Scotland [UK], February 4 (ANI): Amjad Ayub Mirza, a prominent exiled activist from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), has criticized Pakistan’s ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ and highlighted the development in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mirza questioned the relevance of observing ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ in Pakistan on February 5 each year. He compared the rapid progress in the Indian-administered Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370 with the atrocities inflicted by the Pakistani regime on the people of PoK.
Kashmir Solidarity Day was initiated by Jamat-e-Islami 33 years ago to galvanize support for the so-called jihad in Jammu and Kashmir. Each year, young schoolchildren as well as government employees were used to hold rallies against India on February 5, Mirza said.
Highlighting the advancements in Jammu and Kashmir, Mirza emphasized that the people of PoK have started questioning the necessity of observing ‘Solidarity Day’.
According to Mirza, a boycott electricity bill civil disobedience movement has gained momentum in PoK since August last year, with the people refusing to comply with the directives of the Pakistani military establishment.
For the first time in 33 years, on February 5, the people of PoK will observe Protest Day against the atrocities committed by Pakistan, he added.
Mirza warned that if the demands of the people of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan are not met by February 5, the exiled political figures will be compelled to form a national government of PoK in exile.
He demanded the withdrawal of Pakistani troops from the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir region and the establishment of fully sovereign legislative assemblies in the occupied territories.
Mirza asserted that he has the support of the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, as well as the diaspora, and if a government in exile is formed, it will fight for the civil, social, and political rights of the people.
If the popular demands are not met by February 5, Mirza’s party will consider calling for a universal uprising against Pakistan in both PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. (ANI)
