Thousands Rally in Pakistani Kashmir against India


Thousands Rally in Pakistani Kashmir against India

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Thousands of Kashmiri people observed a "black day" in Pakistani Kashmir on Sunday, rallying at an event organised by Islamists against Indian "brutalities" and occupation of the Himalayan region.

The rally was set up by the United Jihad Council (UJC), which consists of 16 Islamist groups.

A crowd of around 3,000 people shouted "Al-Jihad", "Allahu Akbar" (God is greater) and "We want Freedom" as they gathered in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said an AFP reporter at the scene.

"Diplomacy, talks and negotiations spanned over several decades have not worked," said Syed Salahuddin, chairman of the UJC.

"The only way to liberate Kashmir is jihad and armed struggle because India does not understand the language of dialogue," said Salahuddin, who also leads Hizbul Mujahedin, a militant group fighting Indian rule in Kashmir.

The protestors waved black flags and shouted: "Our struggle will continue til Kashmir is freed", and condemned Indian "brutalities", as Salahuddin appealed to the government and people of Pakistan to fully support Kashmiri independence.

Kashmiri people observe October 27 as "black day" every year to protest the arrival of Indian troops and their invasion of the Himalayan region in 1947.

Kashmir is held in part by Pakistan and India, but claimed in full by both, and has been the cause of two of the three wars the countries have fought since independence from Britain more than half a century ago.

 

 

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