ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has condemned the ban on traditional peaceful Muharramprocessions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
A statement issued by the foreign office said that local authorities inoccupied territory denied permission to the traditional processions fromGurubazar towards Buchwara and Abi-Guzar towards Zadibal routes, scheduledto be held on 8th and 9th Muharram in Srinagar.
“Pakistan strongly condemns these curbs on Kashmiri Muslims to practicetheir faith and restraining them from congregating on special religiousoccasions,” read the statement.
As Pakistan has repeatedly underlined, imposition of restrictions onMuharram processions represents complete disrespect and deep-rootedprejudice by the Indian government for the sentiments of the Muslims inIIOJK. It is also a flagrant violation of Kashmiris’ fundamental right offreedom of religion.
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Denying the Kashmiri Muslims their right to worship and to carry out theseprocessions peacefully is yet another illustration of India’s ongoingassault on religious freedoms of minorities, especially Muslims, in IIOJKand in India. It is also reflective of the ‘Hindutva’ driven majoritarianmindset of the BJP-RSS dispensation.
Pakistan calls upon the international community, the United Nations, andother human rights and humanitarian organisations to hold India to accountfor its suppression of religious rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri peoplein violation of international law and conventions.
