MUZZAFARABAD: Protest Day was observed in Azad Kashmir today [Aug 9] to mark the arrest, 16 years ago, of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for demanding the right of self-determination for Kashmiris.

Special prayers were offered for the early liberation of occupied Kashmir. On this day [Aug 9] 16 years ago, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was arrested for demanding the right of self-determination for the people of Kashmir. The arrest was followed by the killing of hundreds of Muslims at the hands of the Indian forces posted in held Kashmir.

A meeting was held at which pledges were renewed to continue the freedom struggle till the occupied territory is liberated from the Indian yoke, and the accession of the state to Pakistan is completed.

Tributes were also paid to the hundreds of people who sacrificed their lives while protesting against the deposition and the arrest of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

In Rawalpindi, a meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Plebiscite Front today paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his colleagues for their steadfastness in the struggle for freedom of Jammu and Kashmir state, and assured them of their full support in the matter.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2019