MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) celebrated on Monday the 69th anniversary of liberation from the Dogra regime with a pledge to play a pro-active role for an early settlement of the longstanding Kashmir dispute.

A number of functions were held across the state but a police parade as well as an exhibition of Kashmir’s cultural heritage in the K.H. Khurshid mini-stadium was the main event.

Acting President Shah Ghulam Qadir was the chief guest at the ceremony that was attended by a large of people, including Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, former premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, cabinet and assembly members and government officials.

This year, all government departments and educational institutions were given special instructions by the prime minister to observe the anniversary in a befitting manner. A committee led by Additional Chief Secretary Farhat Ali Mir managed the events.

Girl guides, schoolchildren and Rescue 1122 personnel also participated in the parade and police commandos displayed their skills. Various departments prepared floats to depict the evolution of the official machinery and institutions in AJK, its tourism potential, culture, art and craft and the situation across the Line of Control (LoC).

The acting president paid tribute to the people of India-held Kashmir for their heroic struggle against illegal Indian rule.

He said the Kashmiris had a history of unrelenting struggle against despotic regimes and their sacrifices would not go in vain.

Mr Qadir made it clear that peace could hardly find way in the region unless the Kashmir issue was settled in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Warning India against any misadventure along the dividing line, he said AJK’s people would fight them shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pakistan Army.

He called upon the international community to show seriousness towards settlement of the lingering Kashmir issue, warning that otherwise establishment of peace would remain a distant dream.

Later, he gave presidential police medals to six personnel in recognition of their gallantry.

Talking to reporters, Prime Minister Haider condemned the shelling by Indian troops from across the LoC and Working Boundary and asked India to fulfil its pledges regarding a free, fair and impartial plebiscite in the disputed state, instead of vitiating the atmosphere in the region.

He said the people of AJK were the first line of defence of Pakistan, and India dare not cross the LoC for strikes.

The more India stepped up repression, the more Kashmiris would accelerate their struggle for freedom, he said.

The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir also organised an event on the eve of the foundation day.

Published in Dawn October 25th, 2016