SRINAGAR: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for standing in solidarity with the Kashmiri people on the occasion of Exploitation Day, which fell on August 5.
This day holds immense significance for Kashmiris, as it marks a painful chapter in their history. Moulvi Bashir Ahmad Irfani, the General Secretary of APHC, issued a statement from Srinagar, acknowledging the unwavering support extended by the Pakistani government and its citizens towards the Kashmiri cause. The resolute stance taken by Pakistan has boosted the morale of the Kashmiri people, reaffirming their determination to seek justice and their right to self-determination.
August 5 serves as a stark reminder of the events that unfolded in 2019 when the Modi government unilaterally stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, in blatant violation of international laws. The region was further divided into two parts, leaving a deep scar on the Kashmiri society and stripping them of their fundamental political, religious, and social rights. The Modi government’s actions have transformed Jammu and Kashmir into an open prison, suppressing voices and stifling freedoms. The Kashmiri people have endured immense suffering and hardship under these oppressive measures, leaving them feeling isolated and powerless.
Despite facing such grave injustice, the resilience of the Kashmiri people shines through, as they continue to demonstrate unwavering courage and determination in their struggle for self-determination. The desire for freedom and the right to choose their own destiny remains the driving force behind their resilience.
Moulvi Bashir Ahmad Irfani calls upon the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, Islamic countries, and human rights organizations, to play an active role in halting the escalating atrocities committed by the Indian government in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He urges these entities to work collectively to ensure that the Kashmiri people are granted their basic human right, the right to self-determination.
In solidarity with the Kashmiri cause, a rally was organized by the Sindh government in Karachi, where Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon, along with representatives from various political, social, and civil society groups, students, and a large number of citizens, participated. The rally, held on the occasion of Kashmir Exploitation Day, saw attendees wearing black bands on their arms and raising slogans against India.
During the rally, Imtiaz Wani, the leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter, addressed the participants. He highlighted that the Kashmiri people unequivocally rejected the illegal actions taken by India on August 5, 2019, and are steadfast in their pursuit of freedom and justice.
As the world commemorates Kashmir Exploitation Day, let us unite in support of the Kashmiri people’s struggle for their basic rights and self-determination. The international community must stand in solidarity with the Kashmiri people to bring an end to the oppression and injustice they face and pave the way for a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir issue.
