Summary Rally participants demand unhindered food supply, removal of blockades
MUZAFFARABAD (Muhammad Aslam Mir) – All political and religious parties and trade unions on Monday held a march for establishing peace and rejecting violence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The peace march was organised jointly by all political and religious parties and people from all walks of life under People's Alliance Forum Sudhanuti in Palandri.
A large number of representatives of political parties, businessmen, civil society, lawyers, transporters, students, ex-servicemen, and citizens participated in the rally.
The peace march began from Kotli Chowk and passed through various routes of the city to reach Kachari Chowk.
The participants chanted slogans, "This homeland is ours, we are its guardians, Anarchy is unacceptable in Azad Kashmir, Corruption is unacceptable, "Unrest is unacceptable, Kashmir and Pakistan are one, and What we want is peace."
Representatives of various political and social organisations, PML-N, PPP, Muslim Conference, JUIF, Jammu and Kashmir People's Party, Utsaq Pakistan Party, Tehreek-e-Insaf, traders, civil society, lawyers, transporters, educational circles, and ex-servicemen, addressed the public meeting.
Speakers and participants expressed their commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of public rights in the region.
A joint statement issued by the participants of the march congratulated the Government of Pakistan and the Armed Forces of Pakistan for playing the role of mediator for world peace.
The declaration said that no one can weaken the eternal relationship between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. A strong and stable Pakistan is the guarantee of the success of the Kashmir freedom movement, while Azad Kashmir is a defensive stronghold of Pakistan, therefore, unrest in the region cannot be allowed to spread.
The joint statement called on the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Azad Kashmir to hold immediate elections in seven constituencies of Rawalakot and Sidhanoti.
The speakers said that along with ensuring the unhindered delivery of food and other essential goods from Pakistan to Azad Kashmir, there was also a demand for the immediate removal of the blockades and obstacles imposed at entry points within the borders of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan.
Participants called for the restoration of travel and education rights in Azad Kashmir, especially in Sidhnoti and Rawalakot, and for the immediate restoration of internet service in the state.
They also demanded that the process of issuing required documents for citizens going abroad be simplified and expedited, that wheat be ensured for flour mills in Azad Kashmir, and that flour supply be maintained.
The participants expressed concern over reports of the relocation of educational and administrative institutions from Rawalakot.
