Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that the blood of Burhan Muzaffar Wani had infused a new spirit in the freedom movement in Indian-held Kashmir. “The Kashmiri people are steadfast to take their movement to logical conclusion. India cannot suppress the voice of Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination,” the PM said in a message issued on the first death anniversary of Kashmiri freedom fighter Burhan Wani. “Indian atrocities in the occupied territory highlighted the issue on the international forums. The martyrdom of Wani is a testimony of the fact that Kashmiris have completely rejected the Indian occupation.” The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiris. “Pakistan expresses its solidarity and stands by Kashmiri on this occasion.” “The celebration on the occasion of Pakistan’s victory in ICC Champions Trophy by Kashmiris in the valley was a referendum.” He once again emphasised the need for implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Kashmir. He urged India to accept the right of self-determination of Kashmiris as per the UNSC resolutions.

Army chief: “Kashmiris have the right to self-determination,” tweeted Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor while quoting Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday. “Sacrifices of Wani and generations against Indian atrocities are a testimony of their resolve,” the tweet read. Burhan Wani’s martyrdom had triggered massive protests and prolonged period of curfews and shutdowns across the held valley. More than 100 innocent Kashmiris were killed and thousands of others were injured by the Indian troops.

Published in Daily Times, July 9^th , 2017.