Protests in Gilgit-Baltistan against Modi

GILGIT/BALTISTAN/MUZAFFARABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan’s legislative assembly on Friday condemned the statements made by the Indian prime minister and unanimously passed a resolution against Modi’s statements.

The resolution termed Narendra Modi’s statements to be madness and an attempt to divert the attention from the atrocities taking place in Kashmir. Every child in Gilgit-Baltistan is ready to fight for the defence and security of Pakistan, the resolution added.

Protests erupted in different cities of Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday against Narendra Modi’s statement. Students as well as the general public expressed its anger and raised slogans against the Indian prime minister, as demonstrators took to the streets and also burned the Indian flag and Modi’s puppets.

Participants stressed that they were and will remain Pakistanis and that they were proud of their nationality. The participants added that Narendra Modi should be ashamed of speaking about Gilgit-Baltistan when he was responsible for atrocities in Kashmir.

Locals belonging to Gilgit-Baltistan took to the streets after the Friday prayers as they protested against Modi’s statement which he made while delivering a speech on India’s Independence Day. A condemnation resolution against the Indian PM’s remarks was also passed in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

A large number of demonstrators took part in the rally that was organised in Ghance against Modi’s statements whereas locals belonging to the Shigar district also took to the streets against the controversial remarks.

Thousands took to the streets in Skardu and Chilas, condemning Modi’s statement while organising a number of rallies. The massive gathering of people gathered at Yadgar-e-Shuhada where protestors raised slogans against the Indian Prime Minister. A large number of students and political party workers took part in the protests.

Protests also took place in various parts of Azad Kashmir. Demonstrators burned the Indian flag outside Muzaffarabad Press Club and raised slogans. Demonstrations were also organised in Bagh against Modi’s statement.

August 22 shall be observed as Protest Day in Azad Kashmir against the Indian Prime Minister. The Deputy Speaker, Jafferullah Khan and Iqbal Hassan a member of the legislative assembly were also present in the protest.

Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address on Monday had said the people of Balochistan and GIlgit Baltistan have thanked him and that he is grateful to them. Modi had sparked controversy on the Indian Independence Day on August 15 when he had alleged that Pakistan was a supporter of 'terrorism' and that the people of Balochistan, Gilgit and Kashmir had thanked him in the past few days.