MUZAFFARABAD: While a shutter down strike was observed in India-held Kashmir on Monday in protest against increasing incidents of braid-chopping, an anti-India demonstration was held in a post-1990 Kashmiri migrant camp here to condemn the ghastly practice by Indian agents.

More than 40 braid-chopping incidents have so far been reported from across the India-held territory during the past few weeks.

At many places, people caught hold of the alleged braid-choppers but they were rescued by the Indian army, lending credence to the widely held belief that Indian authorities’ lackeys were carrying out these acts.

The demonstration was held in Basnara camp on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad under the aegis of two organisations of post-1990 migrants.

The protesters carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans against India and its occupation machinery in held Kashmir for “intimidating and harassing women to divert attention of Kashmiris from their unwavering struggle for freedom”.

“Braid-chopping of Kashmiri women — a despicable and unpardonable act… India should rein in her pawns,” read one of the banners.

“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is killer of Kashmiris,” read a placard, carried by a young schoolgirl in sky blue uniform.

Young schoolchildren, men and women chanted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, as they marched through their camp.

“India, bear it in mind we will snatch freedom,” they shouted rhythmically.

The demonstrators called upon the United Nations Commission for Human Rights to play its role in providing protection to Kashmiri women.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2017