Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, in Pakistan and around the world observed Accession to Pakistan Day today, reaffirming their commitment to the struggle for freedom from Indian occupation and the complete merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan.
According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Friday, on July 19, 1947, genuine representatives of the Kashmiris, under the banner of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, unanimously passed a resolution for Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan during a meeting at Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan’s residence in Srinagar. This decision predated the formal creation of Pakistan and India under the British Partition Plan.
Incarcerated APHC leaders, including Chairman Masarat Aalam Butt, Shabbir Ahmed Shah and Nayeem Ahmed Khan in their statements from New Delhi’s Tihar Jail, reiterated their dedication to this resolution, pledging to continue their peaceful struggle towards this goal. They emphasized that the resolution reflected the aspirations of millions of Kashmiri Muslims and set a definitive course for the Kashmiris’ movement, firmly rejecting India as an option.
In a related development, a report released today by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service revealed that over the past 77 years, at least 450,000 Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives in the quest for Jammu and Kashmir’s freedom from Indian occupation and its accession to Pakistan. The report detailed that Indian troops have martyred more than 96,329 Kashmiris, including 7,344 in custody and fake encounters, since January 1989. It also noted that the troops have molested over 11,264 women and destroyed approximately 110,518 structures during this period. Additionally, over 5,000 Kashmiris remain imprisoned in various jails across India and the territory. Despite this severe state terrorism, the report asserted that the Kashmiri people’s resolve for freedom and merger with Pakistan remains unshaken.
To commemorate Accession to Pakistan Day, rallies, seminars and other events were held across Azad Kashmir and Pakistan, where speakers underscored the significance of the day.
On the other hand, several people were injured when Indian police used brute force against protesters in the Mirgund area of Pattan in Baramulla. Residents of the area were peacefully protesting on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway to demand an immediate water supply. The demonstration turned violent after police resorted to lathi charges and teargas, leading to clashes where protesters pelted stones and shouted pro-freedom and anti-BJP slogans. Local BJP leaders Sajid Yousuf and Sahil Bashir, along with their personal security officers, were also attacked with stones by protesters while passing through the area in a car. The ensuing clashes left numerous vehicles damaged.
