Protesters in Scotland condemn IOK rights violations

Hundreds march in solidarity with Kashmiris in Glasgow rally

MUZAFFARABAD: Hundreds of Scottish-Kashmiris and Pakistanis took to the streets of Glasgow on Sunday to condemn human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

Protesters carried Kashmiri flags and chanted slogans against New Delhi's strong-arm tactics in the occupied territory.

Participants urged the international community to help bring to an end the information blockade and curfew imposed by the Indian government in the Himalayan valley.

The protest was organised by the Tehreek-e-Kashmir (TeK) and Scottish Human Rights Forum.

Despite the heavy rain, scores of protesters made their voice heard at the rally.

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British parliamentarian Alison Thewliss, as well as, Scottish parliamentarians Ansar Sarwar and Pauline McNeil were also in attendance.

Moreover, TeK President Fahim Kayani, TeK Scotland President Muhammaf Hanif Raja and Chairman of Scottish Human Rights Forum Javed Gill led the protesters.

Thewliss said the UK would continue to support the Kashmiris for their right to self determination, adding, "The world should take the notice of the rising human rights violations in IOK."

While Sarwar said the United Nations must come forward to give Kashmiris their right to self-determination.

Sarwar added that Kashmiris have had their basic rights trampled on by the Indian government.

The Scottish parliamentarian said stripping the valley of its special status was done to pave the way for New Delhi to carry out a genocide against the Kashmiris.

"The stories coming out of IOK are horrible and world human rights organisations must come forward and take the note of the now 50 days long curfew and mass arrests of political prisoners in there,"  McNeil said.

Kayani said Kashmiris have suffered for the last 70 years under brutal Indian occupation, subjugation and oppression.

He lauded the Scottish-Kashmiris and Pakistanis for coming out in full force despite the inclement weather.

Gill called on world powers to apply pressure on New Delhi to lift the curfew in IOK.

Proud to have led the Solidarity Rally for Kashmir with @alisonthewliss today through the heart of Glasgow

We must make clear the message that injustice will not be tolerated and call on the international community to take action pic.twitter.com/FG5U33q152

— Junaid. (@_junaidashraf) September 22, 2019