Youm-e-Qudos Marked Across Kashmir With Rallies, Resolutions

Srinagar, July 1, KNT: The last Friday of Ramadan, observed as Juma-tul-Wida, was marked across Kashmir as Youm-e-Qudos and Kashmir, with protest demonstrations, public gatherings and resolutions seeking international intervention on the issues of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.

The call for observance of the day was given by Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who head their respective Hurriyat factions, along with Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik.

In Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led a large demonstration after Friday prayers. However, Syed Ali Geelani was placed under house confinement and was not allowed to step out. Reports said resolutions supporting the right to self-determination of the people of Kashmir and Palestine were passed in several mosques across the Valley, urging the international community to play an active role in resolving the disputes in the interest of global peace.

Protesters in areas including Nowhatta, Rajouri Kadal and Alamgari Bazar staged demonstrations during which the Israeli flag was set ablaze.

JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik addressed a gathering at Charar-e-Sharief, appealing to the global community to end what he described as silence over the unresolved Kashmir issue and to facilitate its settlement.

Senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah was placed under house arrest and was not permitted to offer Friday prayers. Meanwhile, Democratic Political Movement Chairman Advocate Muhammad Shafi Reshi addressed a gathering at Hazratbal, urging the international community to take note of alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and Palestine.

Protest marches were also reported from several parts of the Valley, including Srinagar city, where participants raised slogans in support of Palestine and Kashmir. [KNT]