Massive protest rally in Muzaffarabad condemns Indian court’s unjust life sentences for Aasiya Andrabi, others
Muzaffarabad: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter, Kashmir Liberation Cell, and Migrants’ Representative Forum jointly held a large protest rally in Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK, against the controversial and unjust verdict of a special court of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the rally witnessed significant participation of women, alongside a large turnout of men, demonstrating solidarity.
The procession, led by APHC-AJK convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Secretary-General Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah, senior Hurriyat leader Mahmood Ahmed Sagar, Sheikh Abdul Majid, Zahid Ashraf, Zahid Safi, Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Abdul Majeed Mir, Migrants’ Representative central leader Forum Ghulam Hassan Butt, Jamaat-e-Islami Muzaffarabad Amir Engineer Abdur Hameed, Advocate Abdul Samad, Yasir Naqvi of Muslim Conference, Dr. Manzoor of United Movement, Ghulamullah, and Shafqat Hussain, protested the life sentences awarded to Kashmiri women Hurriyat leaders Aasiya Andrabi, Fahmida Sofi, and Nahida Nasreen. Participants unanimously rejected the verdict, calling it a gross miscarriage of justice.
Starting from Burhan Wani Shaheed Chowk and concluding at Alamdar Chowk, Garhi Pan, protesters carried banners and placards denouncing Indian atrocities and supporting Kashmiri leadership. The rally resounded with slogans of “Indian Court Verdict Unacceptable, Unacceptable.”
Speakers condemned the court decision as a murder of justice, a violation of fundamental human rights, and a malicious attempt to suppress the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people. They stated that sentencing Aasiya Andrabi, Fahmida Sofi, and Nahida Nasreen to life imprisonment is effectively an attempt to silence the voice of the Kashmiri people. They noted that India’s self-portrayal as the world’s largest democracy starkly contrasts with its ongoing retaliatory actions against political activists, particularly women, in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Ghulam Muhammad Safi asserted that India cannot intimidate the Hurriyat leadership, and Kashmiris will continue their struggle for self-determination. Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah emphasized that the verdict violates international law and human rights, exposing India’s use of the judiciary for political revenge. Mahmood Ahmed Sagar highlighted the courage and resilience of Kashmiri women in the freedom struggle. Shaukat Javed Mir assured full support from the AJK government, while Samia Sajid praised women’s leading role in the struggle. Ghulam Hassan Butt described the verdict as adding insult to the wounds of the Kashmiri people.
People’s Party leader Shagufta Noreen and representative of migrant women Shaheena Maqsood, lauded the courage and steadfastness of Kashmiri women, urging the international community to take immediate notice.
The speakers called on the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and the global community to address ongoing human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, pressure India to halt retaliatory actions against Kashmiri leaders, and ensure the immediate release of Aasiya Andrabi, Fahmida Sofi, Nahid Nasreen, and all other Hurriyat leaders.
