Kashmir violence: Politicians, civil society condemn brutality
Speakers call for demilitarisation
Speakers call for demilitarisation. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Politicians, civil society members, and students on Saturday held a protest outside the National Press Club (NPC) against the killing of innocent people in Kashmir by Indian forces. The protesters condemned the brutalities of Indian forces across the Line of Control and called for the complete demilitarisation of the region.
Senator Farhatullah Babar called on the rulers of India and Pakistan to let Kashmiris decide their future. “Once Indian and Pakistani rulers admit that Kashmir is for Kashmiris, the problem could be solved in a few weeks,” Babar said.
On the use of pellet guns by Indian forces, he said Kashmiri youths were being blinded by Indian forces, but India could only damage the eyesight of the people, but not their passion and desire for freedom.
“Pakistani rulers should also decide what they want. I believe that Kashmiris will ultimately become successful in their freedom struggle, and they do not need cross-border intrusion because their case is very strong.”
Babar added that the issue of Kashmir was one of freedom and human rights, but India is limiting it to one of border security by taking advantage of people going to fight from this side of the border.
Human rights activist Asma Jahangir said, “We should demand demilitarisation from Kashmir and the Pakistan government should launch an international campaign in this regard.” She said that they were supporting the people of Srinagar.
Asma said that when Burhan Wani was killed by Indian forces, she was in Srinagar, and after his killing, thousands of Kashmiris emerged on the street to protest the killing.
“A day earlier, the people of Kashmir were celebrating Eid. The day after, a killing-spree was launched by Indian forces, which was also condemned by Hindus living there,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi diverted the attention of Pakistan by giving a shrewd statement, after which Pakistani agencies have launched operations against youth activists in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.
PTI AJK chapter leader Khawaja Farooq said the Pakistani media was not giving due coverage to the Kashmir issue.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2016.
Politicians, civil society members, and students on Saturday held a protest outside the National Press Club (NPC) against the killing of innocent people in Kashmir by Indian forces. The protesters condemned the brutalities of Indian forces across the Line of Control and called for the complete demilitarisation of the region.
Senator Farhatullah Babar called on the rulers of India and Pakistan to let Kashmiris decide their future. “Once Indian and Pakistani rulers admit that Kashmir is for Kashmiris, the problem could be solved in a few weeks,” Babar said.
On the use of pellet guns by Indian forces, he said Kashmiri youths were being blinded by Indian forces, but India could only damage the eyesight of the people, but not their passion and desire for freedom.
“Pakistani rulers should also decide what they want. I believe that Kashmiris will ultimately become successful in their freedom struggle, and they do not need cross-border intrusion because their case is very strong.”
Babar added that the issue of Kashmir was one of freedom and human rights, but India is limiting it to one of border security by taking advantage of people going to fight from this side of the border.
Human rights activist Asma Jahangir said, “We should demand demilitarisation from Kashmir and the Pakistan government should launch an international campaign in this regard.” She said that they were supporting the people of Srinagar.
Asma said that when Burhan Wani was killed by Indian forces, she was in Srinagar, and after his killing, thousands of Kashmiris emerged on the street to protest the killing.
“A day earlier, the people of Kashmir were celebrating Eid. The day after, a killing-spree was launched by Indian forces, which was also condemned by Hindus living there,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi diverted the attention of Pakistan by giving a shrewd statement, after which Pakistani agencies have launched operations against youth activists in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.
PTI AJK chapter leader Khawaja Farooq said the Pakistani media was not giving due coverage to the Kashmir issue.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2016.