SAU holds Kashmir solidarity rally to mark Youm-e-Istehsal

HYDERABAD, Aug 05 (APP): Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam on Wednesday observed Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir by holding a solidarity rally in support of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The rally was led by Vice Chancellor SAU, Engr Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal and attended by a large number of Deans, faculty members, students, officers and university employees. Participants carried banners and placards expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri people, supporting their right to self-determination and paying tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Addressing a gathering outside the Vice Chancellor Secretariat after the rally, Prof  Altaf Siyal said that August 5, 2019, marked a tragic turning point when India unilaterally revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the move was rejected by the Kashmiri people and was followed by prolonged restrictions, communication blackouts, human rights violations and curbs on political freedoms, which drew international concern.

The vice chancellor said the people of Kashmir had been striving for their internationally recognized right to self-determination for decades, adding that Pakistan had consistently extended diplomatic, political and moral support to their cause. He said universities had a responsibility to educate young people about peace, justice, human rights and respect for international law so that they could better understand global issues through knowledge and dialogue.

Chairman of the Students-Teachers Engagement Program (STEP) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar said that Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir served as a reminder of the universal importance of justice, freedom and human dignity. He stressed that the international community should play a constructive role in resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and international law.

The ceremony concluded with special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, stability and prosperity, as well as for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.