Kashmir Day observed against Indian atrocities

• Demonstrations and public rallies were also held in different cities.
• Situation in Occupied Kashmir took an ugly turn when India withdrew constitutional provisions on August 5.
• People of held valley took to streets despite lockdown by Modi-led government.

(Karachi) Kashmir Day was observed across the country to express solidarity with the people of held valley and to protest Indian atrocities on Friday, Radio Pakistan reported.

Sirens blared at 3 pm while the Foreign Office observed five minute silence on the day. Demonstrations and public rallies were also held in different cities to protest brutality of the Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir. People from different walks of life participated in the protest demonstrations.

The activity ended with the playing of National Anthem.

Kashmir Day is observed to send a message to the world that Pakistan stands with the oppressed people of the occupied valley.

Situation in Occupied Kashmir took an ugly turn when India withdrew constitutional provisions on August 5 that gave Jammu and Kashmir more autonomy than any other Indian state.

In retaliation to Modi's government’s move, India flooded the region with additional troops, and imposed curfew-like restrictions to keep a lid on protests.

Although many curbs, including those on movement have been eased, mobile telephone and internet connections in the Kashmir valley, home to around seven million people, remain cut off.

New Delhi insists that its move in August was essential to integrate Kashmir fully into India and bring development to the Himalayan region, but there is anger and discontent among many locals over the decision.

Despite the curbs, Kashmiris have come out on to the streets, and many shops and other commercial establishments in the held valley have remained mostly shuttered in protests against the withdrawal of the special status.

India has long accused Pakistan of fuelling an armed insurgency in Kashmir, a charge that Islamabad denies.