MUZAFFARABAD, July 11: Former AJK senior minister and Peoples Party leader Sahibzada Muhammad Ishaq Zaffar on Sunday said the Kashmiris could never live with India which had killed more than 500,000 of their men, women and children over the past five decades in its abortive bids to quell their struggle for freedom.

"Let me declare it on behalf of my oppressed nation that we cannot live with India however and whatever brutalities, repression and coercive measures it may let loose in occupied Kashmir.

Allah willing we will shortly liberate the held territory and annex the whole state to Pakistan," he said at a farewell reception he hosted in the honour of Chakothi sector's outgoing commander Brig Iftikhar Ali Khan.

The reception held at Chinari rest house, about 50 kilometres south of here, was attended by some local army officials, PP leaders and a good number of journalists. Brig Khan, who was sent to this area when intense artillery, machinegun and small arms fire by Indian troops was order of the day, has now been transferred to the Inter Services Public Relations headquarters in Rawalpindi.

"People of this area will always remember you for your personal interest and efforts to provide relief to the shelling victims whether in shape of construction of roads or through provision of some other human requirements," said Mr Zaffar who represents Chakothi sector in AJK assembly.

The former senior minister called for unity in Pakistan and said individuals might be wrong but institutions deserved respect. "Unity guarantees strength of Pakistan and a strong Pakistan could guarantee the freedom of Kashmir," he said.

He recalled that first recipient of Pakistan's highest military award Nishan-e-Haider had laid down his life in 1948 war in Chakothi sector. "We salute to those who are standing vigilant along the borders to defend the honour of our mothers and sisters," Mr Zaffar said.

He said he felt happy to point out that Brig Khan had presented the case of the Kashmiris and their plight before the foreign delegations visiting this sector effectively and impressively.

"And I am sure that in your new position you will be able to do more good to the Kashmir cause," he said while throwing light on the importance of media in the global village. Speaking on the occasion, Brig Khan said he would never forget the love and affection he received from residents of Chakothi sector during his positing in the area.