GILGIT: Despite harsh weather Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed across Gilgit-Baltistan to express support to the struggle of Kashmiri people for their inalienable right to self-determination under the UN resolutions.

Rallies were taken out on snow-covered roads and functions held across the region participated by activists of political and religious parties, civil society activists and students.

Residents of Minimarg in Astore organised a protest rally in support of the Kashmiri people despite three feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures.

The rally started from Minimarg village and ended at the tehsil office participated by a large number of villagers, including students. They chanted slogans against the Indian occupation of Kashmir.

Rallies were also held in Skardu, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, Kharmang, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar and Gilgit.

The protesters said the people of GB stood by Kashmiris in their struggle for freedom from Indian occupation. They paid tributes to those embraced martyrdom during the course of the freedom movement.

A car rally was held in Gilgit led by GBLA Deputy Speaker Jafarullah Khan and Force Commander Northern Areas Maj-Gen Ahsan Mehmood Khan.

GBLA members, students, activists from various political, religious, social parties and students attended it.

The rally started from Lalik Jan Shaheed Stadium Jutial, and after passing through Quaid-i-Azam and Airport Roads, culminated at the Fatima Jinnah Degree College. A human chain was also made at Konodas Bridge on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2019