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| October 28, 2005 | Friday | Ramzan 23, 1426 |
Kashmiris observe black day
RAWALPINDI, Oct 27: Kashmiris on Thursday observed black day by arranging rallies and sit-ins to protest against India’s military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir on October 27, 1947.
These demonstrations were held under the auspices of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Hundreds of Kashmiris living in the twin cities participated in these protest rallies and pledged to liberate Kashmir from what they termed illegal occupation of India.
One such protest rally was held in front of United Nations Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office here in which about 250 Kashmiris took part. Protesting Kashmiris also staged sit-in and their rally was addressed by the APHC representatives.
The speakers condemned what they said human rights abuses by Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir and vowed to fight for the freedom of their homeland till last breath. Amidst high-pitched slogans and display of banners and placards, APHC convener Muhammad Farooq Rehmani also presented a memorandum to UNMOGIP officials. It called upon the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to prevail upon India to reduce its troops and withdraw them from occupied territories.
The memorandum also urged India to repeal draconian laws, release political detenues, soften passport, visa and travel policy for Kashmiris and initiate steps for a just, peaceful and durable settlement of Kashmir through a tripartite dialogue on the basis of right of self-determination. The APHC leaders informed the UNMOGIP officials about the perpetual human rights violations being perpetuated by the Indian troops even after the recent devastating earthquake which jolted both parts of Kashmir.
They said that the Indian government claims of restoring telecommunication with Azad Kashmir was only a farce adding that telephone booths were being supervised and monitored strictly by police which is violative of international law.
A similar protest was also arranged in front of Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
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