Kashmiris living on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), and across the world, observed the Kashmir Martyrs' Day on Sunday to pay tributes to the martyrs of July 13, 1931 massacre, and all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
The day was marked by a complete shutdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and a march towards the Martyrs' Graveyard at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, where the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931 tragedy, are laid to rest.
To honour the martyrs, rallies, seminars, and conferences were organised by the Kashmiri organisations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, and major capitals across the world.
In Muzaffarabad, a smartly-turned-out Police contingent presented salute at the Shuhada Monument in the morning as a mark of respect to the Shuhada. The Pasban-e-Hurriatyat also arranged a protest rally at Burhan Wani Shaheed Chowk.
Later in the day, the Kashmir Liberation Cell in collaboration with All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK Chapter arranged a public gathering followed by a mass rally in Muzaffarabad.
Meanwhile, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs' Day.
President Zardari lauded the unwavering courage, determination, and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who resisted the Indian occupation for decades and continued their struggle for self-determination.
"Pakistan pays tribute to the bravery, determination and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who have stood firm against Indian rule for decades and continue to struggle for their freedom," he said.
"The great struggle that the Kashmiri people are carrying forward today is a continuation of the sacrifices of these 22 martyrs. The candle of freedom that their sacrifice lit in the hearts of the Kashmiri nation is still burning brightly today."
He urged the international community and human rights organisations to take immediate notice of the Indian-state terrorism and grave human rights abuses in the occupied territory.
"Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri brothers until they achieve their right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council," he concluded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said that the people of Kashmir had continued to sacrifice their lives in pursuit of their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination.
"Today, the government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the resolution of the Kashmir issue and the right of self-determination of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations resolutions," he said. (WITH INPUT FROM RADIO PAKISTAN)
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