Kashmir Day unites nation

PM says plebiscite in light of UNSC resolutions is the only solution to Kashmir dipsute

MUZAFFARABAD/ ISLAMABAD/ KOTLI:

The nation on Friday commemorated the Kashmir Solidarity Day by unanimously raising its voice in support of the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who have been living under extremely oppressive conditions since illegal annexation of the disputed Himalayan valley in August 2019.

On this day, different political, religious and social organizations staged rallies, demonstrations and marches across the country. The biggest rallies in this regard were held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with Prime Minister Imran Khan addressing a mammoth gathering in its Kotli district.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) – an 11 party opposition alliance – also staged a huge rally in the AJK’s capital Muzaffarabad in a show of support for and unity with Kashmiris.

In his speech at Kotli, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the entire Pakistan stands united for the cause of Kashmir as it wants to bring an end to the atrocities and barbarities being committed by India.

“Plebiscite in light of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions is the only solution to the Kashmir dispute. India could never win over the resolute Kashmiri people by using force.

"World history tells that no army could ever win over a population. When a nation stood united, it defeated even the powerful armies. The United States, a super power, could not win in Vietnam... No super power could win in Afghanistan... France could not win over population in Algeria,” he said.

Reiterating his commitment to raise the Kashmiris' voice across the world as "Ambassador of Kashmir", the prime minister said instead of suppressing the Kashmiri people, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Hindutva ideology” would destroy the Indian society.

"The issue of Kashmir has been lingering since 1948. It could be resolved the way other international disputes like that of East Timor were resolved. [However] Kashmiris should be given the right to decide their fate," he said.

According to the premier, he invited Indian PM Narendra Modi several times to come to the negotiating table to resolve the crisis as dialogue is the only viable solution.

"I realized following [February 2019] Pulwama incident that they [Indians] don't want peace or friendly ties [with Pakistan], and intend to use the issue for political gains. [But] I'm still asking Modi to resolve the Kashmir issue through talks,” the premier said.

Imran clarified that this invitation for dialogue should not be seen as a sign of weakness or fear."

"Pakistan is the country of people who don't fear anyone but Allah; never have and never will," he maintained. "Those who bow before Allah don't bow before anyone else." PM observed that today, no one who has the support of the Indian government could win elections from occupied Kashmir.

He asked India to shun the ideology of extremists and the fascist RSS. "Such fascist ideologies do the most damage. India has sowed the seed of its own destruction by supporting the ideology."

The premier also announced a special compensation package for the people of Kashmir residing near the Line of Control (LoC). "We will announce a package for those who have been the victims of Indian firing along the LoC."

At the PDM rally in Muzaffarabad, the opposition leaders clarified that despite political differences all parties stand united on the issue of Kashmir which is a flashpoint between two nuclear armed nations and must be resolved according to the aspiration of the people of Kashmir and UN resolutions.

While rallies were taken out in dozens of cities across Pakistan, Kashmir Solidarity Day was commemorated in the AJK with great zeal and renewal of the pledge of moral, political and diplomatic support to the freedom movement in the IIOJK.

The day began with one minute silence in the memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their motherland and with special prayers in mosques. Human chains were made by the people of Pakistan and AJK at all entry points linking Azad Kashmir with Pakistan.

Rallies were organized in different cities and towns to condemn Indian atrocities in the IIOJK and to assure political support to them for their struggle for just right to self-determination.

In this connection, a public rally was also organized at Burhan Wani Chowk in the capital of the AJK under the aegis of Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir.

National anthems of Pakistan and Kashmir were played, flags of the AJK and Pakistan were hoisted and a large number of people marched on roads while chanting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.

While addressing the rally, Pasban-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir Chairman Uzair Ahmad Ghazali said that today 220 million Pakistanis, 4.1 million people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 1.8 million citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan are renewing their commitment for the independence of the occupied state from India.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Secretary General Parvez Ahmad said the Kashmir Solidarity Day is the reminder for India to honor its commitment of granting the right to self-determination to the Kashmiris.          

“Observing the day of solidarity with the people of the IIOJK is aimed at inviting the world attention towards their legitimate and just demand of freedom from Indian yoke,” he said.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP