Roaring support for Kashmir as province observes black day

Protesters burn effigy of Indian PM, demand end to IOK genocide

QUETTA: Like the rest of Pakistan, the national flag flew at half-mast in Quetta as it marked India’s independence day as black day, with rallies taken out and demonstrations held across Balochistan to express solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

The national flag flew half-staffed at the Balochistan Assembly, Balochistan High Court, the residences of the chief minister and governor, and other important buildings of Quetta city.

Planned as well as spontaneous demonstrations took place at different locations, with people rallying to the Quetta Press Club to voice their support for the Kashmiri cause.

They chanted anti-India slogans and burnt effigies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while vowing absolute support for the people of the Kashmir.

Students and government employees also held separate demonstrations in support of their Kashmiri brethren.

At a rally of organised by members of the railway employees union, chants of 'Kashmir will become Pakistan' punctuated the air.

"India has been suppressing the innocent people of Kashmir for the last seven decades but they cannot quell the popular uprising by using fascist methods,” said one fiery speaker while addressing protesters.

The activists, who also torched the Indian national flag, urged the international community, including the United Nations, to intervene in the matter while pointing out that New Delhi was carrying out ethnic cleansing in the occupied territory.

In the port city of Gwadar, a large number of people from the civil society took part in a demonstration with black ribbons tied on their arms to show solidarity with the people of Kashmir. They also carried banners with pro-Kashmir and anti-India messages.

"By shedding innocent blood, India has shown its barbaric face. But the people of Kashmir have remained steadfast and their morale has remained solid,” said one speaker while addressing the rally.

He said India was facing criticism on every international forum for its action, including a lockdown in IOK – in place for almost a fortnight – that has cut of the occupied territory from the rest of the world.

“They are failing in Occupied Kashmir just as they failed in Balochistan. They resorted to bloodshed to foment trouble but the people of Balochistan and the soldiers of the Pakistan Army collectively defeated India’s nefarious designs,” said one speaker.

Similar demonstrations were held in district across Balochistan including Kohlu, Washuk, Kalat, Dera Bugti and Barkhan.