy to marginalize the territory’s Muslim majority population.

A significant gathering of Americans of Kashmir heritage took place at the residence of Sardar Zarif Khan in Springfield, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C.

The event was notable for the attendance of key figures such as Sardar Sawar Khan, former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, and Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir.

The gathering brought together participants from Saudi Arabia, Canada, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Washington metropolitan area.

The discussion underscored the appreciation of Azad Kashmir’s people for the diaspora’s tireless efforts in championing the Kashmir cause on the international stage.

It was emphasized that the Kashmir issue requires professional advocacy to present the Kashmiri perspective effectively in influential global forums.

Participants called on the Kashmiri diaspora to unite beyond party lines and political beliefs, acting as ambassadors for all Kashmiris regardless of religion.