Mass rallies slam India's occupation of IIOJK

ISLAMABAD:

The 'Kashmir Black Day' was observed on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) as well as across Pakistan and abroad on Tuesday, with rallies, protest demonstrations and solidarity gatherings marking 79 years since Indian troops landed in Srinagar on October 27, 1947, to begin India's occupation of the region.

In Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam reiterated Pakistan's moral, political and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people, calling for their right to self-determination in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

Addressing a solidarity walk from the Foreign Office to D-Chowk, Dar said Pakistan would continue raising the Kashmir issue at international forums until the people of Jammu and Kashmir could determine their future.

Dar condemned India's August 5, 2019, measures, which revoked the territory's special status, and accused New Delhi of attempting to change its demographic composition. He also cited human rights violations, detentions of political leaders and restrictions on religious freedoms, urging the international community to press for a peaceful settlement.

At a separate ceremony at D-Chowk, Muqam said the participation of thousands of people reflected Pakistan's solidarity with Kashmiris. All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi called for a free and fair plebiscite under United Nations supervision.

Rallies were also held across other districts of Pakistan. Pakistan's diplomatic missions also marked the day. In Beijing, the embassy hosted a ceremony at which messages from the president, prime minister and deputy prime minister were read out.

A documentary and photo exhibition highlighted the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan's ambassador to China stressed the need for a settlement based on international law and the wishes of Kashmiris. (WITH INPUTS FROM APP)