QUETTA: People across Balochistan on Wednesday observed Yaum-i-Istehsal and condemned the Indian government for revoking special status of occupied Kashmir.

A large number of rallies and seminars were held in Nasirabad division, Khuzdar, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Nushki, Loralai, Zhob, Sibi, Lasbela and other towns and cities of the province to mark the first anniversary of abrogation of Article 70 and 35A of the Indian constitution.

Carrying flags of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir and banners inscribed with slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian forces who have been committing atrocities against innocent Kashmiris in the occupied valley, participants of the rallies marched on the main roads and streets of the provincial capital

They gathered in the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation’s lawns where Balochistan Governor retired Justice Amanullah Khan Yasinzai, Chief Minister Jam Kamal Alyani and provincial ministers join them.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Yasinzai said August 5, 2019, was one of the darkest days in the history of humankind.

“The Modi government cannot suppress the struggle of Kashmiris for independence. It is a global issue. The United Nations should resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the Security Council’s resolutions,” he said.

He said the fascist government of India had turned occupied Kashmir into the largest prison in the world.

The governor said India had a delusion that it could occupy Kashmir forcibly.

“If Narendra Modi thinks that Kashmir is an integral part of India he should lift curfew in the occupied valley for only four days and he will know that he cannot stop the independence of Kashmir,” he said.

Justice Yasinzai said the annexation of occupied Kashmir could not be successful under any circumstances. “If the Kashmir issue is not resolved there will be danger of a clash between the two nuclear powers,” he added.

Addressing at a public rally on the premises of Balochistan Assembly, the chief minister said that by including occupied Kashmir in the map of Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan had proved that his government was taking practical steps for the independence of occupied valley.

He said the people of Balochistan stood with the families of Kashmiri martyrs.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2020