In solidarity: ‘Respond to Indian aggression in kind’

Several protests condemning cross-border firing were held in the city.

LAHORE:

A general house of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) on Friday passed a resolution against Indian aggression along the Working Boundary at Sialkot and Shakargarh and demanded that the government raise the issue at international forums.

LHCBA vice president Amir Jalil Siddiqui, LHCBA Secretary Mian Muhammad Ahmad Chachar and LHCBA Finance Secretary Mian Muhammad Iqbal were present on the occasion. Lawyers in the crowded room expressed solidarity with the civilians martyred in the unprovoked firing by Border Security Force. The bar urged the government to announce financial compensation for the families of those who had died in the attacks and free medical treatment for those injured.

Lawyers participating in the meeting chanted slogans against the Indian government for allowing soldiers to shoot at innocent civilians. Addressing the house, LHCBA president Shafqat Chohan said India had violated international law and was killing innocent and unarmed citizens of Pakistan. He asked the government to take the issue up with the United Nations and respond to Indian aggression in a befitting manner.

The LHCBA has always raised its voice against human rights violations. He said the government should organise an agitation movement against the unprovoked attack.

LHCBA Secretary Mian Muhammad Ahmad Chachar, Lahore Bar Association former president Zulifqar Ali, Advocate Abdul Rashid Qureshi, Advocate Rashid Lodhi and Advocate Allah Bakhsh Gondal also spoke on the occasion.

Jamatud Dawa protests

Separately, workers and members of Jamatud Dawa held a demonstration at Jamia Qadsia at Chauburji after Friday prayers.

The protesters carried banners and placards carrying slogans against the Indian government. They said that foreign powers trying to sabotage development and prosperity in Pakistan should be dealt with ruthlessly.

Addressing the protesters, Jamatud Dawa Chief Hafiz Saeed condemned Indian aggression along the border and demanded that the government respond to the attacks in kind.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2014.