MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider said on Thursday that the people of India-held Kashmir were part of a unique chapter in history because of their “unprecedented sacrifices after India’s constitutional aggression last August.”

“The people of occupied Kashmir have been under complete military siege for the past one year, but their resolve and determination has not waned, as they endure despotic steps by the fanatic BJP government,” he said.

The AJK premier was speaking at a meeting, held to review arrangements for Prime Minister Imran Khan‘s visit to Muzaffarabad, as well as other events to express solidarity with Kashmiris on Youm-e-Istehsal (The Day of Exploitation), observed on Aug 5.

“Kashmiris on both sides of the divide and across the globe will vigorously protest on Youm-e-Istehsal against the series of unlawful and unilateral steps, taken by India in sheer violation of UN Security Council resolutions to strengthen its illegal occupation of Kashmir. Even though, India is bent upon changing the demography of occupied Kashmir, by settling tens of hundreds of non-Kashmiris there, its attempts would not succeed. Whatever savagery India may employ in the occupied territory, it will fail to get results it has always longed for,” he said.

“History bears testament to the fact that Indian hegemony was never accepted by the Kashmiris and New Delhi’s latest attempt to overpower them will also meet the same fate,” he added.

Officials also briefed Mr Haider about the features of a monument to be built in the AJK capital, in honour of the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister was informed that the stone laying ceremony, would be held on Aug 5.

Mr Haider, directed officials to ensure installation of digital boards at all entrypoints, at the earliest, to “glorify the struggle and sacrifices of valiant Kashmiris.”

Furthermore, officials confirmed that PM Imran Khan will address a special sitting of the AJK Legislative Assembly on Aug 5 to renew Pakistan’s unequivocal support to Kashmiri cause. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, parliamentarians, federal ministers, members of the provincial assemblies and cabinets will also be present to express solidarity with Kashmiris. They will visit camps, established on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad to pay tribute to migrants.

PM Khan along with AJK leaders will also stage a protest rally on the occasion, Dawn has learnt.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2020