Ali Gilani thanks Pakistan for support to Kashmiris

The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Gilani has thanked Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan and the people of Pakistan for their whole-hearted support to the Kashmir cause and sacrifices for the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, in a letter addressed to PM Imran Khan, the APHC Chairman prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the PM steadfastness and strength as it is the Allah Almighty Who has chosen him to lead Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Syed Ali Gilani also appreciated the way PM Imran Khan spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in favour of the Kashmiri people and against the Indian decision to illegally change the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that India's attempt to force this illegal decision on the people has seen a widespread curfew in the region.

Syed Ali Gilani maintained that the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people against the Indian occupation and tyranny has gone through many phases since 1947 and the years, 1988, 2008, 2010 and 2016, have remained as landmarks of the struggle. He said, it is the cumulative people's resistance which has ensured that India has been unable to crush the freedom struggle.

"All forms of communication, including phones and internet have been cut off. Thousands of people, including children, old men, teenagers, traders, lawyers, students and Hurriyat leadership and their relatives have been subjected to savage torture. The mass blinding of Kashmiri youth, which started in 2010 has also continued with hundreds more being injured by pellet guns in this phase of the struggle as well," Gilani said.

He pointed out that molestation, sexual harassment and even sodomy have also continued to be used as state policy to subjugate people. "Indian occupation forces are still molesting women after barging into their homes. Parents are being asked the ages of their young girls and the occupying forces are telling people that their intention is to dishonor Kashmiri Muslim women," he added.

The nonagenarian leader said, "Many people have been threatened that they will be thrown out of their homes and notices are being issued that peoples' houses will be taken over. It is noteworthy that the Muslims of Ladakh have also been left at the mercy of brutal Indian forces, as the people of that region are also opposing this illegal Indian action."