Showing solidarity: Nation observes Kashmir Day

• Rallies were taken out while human chains were formed in different cities to show unity with the oppressed people of the region.
• Various seminars and events were also held to mark the day.
• Situation in Occupied Kashmir took an ugly turn when India withdrew constitutional provisions on August 5, 2019.

(Karachi) People from different walks of life observed Kashmir Solidarity Day across the country on Wednesday. Rallies were taken out while human chains were formed to show unity with the oppressed people of the region.

Various seminars and events were also held to mark the day. 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, 2019, 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.