MUZAFFARABAD: The 77th anniversary of the establishment of the Azad (Free) Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir was commemorated across the liberated territory on Thursday with official flag-hoisting ceremonies and salutes, reaffirming the commitment to the ongoing struggle for freedom from Indian occupation across the Line of Control (LoC).

The main event was held at the Parade Ground in Chattar neighbourhood of the state capital, where President Barrister Sultan Mahmood was the chief guest and Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq was the guest of honour.

The ceremony marked President Mahmood’s first public appearance in many months due to a prolonged illness.

The president raised the AJK’s flag, inspected the parade from a jeep and later took salute fromsmartly turned-out contingents of the AJK Police, Rescue 1122, Police Commandos, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and Tourist Police.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Legislative Assembly and cabinet, senior civil and military officials, and a large number of citizens. Notably, former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas was also present, indicating his reconciliation with Prime Minister Haq after a prolonged period of tension.

Young girl students, clad in traditional Kashmiri pherans (cloak), presented national songs to the delight of the audience.

In his address, President Mahmood said that while the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had enjoyed freedom for 77 years, their joy would remain incomplete until the entire Jammu and Kashmir, currently under Indian control, was liberated and united with Pakistan.

“Kashmiris have written a timeless history of sacrifices to thwart India’s evil designs, and they will continue their struggle for the right to self-determination,” he said.

The AJK president pointed out that India violated United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019.

He said the Kashmiris had never accepted Indian dominance and added that while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aspired to be a global leader, his true face had been exposed internationally, “especially after countries like Canada labelled him a criminal.”

Prior to him, Prime Minister Haq also delivered a pre-written speech.

Congratulating the people on the Foundation Day, he saidthey should bow in gratitude to God for the sacrifices and struggle of their ancestors, which led to the liberation of the region from the oppressive Dogra dynasty.

Paying tribute to the courage, bravery, and perseverance of the people in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he expressed optimism that the day was not far when they would achieve their goal of uniting with Pakistan through their right to self-determination.

He also lauded the Pakistan Army and the brave tribal fighters who had helped liberate AJK territory from Dogra oppression.

Drawing a comparison between the armed forces of Pakistan and India, the AJK premier said the former were protectors, while the latter were occupiers in Jammu and Kashmir.

He highlighted the progress in AJK since 1947, noting that at the time, there was only one inter-college in the region, but now there were 88 inter-colleges, 121 higher secondary schools, 79 degree colleges, 13 postgraduate colleges, six public sector universities, and three medical colleges.

“This is just an overview of one sector. Significant progress has also been made in other sectors. We must move forward with a positive and constructive mindset, promote tolerance and dialogue, seek truth through research, and spread factual information,” he said, maintaining that division, discrimination, discord, confrontation, intolerance, and prejudice hindered a nation’s mental, economic, social, and societal development.

Prime Minister Haq also acknowledged Pakistan’s crucial role in ensuring that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained on the UN agenda.

“Despite India’s efforts to remove it from the list of global disputes, Pakistan has continued to advocate for Kashmir’s right to self-determination on international, regional, and national forums.”

He expressed his gratitude to the government of Pakistan for consistently raising the issue of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and the severe human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir at the UN and other global platforms.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2024