Srinagar
Pakistanis across the globe on Monday, February 5, are observing Kashmir Day to show solidarity with Kashmiris in J&K and their longstanding struggle for the right of self-determination, Pakistani media reported.
Almost all the Pakistani media are running special campaigns today suggested that millions of Pakistan across the globe mark the day to express their support to the Kashmiris in the struggle for their right to self-determination under the United Nations (UN) resolution.
A one-minute silence was observed nationwide at 10: AM to pay homage to the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir and their struggle, reported Pakistani official news gatherer AAP.
President Mamnoon Hussain will address the main ceremony of the Kashmir Solidarity Day in Islamabad today (Monday). Different documentaries encompassing the decades-old Kashmir struggle would also be shown, reports added
In their separate messages on Kashmir Solidarity Day, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi have said that the dream of peace and prosperity in the region will remain elusive without resolving the Kashmir dispute.
They called upon the international community to urge India to respect the Human Rights Charter, put an immediate end to gross human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Prime Minister said the resolution of Kashmir dispute is essential for regional peace and development.
A candlelight vigil was also organised on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day in Brussels, Belgium.
The event was organised by Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) in order to express solidarity with people of Kashmir.
The reports claimed that a large number of people from all walks of life attended the event, which was held close to Brussels’ Trone Metro station situated near to Belgium Prime Minister House.
Holding various placards, the organisers and volunteers of Kashmir Council EU headed by the council’s Chairman Ali Raza Syed were actively engaged throughout the programme.
“We will continue our support to the people of Kashmir till suitable resolution of the Kashmir dispute,” said Syed, adding “people of Kashmir are struggling peacefully for their right to self-determination which was promised by the international community.”
The speakers also condemned violence against innocent people and detention of leaders and political workers in the Indian administered Kashmir.
However, people from Pakistan administered Kashmir also observed the day and a joint session of its Legislative Assembly and Kashmir Council would be held in Muzaffarabad. The session will be addressed by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif will also address a public gathering in the Khurshid Hassan Khurshid stadium of the city, The Express Tribune reported.
The day, however, coincided with the exchange of shelling at various places on the Line of Control. Some soldiers were reported injured in the shelling exchange. Yesterday four security men were killed in the shelling in Poonch-Rajouri sector. Meanwhile, Karvan-e-Aman bus, operating between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-administered-Kashmir was suspended on Monday after as precautionary measures, official sources said.
Reports said that there will be no bus service from Pakistan administered Kashmir side on Monday.
All the passengers, who were scheduled to travel in the bus have already been informed, they said adding the passengers will be accommodated in next bus.
Earlier, the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also delivered a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that Kashmir has always been a part of India and that no one can separate it from its territory. Speaking at an event in poll-bound Tripura, the Home Minister in an aggressive tone said, “Our neighbouring country, Pakistan, continuously tries to create havoc and destabilise India. It continues to engage in nefarious activities in Kashmir,” The Indian Express reported.
The Home Minister said that Kashmir was, is and will always be an integral part of the Indian Territory. ‘There is no one who can separate Kashmir from India, Kashmir was, is and will remain ours’, Singh was quoted saying.
Kashmir has seen an increased level of ceasefire violation from the other side of the border in 2017 which has continued in the New Year. Last week, Rajnath slammed Pakistan for continuously violating the ceasefire agreement with India, saying Islamabad should not misinterpret India’s “decency”. “India is no more a weak country. India has now become a powerful country.” Singh said and added that Pakistan, being a neighbour, should have a friendly attitude towards India, reported The Indian Express.
The Pakistani government on Monday said the dream of peace and prosperity in the region would remain elusive without resolving the Kashmir issue and reaffirmed its support for the people in the Valley in their struggle for the right to “self-determination”, Pakistani media reported.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi made these remarks in their separate messages on Kashmir Solidarity Day.
The president said, “Pakistan reiterates its unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Occupied Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination right in accordance with UN resolutions.”
Prime Minister Abbasi in the official message also expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir, TOI reported.
