Kashmir Solidarity March held: India's act of revoking IHK's autonomy condemned

Like other parts of the country and the World, Indian Independence Day was marked as "Black Day" here Thursday, to protest against India's unconstitutional move to revoke Article 370 pertaining to special status of Kashmir and blatant human rights violations and oppression in occupied Kashmir. Black flags hoisted on roof tops and vehicles to symbolise rejection of Indian nefarious designs.
Protest rallies were taken out and seminars were also organised to highlight plight of oppressed Kashmiris who are being subjected to unprecedented persecution over the last ten days. In Lahore, "Kashmir Solidarity March" was held from Governor's House to Punjab assembly. Punjab Governor Ch Muhammad Sarwar, chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi led the rally.
In the truck, Governor Sarwar, CM Sardar Usman Buzdar, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, PAT leader Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Dr Shehbaz Gill, Ibrar ul Haq and others were on board. The participants of the rally, who were carrying Kashmiri and Pakistani flags, raised full throated slogans in favour of Kashmiris. People hailing from different walks of life joined the main rally. Rallies taken out from different parts of the provincial metropolis also joined the main rally. People hailing from different walks of life including political activists of different political and religious parties, members of civil society participated in the rally. Women in a large number also participated in the rally to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.
Addressing the participants of the rally at Chairing Cross in the presence of provincial ministers and advisors, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan under the leadership of PM Imran Khan achieved diplomatic achievement that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after four decades was discussing Kashmir issue on August 16. "The whole world including Pakistanis and Kashmiris are looking towards the UN Security Council and we expect that the Security Council members would consider the situation in Kashmir which is extraordinary," he said. "The regional peace was at stake and we expect that the UN Security Council would play its due role before there is more bloodshed," he added.
Qureshi said, "India has placed a complete clampdown on the movement of Kashmiris. There are reports of food and medicine shortages but no international observers or media organisations are being allowed to visit IOK."
He requested the country's political leadership to show complete unity at this critical juncture. He expressed his resolve to go to every extent for the cause of Kashmiris come what may. He added that Pakistan was focusing for peace in Afghanistan but a conspiracy was hatched to divert our attention from western border to eastern border.
Punjab Governor Ch Muhammad Sarwar in his speech said, "We are for Kashmiris and they are for us. Their plight and affliction affects us [all]." He said Pakistan did not accept the efforts to change the demographic composition of occupied territory. He lauded Kashmiris for rendering invaluable sacrifices. He said that after Indian government action, minorities in India were feeling themselves insecure. He added that minorities in Pakistan enjoyed complete freedom.
Ch Sarwar said when he was British Member Parliament in 2002, the British declined to issue visa to Narendar Modi due to his action in Indian Gujrat. The Governor also raised slogans that 'Kashmir Baney Ga Pakistan' and against Indian PM Narendar Modi.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in his speech urged the UN Security Council to take notice of Indian brutalities in Kashmir. He announced to extend all out support to the Kashmiris in their just struggle. "We would continue to extend full support to our Kashmiri brethren till they achieve liberation from Indian subjugation," he said.
Mishal Malik, wife of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik said in her speech that the Indian PM Modi never dared to abrogate special status of Kashmir, had the spirit shown by the Pakistanis today, was exhibited two-three years ago. She expressed gratitude to the participants of the rally for showing support to the Kashmiris. She said Kashmiris were facing worst type of sacrifices for the cause of Pakistan. Other speakers including Ijaz Ahmed Chaudry, Kamil Ali Agha, Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Dewan Ashiq Hussein and others assured full support to their Kashmiri brethren against Indian atrocities.