DERA MURAD JAMALI/ KHUZDAR: Kashmir solidarity rallies were held across Balochistan on Friday where protesters condemned the two-month lockdown in India-held Kashmir and human rights violations by the Indian government and its forces.

Rallies were held in Quetta, Kalat, Dera Bugti, Ziarat, Sanjavi, Chaman, Khuzdar, Dera Murad Jamali, Sibbi, Gwadar, Turbat and Mastung and other towns and cities of Balochistan.

The protesters chanted slogans against the revoking of Article 370 and 35-A from the Indian constitution.

A special speech competition was also arranged at Atta Shad Degree College Turbat on Friday in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day. The programme was arranged by Balochistan Frontier Corps South and Frontier Corps Inspector General Major Gen Saeed Ahmed Nagra was the chief guest.

Participants said that revoking of Article 370 of the Indian constitution was a well-planned conspiracy to end the special status of Kashmir. They also said Muslim countries must collectively raise voice against the atrocities and genocide of innocent Kashmiri Muslims.

A grand Kashmir solidarity rally was also held in Kohlu district. Participants of the rally gathered at Kohlu Government Model High School and marched towards the press club. Students of different government schools in Sui tehsil of Dera Bugti district also arranged a grand solidarity rally on Friday.

Participants held placards and banners demanding an immediate solution of the Kashmir issue through the unanimously approved resolutions of the United Nations.

Under the leadership of former provincial minister Mir Abdul Ghafoor Lehri, a huge rally was also organised in Dera Murad Jamali, which was attended by hundreds of people. Participants gathered at the Deputy Commissioner Office and marched on different areas of the city.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Sobatpur chapter also arranged a protest rally in the district headquarters that was led by Muhammad Aslam Khosa.

Addressing the participants of the rally, Mr Khosa said that the international community must end their criminal silence on Kashmir. He said that the prolonged lockdown had caused humanitarian crisis in the occupied Valley.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2019