QUETTA, Feb 5: Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed here and in other areas of Balochistan on Wednesday to express support of the people to the Kashmiris fighting against Indian occupation of their territory.

Rallies, walks, seminars and public meetings were held in various cities to mark the day.

A large number of people participated in a rally staged here. The participants of the rally, led by Quetta Nazim Mohammad Rahim Kakar, marched on the roads and gathered at Mezan Chowk.

Provincial Information and Local Government Minister Hafiz Hussain Ahmed Sharodi, speaking on the occasion, renewed the pledge of the people of Balochistan to support their Kashmiri brethren.

He condemned the atrocities being committed by the Indian forces against Kashmiri people and said India could not continue its occupation by force.

He lashed out at Indian leadership for ignoring the world opinion reflected in various United Nations resolutions and denying the right of the people of the held valley to determine their future through a plebiscite.

The minister lauded the spirit of the Kashmiris, who had offered tremendous sacrifices to liberate their homeland, braving atrocities let loose against them by the Indian armed forces.

He urged the international community to take cognizance of the situation prevailing in the occupied Kashmir and put pressure in Indian government to recognize the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their fate.

Rahim Kakar and other speakers said India could not suppress the spirit of the Muslims of held Kashmir by force.

Reports from Chaman, Loralai, Barkhan, Zhob, Dera Murad Jamali, Sibi, Hub, Khuzdar, Pishin and other areas of the province say that the day was observed there with fervour.