Solidarity rally held in Rawalpidni

Struggle to continue till logical end
Nisar Ahmed Thokar
Rawalpindi, Sep 16: Kashmiri community based in Rawalpinid and Islamabad on Thursday staged a massive protest against the stepped-up human rights violations and killings of innocent civilians by Indian troops in Kashmir seeking international community’s pro-active role to end violence in the troubled region.

Held under the aegis of All Parties Hurriyat Conference-M Pak chapter, the protest rally was led by the amalgam’s convener Mehmood Ahmed Saghar whereas other leaders of the alliance also participated in the rally.

Besides the representatives of traders’ community the solidarity rally was attended by scores of Kashmiri migrants settled in the suburbs of the twin city. In a bid to show solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren the participants of the rally earlier gathered at Nawaz Shareef Park and later marched along the Murree Road and culminated peacefully at Press Club Rawalpindi near Liaqat Bagh.

Displaying placards and banners inscribed with anti-India and pro-freedom slogans the protestors while flaying brutal killings demanded India to withdraw its forces from Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking briefly on the occasion, speakers denounced in strong terms the use of brute force against civilians saying that India was using its military might to suppress Kashmiris legitimate and peaceful struggle for right to self-determination. Hailing the role of vibrant Kashmiri youth they said “they (new generation) are the voice of Kashmir”. Referring to the recent killings they regrettably noted that Indian military and paramilitary troops have killed more than 90 Kashmiris within a three months time.

Terming it as worst kind of state-terrorism they said world human rights bodies should take effective notice of the Indian highhandedness. The speakers however maintained that despite Indian subjugation the valiant people of Kashmir would continue their peaceful struggle against India unless they achieve their cherished goal.

Paying tributes to Kashmiri martyrs they said that the blood of innocent Kashmiris would never go in vain. They also expressed solidarity with the families who have lost their loved ones during the recent wave of violence in Kashmir. As a first step they pointed out that India should cease HR violations, release illegally detained Hurriyat leaders and repeal black laws prevalent in the state to create a congenial atmosphere to settle Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with the peoples’ will.

The speakers also urged the world community to play its pivotal role to mitigate the unending sufferings of Kashmiri people adding that world community must come forward in a big way to help resolve Kashmir dispute.

Meanwhile, a protest march was held in Muzaffarabad which was led by Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the Convener of the APHC-G Pak chapter. The march started from Press club and ended at the United Nations Observers’ Office where a memorandum was also presented to the UNMOGIP officials.

Highlighting the plight of Kashmiris the communiqué said that the highest body should take effective cognizance of the atrocities inflicted upon Kashmiri people by Indian troops.