ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the restrictions imposed by Indian authorities on Eid-ul-Azha prayers in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).
"Imposition of restrictions on prayers on one of the most important days of the Islamic calendar represents complete disrespect by the Indian government for the sentiments of the Muslims of IIOJ&K. It is also a flagrant violation of their fundamental freedom of religion," said Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui.
She said that the Indian authorities are using COVID-19 related restrictions as a pretext to curb religious freedom of the Muslims of IIOJ&K. While the BJP government has been allowing religious activities in various other contexts and instances, disallowing Kashmiri Muslims to offer Eid-ul-Azha prayers is a blatant discrimination, she added.
"Pakistan urges the international community, the United Nations, and human rights and humanitarian organizations to take notice of glaring denial of the religious rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people in violation of international laws and conventions," she asserted.
She further stated that India must realize that by such repressive measures, it cannot break the will of the Kashmiris and suppress their legitimate aspirations for self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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