KARACHI:
Pakistan condemned restrictions imposed by Indian authorities Tuesday on traditional prayers of Eidul Azha in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K).
"Imposition of restrictions on prayers on one of the most important days of the Islamic calendar represents complete disrespect by the Indian government for the sentiments of the Muslims of IOJ&K. It is also a flagrant violation of their fundamental freedom of religion," said a statement from the foreign ministry.
Indian authorities, it added, were using Covid-19-related restrictions as a pretext to curb religious freedom of Muslims in the disputed valley.
"While the BJP government has been allowing religious activities in various other contexts and instances, disallowing Kashmiri Muslims to offer Eidul Azha prayers is blatant discrimination," it said.
Islamabad urged the international community, the UN and human rights organisations to take notice of the "glaring denial" of the religious rights and freedoms of Kashmiris in violation of international laws and conventions.
"India must realise that by such repressive measures, it cannot break the will of the Kashmiris and suppress their legitimate aspirations for self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions," it added.
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
No religious gatherings have been allowed in India,, except a few aberrations,,it's very difficult to control our crowds,, As one Tamil poem says Crowd in the city Crowd in the city And a larger crowd To see the crowd