People show solidarity with victims of Kashmir

Srinagar, September 08, 2013 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, despite restrictions, frisking and insecure conditions, hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered in Srinagar to show solidarity with the victims of Indian state terrorism.

Men, women and even children strived to be a part of Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir, a concert organized by the civil society, despite the fact that the Valley remained under siege in view of the musical concert of Zubin Mehta in Shalimar Garden. Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir was organized at the Municipal Park to pay tribute to the freedom struggle of Kashmir.

“We are here to tell the world that we care for the victims. They are a part of us,” said Ahmad, a university student. Sarah, a student, said that she considered herself a part of every family of Kashmir. “Even though I study in Delhi, my heart is for Kashmir and its people,” she added.

The event began with an introductory speech of one of the organizers, Khurram Parvez who congratulated the participants for their courage. “Authorities tried their level best to make the event a failure but after all we have been successful,” he said.

Dr Altaf Hussain, another organizer, said that Zubin Mehta’s concert was for the elite and by the elite and not for people of Kashmir.

This was followed by touching poems on Kashmir by students and civil society members. Two teenaged boys, Saif and Fahed rocked the audiences with their song ‘resistance is a choice, it is gonna make some noise.”

A theatrical performance, depicting the plight of the people caught in heavily militarized occupied Kashmir, was also performed. Singer Bilal dedicated a song to Afzal Guru. Eminent writer Zareef Ahmad Zareef read a poem on Kashmir’s occupation. The performances were interspersed by pro-freedom slogans.

Syed Abdul Hai, father of Neelofar Jan of Shopian, said that India would have to leave Kashmir one day. “The musical concert is like cracking a joke on our sufferings. We are here to demand justice which has been denied to every family of Kashmir.” Shakeel Ahmad, Neelofar’s husband, demanded probe by international organizations over the human rights violations in Kashmir. Social activist, Hameeda Nayeem said, “India is trying to create a false perception that Kashmir is normal but we are opposing it through this event.”

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