Kashmiris stage protests in UK cities to observe Kashmir Black Day

TeK also launches ‘Kashmir Digital Campaign’ outside Indian consulate in Birmingham and Indian High Commission, London

LONDON:

The Tehreek-e-Kashmir (TeK) held protests in various cities of the United Kingdom on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day against the occupation of disputed valley by Indian forces since October 27, 1947.

It also launched ‘Kashmir Digital Campaign’ outside Indian consulate in Birmingham and Indian High Commission, London.

The protesters carrying placards raised slogans against the Narendra Modi-led government to condemn the occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and atrocities being committed by occupation forces.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan and Senior Kashmiri Hurriyat Leader Altaf Ahmed Bhat addressed the rally outside Indian consulate in Birmingham through video link.

President Masood lauded the efforts and dedication of Tek President Fahim Kayani for the Kashmir freedom movement and for organising rallies in the United Kingdom to mark the Kashmir Black Day.

"27th October is the darkest day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. We deeply appreciate the efforts to mobilise support for the right to self-determination of the people of AJK and to put an end to the dark night of terror and oppression unleashed by the BJP and the RSS in the occupied state,” Masood said while addressing the protesters.

Appreciating the diaspora community, he said due to their efforts the ‘Kashmir Freedom Movement’ has become an international movement.

Seventy-three years ago India occupied one part of Jammu and Kashmir in violation of international law and against the wishes of its people, he added. “The dark night of alien domination, foreign occupation of Kashmiri people continues to cast its shadow up to this day.”

Masood demanded “fascist regime” of India to reverse its all illegal actions taken in the occupied region.

“We appeal to the UK parliament, government and civil society to play their role to end the ongoing vicious cycle of transfer of Hindu Population to IIOJK to alter its demography. This is a war crime and a crime against humanity,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement President Altaf Ahmed Bhat, while addressing via video link, appreciated the efforts of the TeK president for organising rallies, webinars, and digital campaigns which internationalised the Kashmir dispute.

Bhat said that 73 years ago India occupied IIOJK, and since then it has been oppressing and suppressing Kashmiris, “People are killed in cold blood for demanding freedom, educated youth is being killed extra-judicially, women are molested and raped, while unlawful laws are applied to silence the voice of freedom.”

Since August 5, 2019 the BJP-led fascist Indian government under the leadership of Modi has introduced punitive measures in the occupied valley to destroy the people of region economically, he added.

Small and large businesses, schools, colleges, tourism, Handicraft and fruit industry were destroyed by the longest and harshest lockdown on earth, he also said.

Fahim Kayani, the TeK president UK chapter, while addressing the rally said that they will continue their mission until Kashmiris get their right to self-determination as per their aspirations and UN resolutions.

The TeK UK will keep on exposing the brutalities and oppression against Kashmiri people by Indian forces, he pledged.