MUZAFFARABAD: People from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan formed symbolic human chains at several places on Tuesday in a manifestation of their bonds of brotherhood and harmony.

Rallies and other demonstrations were also held in all district and tehsil headquarters to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Human chains were formed at Kohala, Mangla, Azad Pattan, Holar, Tain Dhalkot and Brarkot, which links AJK with Pakistan.

The most noticeable gathering was held in Kohala — some 35 kilometres south of Muzaffarabad — with participants from different walks of life from AJK and neighbouring provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Punjab Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Raja Yasir Humayun Sarfraz and Sindh Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Faraz Dero were prominent among the political leaders attending the event from Pakistan.

The schoolchildren were holding small flags of Pakistan and AJK as well as placards inscribed with slogans condemning Indian brutalities in held Kashmir and paying tribute to the Kashmiris. Occa­sionally, they also chanted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sarfraz said Kashmiris and Pakistanis were determined to continue the struggle until the liberation of Kashmir from Indian occupation.

He said Pakistan’s government, political parties and public were on the same page with regard to the Kashmir policy.

The Punjab minister said a strong Pakistan was needed to effectively raise the case of Kashmir at international level and added: “We all have to make Pakistan economically and politically strong by forging complete unity and harmony in our ranks.”

In his speech, Sindh Minister Dero said Kashmir ran in the blood of every Pakistani, regardless of political affiliations.

Paying rich tribute to Kashmiri men, women and children for offering unprecedented sacrifices in the presence of India’s more than 700,000 military and paramilitary forces, he said India’s atrocities could not suppress the resolve of Kashmiris for freedom.

Mr Dero also called upon the UN to play its role in persuading India to implement its resolutions on Kashmir. The minister also urged the federal government to formulate a comprehensive policy on Kashmir.

Earlier, director of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell Raja Muhammad Aslam presented several resolutions on the occasion, calling upon India to withdraw draconian laws, stop use of pellet guns and human rights abuses against Kashmiri people.

Schoolchildren also formed a human chain in Muzaffarabad city, where some of them were carrying a mock coffin draped in Pakistani flag.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2019