Kashmiris came out in large numbers at Kotli, POK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) on Friday morning to protest against the visit of Imran Khan Niazi that was scheduled later in the day. The protesters were from a faction of the JKLF (Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front) who demanded that Pakistan put an end to her sham of mis-governance and misrule across POK, rather than organise photo op events to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5.
A red-faced Imran Khan government then quickly mobilised the local administration that along with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers forced local Kashmiris to fill up the venue and hear Imran Khan Nizai’s speech on Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Pakistan celebrates February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day to keep the pot boiling across Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.
However, Kashmiris in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) have understood that Pakistan Army only plays upon the emotions of Kashmiris and continues to deny them the rights to a decent livelihood. Barely a month ago POK had erupted into protests over skyrocketing price of food grains
Kashmiri journalist Tanveer Ahmed has been in Pakistani custody since August 2020. (Photo: News Intervention)
Habib-ur-Rehman former spokesperson of JKPNP said in a statement that Pakistan must accept that it’s the occupying force before it expresses solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He explained in his statement that in 1947 private invaders of the Pakistan Army killed innocent locals under the umbrella of Pakistan Army officers, burned houses, looted property and completely destroyed financial property. They then divided the state in 1947. Habib-ur-Rehman further added that the ruling class of Pakistan always adheres to lies and deception. He reminded the elites of the Pakistani state that they only believe in oppression and barbarism, while the people suffer from hunger, poverty and slavery. “February 5 is not Solidarity Day,” said Habib-ur-Rehman.
Later during the day protests also erupted at Nakkyal a suburban locality of Kotli. Local Kashmiris at Nakkyal raised slogans against the Pakistani misrule.